Dementia is a progressive condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Dementia has many causes; Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. Although it is more common in adults over 65, it is not a natural part of ageing. It is associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning and can affect memory, speech, behaviour, personality, sleep patterns and more. Everyone has a unique experience of dementia and this depends on the cause of dementia, the stage of the disease, the parts of the brain affected, and individual characteristics.
The tips and guides here are designed to help those caring for a loved one living with dementia. They aim to help you understand the condition, find help and support and respond to some common concerns.
Disclaimer: These guides are not a substitute for medical advice – always seek professional help. Remember, healthcare professionals will not share information about a patient unless they have been permitted to do so.
Growing numbers of carents are stepping up to care for older relatives living with dementia but many of you find it hard to access the information, and the practical and emotional support you desperately need. That’s why we’ve created this guide, to help you understand and explore some common dementia care topics whenever and wherever the need arises.
Learn about types, symptoms, ongoing care and recommended sources of advice and support. Read our guides and ongoing care checklist
Read our GuidesOur guides cover a range of topics covering common aspects of care for someone living with dementia
Read our GuidesAddressing your common concerns about caring for a loved one with dementia.
Read our FAQsDementia can cause changes in personality and behaviour alongside psychological symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. Exploring these topics can help you to understand and support someone who is affected by these symptoms.
Read our GuidesDiscover our commonly asked questions about dementia.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of neurological syndromes that affect cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline, but not all dementia is caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s normal to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, frustration, and grief. Self-care is crucial. Consider joining a support group, such as The Carents Lounge, seeking counselling, or finding respite care services to give yourself a break. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and take time for yourself. Your GP can help you access the support you need to manage your emotions most effectively.
Dementia is often divided into three stages: mild (early stage), moderate (middle stage), and severe (late stage). Each stage has its own symptoms and challenges, and its progression can vary from person to person.
The ten warning signs of dementia include memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships, new problems with words in speech or writing, misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps, decreased or poor judgement, lack of interest from usual activities, and changes in mood and personality. If your loved one shows any signs of these symptoms, help them to seek medical assessment and advice.
This decision depends on several factors, most importantly their preferences (it’s good to discuss these as early as possible), the stage of dementia, the level of care required, the nature of any safety and wellbeing concerns, as well as the ability of family members to provide care. It’s essential to consider all of the available care options too. If you and your parents can discuss this with their care coordinator that will be helpful.
Providing full time care can be rewarding but help and support can make the journey easier for both of you. You can
Our ongoing checklist aids in caring for a loved one with dementia. You’ll find a structured approach to managing various aspects of dementia care, including medication adherence, managing cognitive impairments and behavioural symptoms and ensuring continuous support and care coordination.
