About 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. These include: memory loss, difficulty concentrating, finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping, struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word, being confused about time and place, mood changes. These symptoms are often mild and may get worse only very gradually. It’s often termed “mild cognitive impairment” (MCI) as the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia.

There is at present no cure for dementia. But there are medicines and other treatments that can help with dementia symptoms. Most of the medications available are used to treat Alzheimer’s disease as this is the most common form of dementia. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and Memantine can help to temporarily reduce symptoms.

Keeping in touch with people and engaging in social activities, such as going to the theatre or cinema, or being part of a walking group or choir, is good for your confidence and mental wellbeing. If you have someone who helps care for you, an active social life is good for them, too. Many communities are now dementia-friendly. For example, cinemas put on dementia-friendly screenings of the latest films, and leisure centres run dementia-friendly swimming sessions as well as other activities. It’s a good idea to join a local dementia-friendly group, perhaps at a memory café or community centre. You can share experiences and use tips from others who are living with dementia.

If you find you need help to manage everyday tasks like washing, dressing or cooking, it’s advisable to get a needs assessment from the social services department of your local council. Ideally, this assessment should take place face to face. It’s a good idea to have a relative or friend with you if you’re not confident explaining your situation. They can also take notes for you. If the needs assessment identifies you need help such as a carer to help with personal care (washing and dressing), meals delivered to your home (meals on wheels), or a personal alarm, you will then have a financial assessment (means test) to see how much you’ll contribute to the cost of your care.