Dementia

Dementia is the umbrella term for a number of conditions which cause damage to the brain cells. The most common form is Alzheimer’s disease which has a gradual progression. The next most common type is vascular dementia which has a step-like progression. About one in four people with Parkinson’s disease also develop dementia. Short-term memory loss, disorientation and loss of concentration are common symptoms.
There are other less common types of dementia such as Lewy Body dementia and Frontol Temporal dementias (including Picks Disease) which affect the parts of the brain which control social behaviour.
Whatever type of dementia the person has, it eventually affects their ability to absorb, understand and remember information; to weigh up options and make reasoned judgements; and protect their own interests.If the person makes a decision about something with which you disagree or think is unusual, you need to decide whether or not they are at undue risk or if it really matters and why.behaviour becomes challenging and they are putting themselves or you at risk of harm, you should ask for specialist dementia advice either through your GP or direct to the health care professional, usually a specialist nurse or consultant, who already has the care of the person.
Local authorities have a responsibility to assess community care and support needs of both the person with dementia and their carer. Social workers may be particularly helpful in discussing the implications of your concerns for the care of the person with dementia. the later stages of the illness, the person’s ability to understand and communicate is likely to be very limited. Decisions you need to take at this time can be helped by knowing in advance, from past conversations or an advance care plan, what the person would have wanted for themselves. It is important to have this sensitive conversation with the person and professional health care staff while the person is still able to communicate.
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