Treatment could be changing, but what type of care is needed for dementia patients?
Dementia refers to a group of conditions that cause the impaired ability to remember, think or make decisions. These changes can interfere with or impede everyday activities. While many ageing adults may occasionally misplace their belongings or forget information, dementia is not considered a normal part of ageing.
There is currently no cure for dementia but recent research suggests that today’s generation of elderly people could be the last to face the spectre of untreatable Alzheimer’s disease.
Read on to learn more about advances in dementia treatments and the value of dementia care in Chadwell Heath, Romford for those currently living with dementia.
Understanding dementia
Dementia is a life-changing condition, not only for the person diagnosed but also for their close family and friends. Caused by abnormal changes in the brain, the progressive disease gradually leads to a decline in cognitive function. This can affect a person’s ability to remember, think and communicate. It can even cause significant changes in mood, judgement and behaviour, affecting a person’s ability to live safely and independently.
Signs and symptoms of dementia
There are several possible signs and symptoms of dementia including:
- forgetting the name of a close family member or friend
- getting lost in familiar neighbourhoods
- using unusual words to refer to familiar objects
- forgetting old memories
- the inability to complete tasks independently
- changes in mood, behaviour and personality
- experiencing disorientation to time and place
- constantly misplacing objects
- impaired judgement.
Developments in dementia treatments
The chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, Hilary Evans, recently stated that the world was ‘on the cusp of a new dawn’ for dementia treatments thanks to the development of effective Alzheimer’s drugs. The hope is that the drugs will be approved in the UK as soon as next year. At the very least, the development of the drug will revolutionise outcomes for the next generation of dementia patients.
Our dementia care services
Our care team receives specialist training to support people living with dementia. This training includes completing a simulation so that we can develop an understanding of what it’s like to live with a condition like dementia. We are also members of Dementia Friends and the Alzheimer’s Society so that we can stay up-to-date on the latest developments in dementia care and provide the best support possible. Finally, we are proud to have a dedicated sensory room that your loved one can use to relax, and we run activities and events tailored for people living with dementia to help enhance their cognitive skills.
How can dementia support make a difference?
Dementia care can provide the sensitive support, care and structure needed for a person with dementia to feel safe and happy. It also provides peace of mind to the family. You can rest assured that your loved one’s needs are being well-catered for. This means that when you visit, you can focus on spending quality time together rather than only worrying about their wellbeing.
Get in touch
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with dementia, our trusted dementia care services are here to support you. Please do not hesitate to get in touch or give us a call on either 0800 999 8499 or 0208 597 4175 We would be more than happy to answer any of your questions or address any of your concerns.