Dementia
What is Dementia?
 Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an on-going decline
of the brain and its abilities which causes a progressive decline in a number of life skills
needed to carry out daily activities.
 Dementia is very common. There are about 800,000 people with dementia in the UK
 Most people with dementia are aged 65 years or over
 There are approximately 42,000 who have been diagnosed with dementia before they were
65 years old.
 52% of people living with dementia in the UK do not have a formal diagnosis
 People with dementia can present carers with complex problems including aggressive
behaviour, restlessness and wandering
 61% of people with dementia say they feel lonely
 77% say they live in a state of anxiety and depression
 The government has identified dementia as a national priority.
The Dementia Strategy
Dementia Strategy was published in 2009 and outlines 3 key steps to improve the quality of
life for people with dementia and their carers.
 To Raise awareness and understanding – poor diagnosis rate in UK .
 To improve early diagnosis and support – without diagnosis patients unable to access
treatment and support
 To support people to live well with dementia – provide tailored support which patients
and their carers can access
Four most common types of Dementia in UK
Alzheimer's disease - approximately 500,00 sufferers. Short term memory loss is the first
sign. Gradual decline in abilities
Vascular dementia – caused by problems to blood supply in brain. Decline usually stepwise.
Often difficulty with language, speed of thinking and depression .Can do things to prevent this
type – modify lifestyle, healthy diet, exercise etc. – all the things that decrease risk of cardiac
problems, risk of stroke etc
Fronto-temporal dementia – damage to frontal and temporal lobes of brain, cells shrink and
die – brain is smaller on post mortem. Personality changes often picked up first
Dementia with Lewy bodies – affects approximately 10% of Dementia patients. Problems
caused by protein deposits in the brain affecting messages getting through. Difficulty walking
and with co-ordination, patients often sleepy and have poor concentration, can experience
hallucinations
Possible signs and symptoms
•
Forgetting names of friends or everyday objects
•
Problems following conversations
•
Struggling to remember recent events or conversations
•
Feeling anxious, suspicious, depressed or angry
•
Difficulty undertaking familiar tasks
•
Confusion/disorientation in familiar places
•
Sundowning
•
Rummaging
•
Elopement
•
Difficulty with reasoning and thinking
•
Hallucinations and delusions
References
Barbara's Story courtesy of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Alzheimer's Society- alzheimers.org.uk
Supporting People with dementia and their carers’ In Health and Social Care 2007 -National
Institution for Clinical Excellence
Best Practice in Dementia Care- Dementia Centre -Stirling University
Living with Dementia – National Dementia Strategy 2009
Useful numbers and websites
 Age UK – www.ageuk.org
0800 169 6565
 Carers UK www.carersuk.org 0808 808 7777
 Royal Voluntary Service
 Dementia UK
0845 608 0122
www.dementiauk.org 0207 697 4160
 Young Dementia UK www.youngdementiauk.org 01993 776295
 Admiral Nursing Direct 0845 257 95406
 Alzheimer’s Society www.alzheimers.org.uk 0330 333 0804
 Dementia Helpline 0300 222 11 22