What is Dementia?
What is Dementia? Dementia is described as a group of symptoms that may include memory loss, difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language, and often changes in mood, perception or behaviour. Dementia is progressive, which means your symptoms will worsen over time. However, many people with dementia still lead active and fulfilling lives for many years.
Understanding Dementia
Types of Dementia
There are different types of dementia. These are the four main types, Alzheimer's disease, Vascular dementia, Frontotemporal dementia and Lewy bodies:
There are different types of dementia. These are the four main types, Alzheimer's disease, Vascular dementia, Frontotemporal dementia and Lewy bodies:
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, it causes brain cells to be surrounded by an abnormal protein and their internal structure also becomes damaged. In time, chemical connections between cells are lost, and some cells die. An individual living with Alzheimer's disease can have lapses in memory, experience difficulties in word finding and have problems understanding what is being said to them.
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia results from problems with the blood supply to the brain. Nerve cells need oxygen and nutrients from the blood to survive. Without enough blood, these nerve cells will die. An individual with Vascular dementia will experience difficulty planning, thinking quickly or concentrating.
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)
Tiny clumps of protein develop inside nerve cells called Lewy bodies. Protein in the nerve cells reduce the level of chemical messengers and cause nerve cell to die. An individual with a Lewy body may have difficulty planning, reasoning and problem-solving.
Frontotemporal dementia
Frontotemporal dementia is one of the less common forms of dementia. It is sometimes called Pick's disease or frontal lobe dementia. In frontotemporal dementia, a variety of symptoms are caused by damage to different areas of the frontal and temporal lobes. Based on these symptoms and the lobe affected, a person may have one of three types of frontotemporal dementia.
What are the signs of Dementia?
Different types of dementia can affect people differently, and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way. However, there are some common early symptoms that may appear some time before a diagnosis of dementia.
What makes Dementia care so effective?
We pride ourselves on building solid relationships with our customers and their families and involve them in all aspects of a care plan, welcoming their input and responding and adapting accordingly. Our team also offer emotional support and advice to families, providing insight into how their loved one with dementia perceives the world around them. For those experiencing varying degrees of dementia, continuity, routine and reassurance are of the utmost importance, which is upheld and enshrined in our support service. This regularity means that feelings of panic and anxiety are significantly reduced. Our staff are handpicked for their acute level of empathy, their breadth of knowledge and understanding of the condition and its direct effects on family and friends, their caring approach and diligence in performing their duties with both dignity and discretion, and their natural, hands-on approach to every challenge that they face. Indeed, several of our staff members are involved with the 'Dementia Friends' initiative and are actively engaged in dementia-friendly events for the community.
Our Dementia Care Service
