Understanding Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a large set of symptoms. These symptoms include impaired memory, changes to personality, and difficulties in thinking. There are several types of dementia, and some of these can be treated or even reversed if caught in time. It is, therefore, important to understand the signs and act quickly.

Types of Dementia

There are several types of dementia. These include Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and mixed dementia. All of these affect cognitive functions and disrupt your daily life. 

Two-thirds of dementia people have Alzheimer's disease. This illness is named after the doctor who first described it, Alois Alzheimer. As the disease progresses, proteins build up in the brain and form plaque and tangles.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease and as more areas of the brain are affected symptoms increase. 

Vascular dementia is caused by an impaired blood supply to the brain. A series of strokes are a common cause of this. Symptoms may appear suddenly. 

As the name suggests, mixed dementia is where the patient is suffering from both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. This type of dementia often presents in older people with cardiovascular disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Dementia

As we get older, our bodies begin to change. As well as the physical appearance of grey hair and wrinkles, etc., our minds change too. We forget things more easily and thinking gradually becomes a little slower. We’re not as sharp as we were in our youth. This is a natural part of the ageing process. However, when these problems are severe enough to affect our day-to-day lives, then it could be a sign of dementia, and it is important to seek help.
Common symptoms:

• Memory loss
• Difficulties with planning and organisation
• Inappropriate behaviour
• Disorientation
• Confusion in unfamiliar places
• Difficulties in finding the right words
• Personality changes

Seeking Help and Treatment

The quicker dementia is diagnosed, the better. Research suggests that it is possible to delay the symptoms and to slow it down. This can be achieved by following a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a healthy and balanced diet and exercising regularly. Cutting out drinking alcohol and smoking is also beneficial. The best way we can delay or slow down symptoms is to keep our minds active and to avoid stress.
If you have a friend or family member who is displaying symptoms of dementia, it is important to try to persuade them to go to their doctor. There may be some resistance to this. For example, they may not feel that they have a problem. Or, they may be afraid to seek help. One common concern is that they will be sent directly to a care home. This is not always the case. There are lots of options available for people suffering from dementia. Depending on the individual circumstances, many people can stay in their own homes. A community-based, at-home care package can be put in place for them. Also, once the illness is diagnosed, there are lots of steps you can take to slow down the process of the illness.

Dementia Care Training

Care in Kent carers have completed Dementia Care training courses. You will find that our carers genuinely want to name things better for people living with dementia.

#ICareBecause...

More Carer Jobs Ashford Kent

If you live in the Ashford area and would like to work as a carer, please contact us now on 01233 619530 or at info@careinkent.co.uk.