Memory loss and dementia have long been a growing concern among elderly patients and citizens in the UK. These concerns are further amplified by a report from The Lancet predicting that over 1.7 million people within the UK will be suffering from some form of dementia by 2040.
The increasing number of dementia patients and the emotional and financial burden it places on families, patients, and the healthcare system underscores the need for more support and resources. This makes it even more important for us to prioritise awareness of the disease and its early signs.
Patients with dementia currently face fears of stress, isolation, and more as they require constant observation and care. As we battle with the broad range of diseases categorised under the umbrella term of dementia, it is necessary to understand what is dementia and the signs of dementia for better care and prevention.
Unlike common misconceptions, dementia is not a standalone disease but an umbrella term that covers numerous conditions of the neuro system. Based on research and current studies, there are around 200 different kinds of dementia.
To simplify, dementia is a progressive condition caused by abnormal brain changes that decrease a patient's cognitive and thinking abilities. Memory loss, difficulty with language, impaired reasoning, changes in behaviour and personality are the most common symptoms of Dementia, and these can interfere with an individual’s daily lifestyle and ability to actively manage normal day-to-day activities.
Dementia is currently common in people aged 65 or more. There are, however, cases that appear in people aged 45 to 55 years old. Currently, the UK has around 900,000 people with clinically diagnosed cases of dementia. Around 1 in 12 people above the age of 65 in the UK have dementia and the symptoms associated with it.
One of the most effective strategies for reducing dementia risk is quitting smoking. Smokers are significantly more likely to develop dementia compared to non-smokers, as smoking damages the heart and blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to the brain. This can accelerate brain ageing and cognitive decline. Therefore, eliminating smoking from one's lifestyle is crucial for brain health.
Another important factor is maintaining mental health. Depression has been identified as a risk factor for dementia, with research suggesting that individuals with a history of depression may have a higher likelihood of developing the condition. Addressing mental health issues early and seeking treatment can be beneficial in lowering this risk.
Engaging in regular physical activity is another key preventive measure. Exercise promotes cardiovascular health, reduces obesity, and enhances overall brain function. Additionally, a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help manage weight, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure, further protecting brain health.
Social engagement and mental stimulation are also vital. Staying socially active and intellectually engaged through activities such as reading, playing games, or learning new skills can help build cognitive reserve and potentially delay the onset of dementia symptoms.
Reducing exposure to air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is another emerging area of focus. Studies have linked exposure to pollutants from sources like agriculture and wildfires to increased dementia risk, emphasising the importance of environmental health in dementia prevention.
There are around 200 different types of dementia. The ones mentioned below are the most common.
The table below studies the causes and signs of dementia, exploring the different diseases under the broad term and how they impact your life.
|
Type of Dementia |
Description |
Causes |
Symptoms |
Prevalence |
|
Alzheimer's Disease |
Alzheimer's is the most widespread form of dementia, characterised by the progressive degeneration of brain cells. |
Thought to be caused and influenced by the build-up of certain proteins in the brain. |
Memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language, impaired reasoning, changes in behaviour and personality. |
Accounts for 60-80% of all dementia cases. |
|
Vascular Dementia |
Vascular dementia results from reduced blood flow to the brain, often following a stroke or series of small strokes. |
Caused by conditions that block or reduce blood flow to the brain, such as strokes or damage to blood vessels. |
Impaired judgement, difficulty planning and organising, memory loss, confusion, and mood changes. |
The second most common type, accounting for 10-20% of cases. |
|
Lewy Body Dementia |
Characterised by abnormal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein in the brain, known as Lewy bodies, affecting cognitive and motor functions. |
Caused by the presence of Lewy bodies, which disrupt normal brain function. |
Fluctuating cognition, visual hallucinations, movement difficulties, sleep disturbances, and memory problems. |
Accounts for about 5-10% of all dementia cases. |
|
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) |
Affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality, behaviour, and language. |
Often caused by genetic mutations or the accumulation of abnormal proteins like tau or TDP-43. |
Changes in personality and behaviour, language difficulties, and sometimes movement problems. |
Represents about 5-10% of all dementia cases, more common under age 60. |
|
Mixed Dementia |
A combination of two or more types of dementia, typically Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, leading to a range of symptoms. |
Combination of factors leading to the presence of multiple types of dementia simultaneously. |
Symptoms vary depending on the types of dementia involved, often including memory loss and cognitive decline. |
Common in older adults, prevalence increases with age. |
|
Parkinson's Disease Dementia |
It occurs in some people with Parkinson's disease, which is characterised by a decline in cognitive function after the development of movement symptoms. |
Linked to the spread of Lewy bodies and the progression of Parkinson's disease affecting brain regions controlling cognitive functions. |
Memory problems, attention difficulties, impaired judgement, and hallucinations. |
Affects up to 50-80% of people with Parkinson's disease over time. |
|
Huntington's Disease Dementia |
A genetic condition that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, leading to both movement and cognitive symptoms. |
Caused by a genetic mutation in the HTT gene, leading to neurodegeneration. |
Memory loss, impaired thinking, mood changes, and movement disorders. |
Rare, affects about 5-10 people per 100,000 globally. |
Caring for a patient with dementia can be a challenging task. Since dementia is known to progress and become worse with time, the challenges of managing their time and care needs will also change drastically.
Getting your patient to eat more or get a good full night’s sleep can be challenging. While there is no cure or solution for dementia, there are medications to slow down the progression of dementia and also manage the secondary signs of dementia, including anxiety, aggression, and depression.
Sana Carers is here to support you in your journey and look after your patient. Visit our website to find the best carer for your tailored needs and give your loved one the support and respite they need now.
Let us take the burden off your shoulders with our wide network of carers ready to service your loved one wherever you are in the UK.
