Dementia

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Dementia: Understanding, Supporting, and Living Well

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A Well-being for All Community Health Guide

At Well-being for All, we believe that everyone deserves dignity, compassion, and the right support—especially when facing health challenges like dementia. This guide is here to help you better understand what dementia is, how it affects people, and where to find the right support.

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What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a term used to describe a range of progressive neurological conditions that affect the brain. It can impact memory, thinking, communication, mood, and everyday activities.

While dementia is more common in people aged over 65, it can affect anyone at any age. Early-onset dementia refers to cases diagnosed in people under 65, sometimes as early as in their 30s or 40s. That's why awareness, early diagnosis, and support are so important.

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Common Symptoms

Dementia symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of the condition. Some of the most common include:

• Memory loss (especially recent memories)

• Confusion and disorientation

• Difficulty with speech and communication

• Changes in mood, personality, or behaviour

• Difficulty with problem-solving or planning

• Struggling with coordination or completing tasks

• Repeating questions or losing items

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to speak to a GP.

 

Types of Dementia

There are different types of dementia, each affecting the brain in different ways:

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• Alzheimer’s Disease

The most common form, caused by abnormal proteins in the brain leading to cell damage.

• Vascular Dementia

Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often following strokes or small vessel disease.

• Lewy Body Dementia

Linked to unusual protein deposits in the brain. Symptoms can include hallucinations and movement difficulties.

• Frontotemporal Dementia

Affects personality, behaviour, and language, often appearing at a younger age than other types.

• Mixed Dementia

A combination of two or more types, usually Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells. This damage can result from:

• Age (risk increases with age, especially over 65)

• Family history or genetics

• Cardiovascular disease and stroke

• Diabetes and obesity

• Brain injury

• Poor lifestyle habits (smoking, lack of exercise, poor diet)

It’s important to note that many of these risk factors can be reduced through healthy living.

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Diagnosis and Treatment

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Getting a Diagnosis

A GP can carry out initial assessments and refer to memory services or specialists. Diagnosis might include:

• Medical history and physical exams

• Memory and cognitive tests

• Blood tests and brain scans (MRI or CT)

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Treatment Options

There is no cure for most types of dementia, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life:

• Medications (e.g. Donepezil or Rivastigmine)

• Cognitive therapy and stimulation

• Speech and language support

• Healthy lifestyle adjustments

• Occupational therapy and home adaptations

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Living Well with Dementia

At Well-being for All, we promote a person-centred approach to care. People living with dementia can still enjoy rich, meaningful lives with the right support.

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Tips for Supporting Someone with Dementia:

• Keep a calm, reassuring tone

• Use visual reminders and simple routines

• Encourage independence wherever possible

• Focus on abilities rather than limitations

• Create safe and familiar environments

• Stay socially connected and active

 

Resources and Support

Here are some trusted sources of information and support:

• Alzheimer’s Society (UK):
  https://www.alzheimers.org.uk
  Offers advice, support services, and a national helpline (0333 150 3456).

• Dementia UK (Admiral Nurses):
  https://www.dementiauk.org
  Provides specialist dementia nurses for families affected by dementia.

• NHS Dementia Guide:
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia
  Information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and living with dementia.

• Young Dementia UK (now part of Dementia UK):
  https://www.dementiauk.org/young-onset-dementia
  Support and information for people under 65 living with dementia.

• Alzheimer’s Research UK:
  https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org
  Leading research charity working to find a cure and better treatments.

 

Final Words

Dementia changes lives—but with the right care, knowledge, and community support, we can help people continue to live with dignity and joy. Let’s work together to build dementia-aware communities and promote well-being for all.

💙 Dementia and the Brain: Understanding, Compassion, and Connection

Inspired by the Dementia Friends Awareness Campaign – Alzheimer’s Society UK

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When someone is living with dementia, it can be difficult for loved ones to fully understand what’s happening or how best to support them. But by learning a bit more about how the brain works in dementia—and how that affects behaviour, memory, and perception—we can all become more dementia-aware and make a real difference in someone’s life.

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🧠 How the Brain Works – And What Happens in Dementia:

The brain is a powerful organ, controlling everything we think, feel, and do. It contains different regions that manage specific functions—such as memory, vision, speech, movement, and emotions.

In dementia, brain cells become damaged and can no longer communicate properly. This damage spreads over time and affects different areas of the brain depending on the type and stage of dementia. That’s why people may behave differently, forget things, or find everyday tasks confusing.

