Dementia seems to be one of the illnesses that are evident all around us. It is one of the main considerations people who contact a Power of Attorney Cheltenham business such as https://beesandco.com/our-services/power-of-attorney-cheltenham/ when having LPAs drawn up. One key requirement of a Legal Power of Attorney is that the individual request one to be established has mental capacity to make the decision held within it. Once you have been diagnosed with a progressive illness such as dementia, capacity may then come into question. There are a number of reasons that the instances of dementia may appear to be on the increase – we report these more readily than before, people are living for longer and we have more of an understanding of these illnesses and can pick up the symptoms a lot earlier than we could do in the past. In terms of the numbers of people diagnosed each year this has in fact been on a steady decline over the last 30 years at a rate of around 15% per decade. This has been attributed to the fact that more people are aware of their cardiovascular health and smoking habits have also changed dramatically.
There are a number of key charities throughout the world that conduct research and fundraising to help individuals living with dementia and their families. They all want us to understand the same things about dementia:
- It is not an inevitable part of aging – forgetfulness may come with age but it not a given that everyone will be diagnosed with dementia as a natural part of the aging process and there have been people in their 20s and 30s that have been diagnosed with dementia based conditions and in the UK alone around 40,000 people under the age of 65 have been diagnosed with dementia.
- Dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses a number of different diseases such as Alzheimers and vascular dementia.
- The diseases that come under the banner of Dementia do not just affect a person’s memory. They can have an impact on a number of different areas including their ability to communicate, their perception of the environment around them, fine motor skills and problems with movement and balance. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms or to the same degree as another individual with the same dementia diagnosis.
- Dementia is in fact the leading cause of death in the UK with the figure being around 12% of all deaths reported.
Supporting someone living with dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term for a number of conditions that affect the brain. They are progressive, although medication can ease some symptoms in certain cases, and there is still much to learn about them. If someone close to you has been diagnosed, there is a lot you can do to help.
Start by learning about the specific type of dementia they have. Understanding how it is likely to progress shows you where they may need more support. Many charities run workshops and publish guides on different forms of dementia, and carers groups offer support if you are taking on some of the caring yourself.
As the condition progresses, outside help with daily tasks and personal care may be needed, and support workers can make a real difference to independence and quality of life. Above all, be patient. People with dementia can become frustrated when they can no longer do things they used to, or cannot express themselves as they want. Staying calm helps them work through those feelings.
Physical effects of dementia on movement
Most people know dementia for its effects on memory and thinking, such as forgetfulness and confusion. Fewer realise it can also change how the body moves. Dementia is an umbrella term for a number of diseases affecting the brain, so symptoms vary from person to person and not everyone will have every one. It is also not an inevitable part of ageing, and people of any age can be diagnosed.
As the disease affects more areas of the brain, those areas work less effectively. Walking can become harder, and a shuffling gait is common. Sitting for long periods may become difficult, and trips and falls tend to increase, particularly when getting out of bed. Mobility aids can help a person stay independent safely for longer, and bed guards or rails can reduce the risk of falls at night.
Symptoms and living well with dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term for a number of diseases that affect how the brain works. It is often progressive, and although it is usually pictured as a condition of older age, it is not an inevitable part of getting older and can affect people at any age.
It is thought that more than 10 million cases of dementia are diagnosed around the world each year, with Alzheimer’s disease making up around 60 to 70% of them. Symptoms can be physical as well as psychological. Alongside the well known forgetfulness, confusion and repeated questions, people may have difficulty walking or gripping objects.
Research continues into treatments for the symptoms and into ways to prevent dementia or halt its progress. A diagnosis does not have to mean the end of a fulfilling life. With some adjustments and an awareness of the condition, many people remain as independent as they wish for as long as it is safe to do so.