1. Dementia Isn’t a Natural Part of Ageing
We all occasionally forget names or faces, especially as we age. However, dementia is distinct. Memory issues are just one symptom of dementia. Others might include difficulty planning, processing thoughts, keeping up with conversations, and sometimes mood or behavioural changes. Dementia doesn’t solely affect the elderly. Over 40,000 individuals under 65 in the UK have what’s known as early-onset or young-onset dementia.
Seeking Help and Support
If you’re concerned about your memory or someone else’s, it’s crucial to see your GP. Various conditions can mimic dementia symptoms, such as depression, infections, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, and even brain tumours. Your GP can help identify the cause of your memory challenges. It might seem intimidating, but the sooner you consult your GP, the quicker you can access the necessary information and support.
2. Dementia is a Result of Brain Diseases
Diseases like Alzheimer’s cause nerve cells to die, altering the brain’s structure and chemistry. There are many causes, and each dementia type is unique, affecting different brain parts. Other dementia types include vascular dementia, mixed dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia. The progression of these diseases varies, but everyone’s experience with dementia is personal, influenced by factors like attitude, physical health, relationships, treatment, support, and environment.
3. It’s More Than Just Memory Loss
While dementia is often associated with memory loss, it affects more than just that. It can impact thinking, speech, perception, emotions, and behaviour. Common symptoms might include concentration issues, problems with daily tasks, communication challenges, misjudging distances, and mood swings. The severity and progression of these symptoms vary among individuals.
4. Living Well with Dementia is Possible
Though there’s no cure for dementia currently, there are treatments and support available to manage symptoms and daily life. This allows those with dementia to lead fulfilling lives. Available treatments include medications, cognitive stimulation, life story work, and maintaining an active lifestyle. Research is ongoing to understand dementia better, aiming to find prevention methods, early diagnosis techniques, and ways to enhance the quality of life for those affected.
In February 2023, the close relatives of Bruce Willis, aged 67, made public the actor’s diagnosis of an uncommon form of dementia known as frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This condition can lead to behavioural and linguistic changes, occasionally causing individuals to respond inappropriately to certain situations.
This revelation followed Willis’s announcement in March 2022 of his retirement from acting due to a diagnosis of aphasia, a condition impacting communication skills. Throughout these challenging times, his family has shown unwavering support, both behind closed doors and in the public eye.
One positive outcome of Willis’s situation and his family’s candidness is the heightened awareness brought to dementia, a condition affecting more than 7 million families in the US alone.
Receiving a dementia diagnosis is a lengthy and often bewildering process, deeply affecting all concerned. Yet, it’s vital to understand that several strategies exist to ensure your loved one remains as independent as feasible for as long as they can.
“Dementia poses both physical and emotional hurdles for patients and their families. Everyday demands patience and understanding. The primary task is to accompany them as they navigate through their symptoms,” shares Nancy Mitchell, a qualified nurse with an impressive 37-year tenure specialising in elderly care.
If your loved one is facing the challenges of dementia, consider Waterloo Care Home. We offer expert-recommended solutions designed to enhance and simplify their daily lives. Let’s make every day better together.
