With around 900,000 people in the UK suffering from dementia (and 1 in 11 people over the
age of 65) it’s no wonder that the condition is a concern for many.
Whilst we look after a number of residents who suffer from dementia at Gorselands, their families often don’t know much about it, which is why we’ve put together this quick guide with all the essential information.
How To Prevent It
Although it’s impossible to predict whether an individual will develop dementia, research
suggests that over 75% of the brain changes that lead to dementia could be connected to
lifestyle. Luckily there are a few habits and choices that can be taken to reduce that
likelihood.
Firstly, a diet rich in fatty fish (such as tuna, salmon and trout) is beneficial for its Omega-3,
which is important in building brain cells. Turmeric (often used in curry powders) is another
great choice as it has an active ingredient which can protect brain cells against age-related
decline and pumpkin seeds contain powerful antioxidants which protect the brain from free
radical damage.
Other studies show that regular exercise can cut the risk of developing dementia by around
30% (and for Alzheimer’s in particular, it cuts it by 45%!). So keeping up with your fitness is
not just about staying slim.
Finally, getting a good night’s sleep could help to keep dementia at bay, with one study
suggesting sleep deprivation or a history of sleep trouble could increase your dementia risk
by 20%. This is important even during middle age, when those getting less than 6 hours of
sleep each night may have an increased risk of dementia in later life.
How to Recognise It
Forgetfulness is a normal part of the ageing process – but knowing when someone is
showing early signs of dementia is something else. The most important things to look out for
are misplacing things, memory loss that affects daily activities and disorientation with time
and place. On top of that, some people may also demonstrate problems with language and
difficulty thinking about abstract concepts. Normally, individuals will show one or two of these
symptoms at one time, which is when you should start to seek help.
How to Live With It
The most important thing to do is to see a doctor, who (if they feel it necessary) can
prescribe medication to help with dementia symptoms (these are usually donepezil,
rivastigmine, galantamine and memantine).
Aside from medical help though, the best treatment is learning to live with the condition. It’s
important to remember that dementia affects each person differently, but it doesn’t mean
they can’t still go out and do the things they most enjoy. Having a regular routine can make
life with dementia a bit easier, as can keeping a timetable or calendar somewhere prominent,
listing any important activities and appointments. Try to streamline things as much as
possible by setting up direct debits for bills and organising medication with a pill organiser
box (which some pharmacies can supply already filled with your prescription).
If the condition makes it harder for an individual to live on their own, then it might be time to
think about a care home such as Gorselands. Many homes like ours have years of
experience working with residents who have dementia, with our staff knowing how best to
look after them and how to ensure they remain as happy, positive and safe as possible.
If you’d like to ask us any questions about our care for residents with dementia, please don’t
hesitate to call us or send us a message. We’re happy to answer anything you may want to
ask and can give you a tour of the home if you’re considering it for a relative.
