Caring for someone with dementia involves balancing medical, emotional, and practical needs while preserving dignity and independence. A person-centred approach focuses on routines, preferences, and meaningful activities, supported by tailored care plans and networks of family, professionals, and community groups. Daily care covers communication, hygiene, nutrition, mobility, safety, and managing behavioural changes. Caregivers should adapt environments, use clear communication, and plan ahead for health, transport, and end-of-life decisions. Self-care for carers is essential to avoid burnout and ensure sustainable, compassionate support.
Continue readingDementia is a syndrome, not a single disease, marked by progressive decline in memory, thinking, and behaviour due to brain cell damage. It includes Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal dementia, each with distinct causes and symptoms. Cognitive decline, mood changes, and loss of daily function worsen over time. Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle, while prevention focuses on brain health, managing heart conditions, and staying socially and mentally active. Dementia remains a major global health challenge with rising prevalence.
Continue readingDementia progresses through three main stages: early-stage where individuals experience memory lapses and difficulty with complex tasks while maintaining independence; middle-stage characterized by increased disorientation, communication problems, and need for daily assistance; and late-stage involving profound cognitive decline requiring full-time care. While Alzheimer's follows a gradual pattern, vascular dementia shows step-like changes, and other types like Lewy body dementia have unique profiles—understanding these stages helps families and healthcare professionals plan appropriate care and set realistic expectations throughout the dementia journey.
Continue readingWhat is the best way to talk with someone with dementia? What are the main things you should avoid saying and how can you reassure them.
Continue readingResearch shows there are more than 944,000 people in the UK who have dementia. 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia in the UK. The number of people with dementia is increasing because people are living longer.
Continue readingPractical and helpful advice from experienced carers. What are the best bits of advice they wish they had known earlier.
Continue readingA study has outlined the health benefits of seeing the same GP, consistency can really help.
Continue readingWhile one of the main symptoms of dementia is memory loss, dementia is more than forgetfulness. Dementia can bring with it a number of other symptoms and side effects that can make caring difficult.
Continue readingDementia does not affect every person in the same way. It presents itself differently in each individual and progresses at different rates. These stages of dementia and their associated symptoms are meant as a guide to help families better understand what to expect and when they can expect it.
Continue readingWe can reduce inflammation and damage to the brain through brain health and lifestyle choices whilst in later life we can focus on increasing and maintaining our cognitive function.
Continue readingDementia is caused by diseases which lead to the loss or death of nerve cells in the brain. The most common causes are Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular Dementia and Dementia with Lewy Bodies.
Continue readingDementia is the name given to a group of symptoms that make it difficult to carry out basic daily tasks.
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