Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning.
10 early signs and symptoms of alzheimer’s and dementia. If you are experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned on Alzheimer’s Association please do not panic as you may be experiencing temporary symptoms for other conditions. For example the menopause and depression can affect memory loss too.
There are many different causes of dementia. People often get confused about the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia and, together with vascular dementia, makes up the vast majority of cases.
People with dementia can become apathetic or uninterested in their usual activities or may have problems controlling their emotions. They may also find social situations challenging and lose interest in socialising. Aspects of their personality may change. A person with dementia may lose empathy (understanding and compassion), they may see or hear things that other people do not (hallucinations).
Because people with dementia may lose the ability to remember events or fully understand their environment or situations, it can seem as if they’re not telling the truth, or are wilfully ignoring problems. As dementia affects a person’s mental abilities, they may find planning and organising difficult. Maintaining their independence may also become a problem. A person with dementia will therefore usually need help from friends or relatives, including help with decision making.
You could experience these symptoms for a number of reasons, don’t be afraid to visit your GP to discuss further.
Why is it important to get a diagnosis?
Although there is no cure for dementia at present, if it’s diagnosed in the early stages, there are ways you can slow it down and maintain mental function. A diagnosis can help people with dementia get the right treatment and support and help those close to them to prepare and plan for the future. With treatment and support, many people are able to lead active, fulfilled lives.
The symptoms of dementia tend to worsen with time. In the much later stages of dementia, people will be able to do far less for themselves and may lose much of their ability to communicate.
How common is dementia?
Research shows there are 944,000+ people in the UK with dementia. 1 in 11 people over 65 have dementia in the UK. It is estimated that by 2030, the number of people with dementia in the UK will have increased to around 1 million.
Living at home when you have dementia
In the early stages of dementia, many people are able to live at home and enjoy life in the same way as before their diagnosis. Following a dementia diagnosis, you should have been given advice on how you can keep doing what is important to you for as long as possible as well as information about local support and services that you may find helpful. But as the illness gets worse, it is likely that you will find it more difficult to look after yourself and your home. You may then need extra help with daily activities, such as housework, shopping and adaptations to your home.
Apply for a Needs assessment from the Adult Social Services Department of your local Council. This will help to identify where you might benefit from help, such as with meals or housework. A needs assessment should be done face to face. It’s a good idea to have a relative or friend with you, if you’re not sure what your needs might be. They can also take notes for you.
How technology can help you at home
Advances in technology mean there is now a growing range of products and services to help those with dementia or other long-term conditions live independently and safely. This is also known as assistive technology.
Telecare
If someone you know has dementia Telecare systems can help to keep them safe. They include devices, such as:
- portable alarms or fixed position alarms – when activated these make a high-pitched sound to alert someone
- movement sensors – to detect, for instance, when someone has fallen out of bed
- smoke and fire alarms
- telecare systems – sensors or detectors that automatically send a signal to a carer or monitoring centre by phone
- pill dispensers – release medication at appropriate intervals
If you’ve had a needs assessment, your local council may provide a telecare system to support independent living. You may have to pay towards the cost of this.
Daily living aids
These include products that help with day-to-day tasks, such as:
- clocks showing the day and date as well as the time
- reminder devices to prompt when to take medication or appointment alerts
- telephones with big buttons – these can be pre-programmed with frequently used numbers
- music players and radios with easy-to-use controls
Working when you have dementia
If you’ve received a dementia diagnosis, you may be worried about how you’ll cope at work. You should speak to your employer as soon as you feel ready. You’ll need to tell your employer about your diagnosis if your job has an impact on health and safety of other people, please check your employment contract if you are unsure. You can also get advice from the disability employment adviser at your local Jobcentre Plus, your trade union or your local Citizens Advice service. If you decide to leave work, seek advice about your pensions and benefits.
If you want to continue to work, speak to your employer about what adjustments can be made to help you, such as:
- changes to your working hours
- scheduling meetings at different times
- changing to a different role that may be less demanding
Under the Equality Act 2010, your employer has to make “reasonable adjustments” in the workplace to help you do your job.
Driving
If you’ve been diagnosed with dementia, you are legally required to inform the DVLA and your car insurance company promptly. This doesn’t necessarily mean you will have to stop driving immediately. Some people with dementia prefer to give up driving because they find it stressful, but others continue driving for some time as long as it’s safe for them to do so. The DVLA will ask for medical reports and possibly a special driving assessment to decide whether you can continue driving.
Further support
NHS – What causes dementia, if it can be prevented and how it’s treated
Alzheimers UK – Dementia support services
Dementia UK – Specialist dementia nursing charity
Age UK – Dementia
Gov.UK – Dementia and driving
Alzheimer’s Society – Working with dementia
Ref: WPW0040 this information was updated October 2024.
