Carers Guide to Dementia

   Carers Guide to Dementia                 '

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Facts & Figures

Dementia is a disease of the brain which is progressive and degenerative in nature.  It is characterised by alterations in reasoning, memory, comprehension, problem-solving, or attention.  It is a disease which is seen more in older people but is not a part of the normal ageing process . 750,000 people are living with dimentia in the UK at present.  This figure is expected to double over the next 30 years. 25% of hospital bed are occupied by an individual over the age of 65 with dementia . 

 

This resource will help you to:

• Recall the different stages of dementia and recognise where your loved one is within this model.
• Differentiate between the ‘normal’ aging process and the typical signs and symptoms of dementia.
• Recognize other conditions that may co-exist alongside dementia.
• Identify strategies and techniques that enable you to help your loved one in optimizing their independence and quality of life.
• Identify dementia services and resources that would be appropriate for different stages of dementia.
• Relate the information in this resource to their individual circumstances.
  

Recognition

How to recognise early dementia

It is understandable to find yourself concerned about the possibiliy of dementia as a loved one ages. However, there are some aspects of the usual aging process that may be confused for signs of dementia. Table 1 below sets out some of the early signs of dementia and compares them to normal aging.

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Use the links below to find your way around this site

Recognition

What to expect

What physiotherapy can do 

What you can do 

Where can you get help

References