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👁️ Dementia and Perception: Seeing the World Differently

One of the lesser-known effects of dementia is how it changes the way someone sees the world. This isn't just about memory loss—it’s about perception.

• Depth perception can be impaired, so a black doormat might look like a hole in the floor. The person may step over it, avoid it completely, or feel frightened.

• Patterns and shadows can be confusing, and reflections in mirrors or windows may be perceived as other people.

• Cluttered environments, poor lighting, and complex signage can cause stress or disorientation.

💡 TIP: Create a calm, clutter-free, and well-lit space. Use clear signs, contrast colours for door handles and switches, and avoid dark mats or rugs that may be misinterpreted as something dangerous.

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🧍‍♀️ “I Don’t Remember Who You Are – But I Remember How You Make Me Feel”

One of the most emotional challenges for family and friends is when a loved one with dementia no longer recognises them. But it’s important to understand:

They may not remember your name, or the moment,
But they’ll remember how you made them feel.

The emotional part of the brain can remain intact much longer than memory. People living with dementia often remember the warmth of a smile, a gentle touch, laughter, or a calming voice—even if they don’t remember the exact situation.

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So when we are kind, patient, and respectful, we leave a positive emotional imprint that lasts longer than facts.

💡 TIP: Always greet with kindness. Offer reassurance rather than corrections. A calm tone and loving gestures go further than words.

🧳 Long-Term Memories Stay Longer – Use Them to Connect

In dementia, short-term memory is affected first. People may struggle with remembering what happened this morning, what they had for lunch, or why they entered a room.

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But long-term memories—especially from childhood, teenage years, or early adulthood—can remain vivid for a long time.

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Activities That Tap into Long-Term Memory:

• Music: Songs from their youth can spark joy, movement, or even conversation.

• Photo albums: Looking through pictures from the past often triggers storytelling.

• Smells: Scents from familiar foods, perfumes, or nature can evoke strong emotional responses.

• Reminiscence therapy: Using old objects (vintage magazines, war medals, knitting needles) can help reconnect with treasured memories.

💡 TIP: Design gentle, memory-based activities that validate their life experiences. Don’t quiz or test memory—focus on enjoying the moment.

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🤝 Caring for Someone with Dementia: Patience and Presence

Caring for someone with dementia can be both rewarding and challenging. But small changes in how we approach the person can make a big difference.

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🌟 Key Principles of Dementia-Friendly Care:

• Be patient – Give the person time to speak, choose, or respond.

• Be calm and positive – Even your body language and tone of voice communicate emotion.

• Don’t argue or correct – If they say something incorrect, don’t feel the need to ‘fix’ it. Go along with them gently.

• Offer choices – Where possible, give simple options (“Would you like tea or coffee?”).

• Reduce background noise – Dementia can make it harder to filter sounds, so a noisy TV or radio may cause distress.

• Stay consistent – Familiar routines, places, and people provide comfort and security.

• Look after yourself too – Caring can be exhausting. Respite care, support groups, and self-care are essential.💬 In Their World, Not Yours

Dementia can sometimes cause people to become frightened, suspicious, or confused. Instead of trying to bring them into our world, it’s often better to meet them in theirs.

If they ask for a long-deceased relative or believe they are late for work, respond with compassion. Try asking gentle questions like:

“Tell me more about them.”
“What was your job like?”

These conversations can provide comfort, insight, and emotional grounding.

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🌈 Help Them Feel Safe, Loved, and Valued

People with dementia may forget what’s been said or done, but they will never forget how you made them feel. Every interaction is a chance to create a moment of peace, happiness, or connection.

You don’t need to fix dementia. You just need to be present.

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🌍 Learn More and Become a Dementia Friend

The Dementia Friends campaign by the Alzheimer’s Society is a brilliant way to learn more and become a better ally. You don’t need special training—just a desire to understand and support.

👉 Learn more:
🔗 https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk

📘 Alzheimer’s Society main site:
🔗 https://www.alzheimers.org.uk

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💙 Final Thoughts from Well-being for All

At Well-being for All, we stand with people affected by dementia—individuals, carers, and families. Through awareness, empathy, and community, we can ensure that everyone living with dementia feels seen, heard, and respected.

Because people with dementia may forget words, events, or faces—but they never forget love.

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