Living well with dementia - Print version

Worried someone close to you is losing their memory?

What signs should I look for?

Dementia is a group of symptoms caused by damage to the brain. These symptoms include:

• Memory loss- particularly recent events.
• Problems thinking or reasoning- finding it hard to follow conversations or feeling confused in familiar environments.
• Emotions- feeling anxious, depressed or angry.

What should I do?

If you have concerns about your own memory, or that of a loved one, you should contact your GP, who will be able to complete a memory test and decide what to do next.

It is especially important to seek help if you:

• struggle to remember recent events, although you can easily recall things that happened in the past;
• find it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV;
• forget the names of friends or everyday objects;
• cannot recall things you have heard, seen or read;
• find it difficult to make decisions;
• notice that you repeat yourself or lose the thread of what you are saying;
• have problems thinking and reasoning;
• feel anxious, depressed or angry about your forgetfulness; and/or
• find that other people start to comment on your forgetfulness.

There are many factors that can cause memory problems, for instance: tiredness, stress, overwork, anxiety, depression, some physical illnesses and / or the side-effects of certain medications. And, of course, some of us have always been more absent minded. However, sometimes forgetfulness can be more than just a natural part of the ageing process, sometimes it can be an early sign of dementia. If memory problems are having an impact on your daily life or of someone you know please contact your GP to discuss.

It can be scary to make the first step, but in cases where someone does have dementia, a timely diagnosis can be very important in ensuring they are able to maintain the quality of life that they had previously enjoyed and have access to appropriate support and services. Although dementia is incurable, timely diagnosis can allow access to medications that can be used to effectively slow down the progression of the illness.

If in doubt, see your doctor.

Understanding dementia

What is dementia?

Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) that is associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities. These include:

• memory
• thinking
• language
• understanding
• judgement

Most cases of dementia are caused by damage to the structure of the brain, as a result of this, people with dementia may have problems controlling their emotions and can find social situations they may have been very used to more difficult and confusing. Aspects of their personality may change or they may see or hear things that other people do not, or have false beliefs. People with dementia will with time need help from friends or relatives, including help in making decisions.

There are many different types of dementia, including:

• Alzheimer's disease [https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/alzheimers-disease]
• Vascular dementia [http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=161]
• Dementia with Lewy Bodies [http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=113]
• Frontotemporal dementia [http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=167]

Dementia is progressive, meaning that symptoms are likely to worsen over time. There is currently no cure, but treatments can slow the progression. There are also ways to help manage the symptoms. Some people find it helpful to make plans for the future on receiving a dementia diagnosis.

Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Friends programme offers interactive one hour sessions aimed at increasing people's awareness and understanding of dementia. Public sessions are regularly offered in Coventry and surrounding areas. For an up-to-date list, and to book, please see the Dementia Friends website [https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/WEBSession].

Coventry's Dementia Partnership Hub [/cdph] provides further information on dementia.

Advice and support

What can I do to help someone who has dementia?

There are lots of things that can help people with dementia to remain independent for longer.

Read about practical tips to help people living with dementia. [http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dementia/Pages/living-with.aspx]

Who else can help?

The following organisations can offer advice, information and support:

• Alzheimer's Society [https://www.alzheimers.org.uk]
• Age UK Coventry [http://www.ageuk.org.uk/coventry/]
• Dementia UK [http://www.dementiauk.org/]
• Carers' Trust Heart of England [https://www.carerstrusthofe.org.uk/]