Dementia is not an individual disease, but rather an umbrella term for the impaired ability to remember, think, judge, reason and perceive that has worsened overtime and become severe enough to interfere with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia but unfortunately, there are over 200 other types to contend with as well. Dementia is a global condition which is becoming increasingly common. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there are currently around 850,000 people living with Dementia in the UK, a figure expected to rise to over 1 million by 2025. Dementia primarily affects older adults, with 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 and one in six people over 80 experiencing the condition.
No, whilst diagnosing dementia in the elderly can be challenging due to a few factors, it is important to clarify that dementia is not simply a symptom of ageing, it is a specific disease. Dementia can be tricky to diagnose in the elderly for several reasons:
Many elderly people live their whole lives without developing dementia. Normal ageing may include weakening muscles and bones, stiffening of arteries and vessels, and some age-related memory changes like occasionally misplacing car keys or forgetting names of acquaintances, or the one we can probably all relate to – struggling to find a word even when it is on the tip of our tongue, but remembering it randomly later on! While these ageing symptoms are similar to those in the initial stages of dementia, they are generally not frequent or worsening and knowledge and experiences built up over a person’s lifetime, old memories, and language would stay intact.
Our ageing population, greater public awareness, advancements in medical technology, and enhanced global collaborations have all contributed to a significant increase in research into dementia in recent years. In fact, governments and health organisations have prioritised dementia research, leading to initiatives like the UK’s Dementia Research Institute and the U.S. National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease. As a result, these efforts have advanced our understanding of dementia, potential treatments, and care for those affected.
On a local level, many healthcare providers, such as ours, are also investing more time and budget into dementia care training. We have recently revised our dementia care strategy across the Future Care Group homes and are continuing to invest in staff development in this niche. For instance, our Lifestyle Leads and senior management recently received advance dementia training with the Senior Dementia Consultant from the internationally acclaimed Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling – the centre is committed to using innovative research to improve dementia care practices.
Another challenging factor when recognising dementia is that symptoms can vary widely for everyone. According to dementiauk.org, the common signs and symptoms of dementia to look out for include:
Source: dementiauk.org
Please note, the above list are common signs and symptoms, not a comprehensive list. Plus, each type of dementia will present differently and someone with dementia may have some or all of them. Everyone has their own experience of dementia, and the signs and symptoms can vary significantly in each case.
Like the symptoms of dementia, the causes can vary too. In fact, dementia can be caused by a variety of diseases that cause damage to brain cells, which affects their ability to communicate with each other. When brain cells cannot communicate effectively with each other, thinking, behaviour, and feelings can be impaired. The damage to brain cells can result from various underlying conditions. For example, Alzheimer’s Disease (the most common cause of dementia) is characterised by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, whereas Vascular Dementia is caused by conditions that block or reduce blood flow to the brain, depriving brain cells of vital oxygen and nutrients.
The brain is made up of many distinct departments, each of which is responsible for a specific function, such as memory, movement, or reasoning. When cells in a particular department are damaged, that department cannot carry out its job efficiently.
Other factors that can contribute to dementia include traumatic head/brain injuries, certain infections, and chronic substance abuse. Genetic factors and lifestyle choices, such as diet and physical activity, can also influence the risk of developing dementia as can race/ethnicity, poor heart health and a family history of dementia.
With the increased investment in research, we are continually discovering new causes and contributing factors for dementia. Recent research has expanded our understanding in several key areas:
Ongoing research will help to identify new potential targets for prevention and treatment, taking us another step closer to growing our understanding of dementia and its complex causes.
As we mentioned earlier, there are over 200 types of dementia. Here are some of the most common types of dementia explained:
This is the most common cause of dementia caused by specific changes in the brain. Trademark symptoms include gradual memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language and problem-solving, disorientation, changes in mood and behaviours, and impaired judgment. Alzheimer sufferers often have trouble remembering conversations that were had minutes or hours previously, while difficulty recalling longer term memories occur as the disease progresses.
Symptoms worsen over time, eventually leading to severe memory impairment and loss of ability to carry out daily activities. We know that family history is the most prevalent risk factor, particularly a close relative.
This type of dementia presents itself as sudden or gradual cognitive decline following a stroke, series of mini-strokes or other issues with blood flow to the brain. Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are also risk contributors. Individuals with this type, will often have problems with planning and organising, difficulties with attention and concentration, slowed thinking, and mood changes. Can be stepwise with periods of stability followed by sudden declines, depending on the occurrence of additional strokes or vascular events.
