WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE MIGHT BE SUFFERING FROM DEMENTIA
When we think about the most common causes of death, we usually think of cancer and heart disease as the biggest killers. But, you might be surprised to learn that it is actually dementia that is the leading cause of death in women, and the second for men, claiming more than 51,000 lives every year.
The reason for this change in the statistics is that advances in medicine have brought about a reduction in the impact of conditions such as heart disease on death rates. Sadly there is currently no cure for dementia and it has become the number one killer. Providing care for people with dementia is very challenging work. As the illness progresses, patients need increasing amounts of help, particularly with personal care, and they tend to become upset and angry with the people trying to help. Trying to communicate with someone who can no longer speak, or reassure an anxious and confused person takes skill and patience. And often it is a combination of patience, time and one to one care that has the most positive impact.
So, what are the first signs of dementia? How can you tell the difference between this and the forgetfulness that is often the norm in the elderly? And, what should you do if you suspect someone may be suffering from this condition?
The first change you might see is a memory lapse. This could include difficulty with normal tasks such as cooking or making decisions, or it might be the inability to give a name to an object or a person. Your relative might experience incidents in which they seem confused. They might forget which their house is or get off the bus at the wrong stop. If you suspect that your parent or elderly relative is experiencing memory lapses, it is really important to get them diagnosed by their GP as soon as possible. By leaving them undiagnosed, they could put themselves in danger and memory problems can trigger depression in the sufferer if left untreated. A GP will offer a range of tests including blood tests, thyroid function and possibly an ECG. Your relative will also be referred to a specialist – who might visit them in their home – or a Memory Clinic. They will also be given some cognitive tests, sometimes called the Mini Mental State Examination, and may be offered a CT or MRI scan if it is felt to be necessary.
Recent research has uncovered a possible early indicator of dementia, a ‘tell’ for the condition. Researchers at University College in London interviewed the families of 48 patients suffering from frontotemporal dementia (estimated to affect approximately 16,000 people in the UK). Their study identified a common characteristic prevalent in these patients before their diagnosis: a change in their sense of humour. These patients were observed by their families as becoming increasingly keen on ‘slapstick’ or darker humour and to have been amused by events others would not find funny, such as a badly parked car or a barking dog, and laughing inappropriately at tragic events. Further research needs to be carried out into this possible early indicator, but a surprising change in what makes your elderly relative laugh is definitely something to look out for.
Our carers are experienced in the needs of dementia patients. We can offer round the clock care for anyone struggling with this and many other life limiting conditions. For more advice or to discuss the options available, please don’t hesitate to call our team on 01403 710119 or email [email protected]