The Innovate Day Centre
Types of Dementia...
These are the most common types of dementia diagnosed.
NATIONAL DEMENTIA HELPLINE
0300 222 11 22
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia. There are more than 520,000 people in the UK with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, meaning that over time more parts of the brain are damaged and as this happens, more symptoms develop and they begin to get more severe. You can find further information about Alzheimer's Disease HERE
DEMENTIA WITH LEWY BODIES
DLB is a type of dementia which shares its symptoms with Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. It could account for 10-15% of dementia and is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's Disease. You can find further information on DBL HERE
VASCULAR DEMENTIA
Vascular Dementia is the second more common form of dementia, affecting around 150,000 people in the UK. In Vascular Dementia, the brain is damaged due to a lack of blood supply to the brain. You can find more information on Vascular Dementia HERE
CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE
CJD is caused by an abnormally shaped protein called a prion infecting the brain. It is estimated that the disease affects 1 in every 1 million each year. People affected by CJD usually die within 6 months of the first symptoms developing. Early symptoms include minor lapses of memory, mood changes and loss of interest. You can find further information on CJD HERE
The Alzheimer's Society produces a bi-monthly magazine called Living with Dementia Magazine. You will find all sorts of useful and interesting information. You can view an online version of the magazine HERE
TOP 10 TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH SOMEONE WITH DEMENTIA
1. Set a positive mood for interaction; be aware of your body language and the tone of your voice. Use facial expressions, tone of voice and physical touch to convey your message.
2. Get the person's attention; limit distractions and noise. Any loud noises can be distracting for someone with dementia. Maintain eye contact, address the person by their name and introduce yourself.
3. State your message clearly; use simple words and short sentences. Speak slowly and in a reassuring tone.
4. Ask simple, answerable questions; avoid giving the person multiple questions and instructions, yes or no answers work best.
5. Listen with your ears, eyes and heart; be patient and respond appropriately to the person's body language.
6. Break down activities into series of steps; this makes tasks much more manageable.
7. Distract and redirect; if the person gets agitated or upset, try changing the subject or the environment. Ask them a question about their past perhaps.
8. Affection and reassurance; people with dementia are often confused, anxious and unsure of themselves. Stay focussed on reassuring them verbally and physically (holding hands, hugging, touching their shoulder).
9. Remembering the past; this is often a positive thing for the person with dementia and they will be able to clearly recall their early life e.g. - What job did you used to do? Did you have any pets?
10. Keep a sense of humour; use humour where possible but never at the person's expense.
FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA
Frontotemporal Dementia is one of the less common types of dementia. It is sometimes called Pick's Disease or Frontal Lobe Dementia. This occurs when nerve cells in the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain die, and the pathways that connect the lobes change. You can find further information on Frontotemporal Dementia HERE
OTHER
Other forms and causes of dementia include;
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Young Onset Dementia - people who get dementia before the age of 65
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Alcohol Related Brain Damage - although not strictly dementia, it can cause similar symptoms
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HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder - sometimes people with HIV and AIDS develop cognitive impairment
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Mild Cognitive Impairment - problems with memory and thinking
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Learning Disabilities - people with Down's Syndrome are more likely to develop dementia
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There are also rarer forms of dementia which equate for 5% of all dementia
850,000 people in the UK have dementia
Unpaid carers looking after someone with dementia save the economy £11 billion per year
There are an estimated 46.8 million people in the world living with dementia