In addition to the more common symptoms of dementia like memory loss, people with this form of dementia tend to have movement difficulties similar to Parkinson’s disease (e.g. tremors and stiffness). They may also experience visual hallucinations, fluctuating attention and alertness, sleep disturbances, and problems with thinking and reasoning. Symptoms may fluctuate but generally worsen over time, with increasing cognitive and physical impairments.
The most prominent symptom of this type of dementia is changes to personality and behaviour (e.g. socially inappropriate and offensive behaviour, apathy). Other indicators are language difficulties (e.g. trouble finding words, understanding speech), and sometimes motor symptoms similar to ALS. Fronto-temporal dementia typically begins at a younger age than other types and progresses steadily, with increasing difficulties in social functioning and communication.
Sometimes more than one type of dementia can present itself in the brain at the same time. This is common in people over the age of 80. In this scenario, a combination of symptoms will arise. For instance, a person with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia will lead to a mix of memory issues, confusion, mood changes, and problems with planning and reasoning. Progression may be faster than with a singular type of dementia as the set of symptoms involved are more complex.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the life expectancy of someone with dementia as it can be so wide ranging and influenced by an array of factors such as the type of dementia, the individual’s age at diagnosis, overall health, and the presence of other medical conditions. For instance, Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, typically leads to a life expectancy ranging from 4 to 8 years post-diagnosis, although some individuals may live for 20 years or more. In the case of vascular dementia, often the result of a series of strokes or other blood flow issues in the brain, life expectancy averages around 5 years, depending on the severity of the underlying cardiovascular issues.
Lewy body dementia, which is characterised by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, usually results in a life expectancy of 5 to 8 years after diagnosis. Similarly, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which affects the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, generally leads to a shorter life expectancy, often between 6 to 8 years from the onset of symptoms. Mixed dementia, where individuals exhibit characteristics of more than one type of dementia, typically Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, can have a highly variable life expectancy based on the combination of conditions and the person’s overall health.
Quality of care and support, lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity, and the effective management of other chronic conditions can significantly influence these estimates. Early diagnosis and comprehensive care plans can help improve quality of life and potentially extend life expectancy for those living with dementia.
As outlined by the Alzheimer’s Association, there is no one test to determine if someone has dementia. A diagnosis is based on a careful medical history, physical examination, memory tests, and the characteristic changes in thinking, day-to-day function and behaviour associated with each type. Whilst a general dementia diagnosis may be determined, it can be trickier to determine the exact type of dementia. In some cases, a type may never be diagnosed. The NHS (National Health Service) advice on how to get a dementia diagnosis is very comprehensive for anyone worried they or a loved one may be living with dementia.
Whilst there is currently no cure for dementia, there are treatments including medication, that can help with a person’s symptoms. What is prescribed will depend on several factors, including the type of dementia. Alternative therapies, talking therapies, and person-centred care are also successful options to consider too.
A care home specialising in dementia care can play a significant role in enhancing the quality of life and potentially extending the life expectancy of individuals with dementia through a combination of specialised support, medical care, and a structured environment.
At the Future Care Group Homes, our dementia strategy has a person-centred approach at the heart of every element of care we deliver. From comprehensive personalised care plans tailored to the specific needs and stage of dementia for every resident, to expertly trained staff who specialise in dementia care.
Our homes are also designed with the safety of residents in mind. Features such as secure entrances and exits, monitored communal areas, and dementia-friendly layouts help prevent accidents and wandering, which are common concerns for individuals with dementia.
We manage the well-being of our residents constantly through regular medical check-ups, prompt treatments, and medication management by our skilled staff. We emphasise cognitive stimulation with activities like memory games, art and music therapy, and social interaction to slow cognitive decline and boost mental well-being.
Proper nutrition and hydration are prioritised by our in-house chefs, with balanced meals tailored to dietary needs to maintain health and prevent malnutrition. Physical activity programs are adapted to residents’ abilities, improving physical health, reducing fall risks, and enhancing mood and cognitive function. Emotional and social support is provided through ample socialising opportunities, reducing feelings of isolation and depression. In fact, there is never a dull moment at the Future Care Group homes, you only have to glance at our Facebook and Instagram channels to understand the joy our residents feel when in our care.
A consistent daily routine is also important as we find it helps minimise anxiety and confusion, creating a structured, safe environment. We love getting families, friends and other members of the community involved when they visit us to aid our work in ensuring comprehensive care that enhances the quality of life and potentially extends life expectancy.
Read the full details of our dementia care strategy and the specialist dementia care we provide here.
If you would like to learn more about dementia care at the Future Care Group homes, why not book a visit to witness the care we provide first hand. We would love to welcome you to our family.
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