About a million people in the UK have the condition, so here is our guide to its symptoms, causes and sources of supportWhat is dementia?
Dementia is not an illness in itself. It is an umbrella term for a number of signs and symptoms that are associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. These include a general decline in cognitive abilities, such as memory and thinking, but also problems with behaviour, muscle control and motivation. It can lead to personality changes and seriously affect every aspect of a person's life.
Who is most likely to get it?
The biggest risk factor is age, though it can affect younger people as well. Among people between the ages of 65 and 69 about two in 100 have the condition. After that, the risk doubles every five years, and among those over 85 about one in three people have dementia.
There is thought to be a genetic component in some forms of dementia. This does not mean that it can be inherited from a parent, rather that increased susceptibility to some of the diseases and conditions that can lead to dementia, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can be passed down through families.
What causes dementia?
Dementia is a symptom of diseases that damage the nerve cells - neurons - in the brain. The most common cause is Alzheimer's disease, which is responsible for between 60% and 70% of cases. It is thought to result from an abnormal build-up of proteins in the brain. These form clumps called plaques that become attached to the neurons and stop them functioning properly. They also reduce the amount of neurotransmitters - chemicals that are responsible for sending signals between brain and nerve cells.
Vascular dementia is the second most common form, accounting for about 20% of cases. It is caused by a decrease in the blood supply to the brain. This can happen for three main reasons: a gradual narrowing of the blood vessels caused by age or high blood pressure, a major stroke, or a series of so-called 'mini-strokes'. Less common causes of dementia include Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. There can be more than one disease or condition involved. About 10% of cases are caused by a combination of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia - this is called mixed dementia.
How many people are living with dementia in the UK?
The Alzheimer's Society estimated in 2021 that almost a million people in the UK have a form of dementia. Because it is an age-related condition and we are generally living longer, it is predicted that this figure will rise to about 1.5 million by 2040.
Are there any treatments?
There is no cure for dementia. It is a progressive condition, so will gradually get worse, though there are some drugs that can help alleviate particular symptoms. There is no way to predict how long a person with dementia will live, as it depends on their health history, the underlying cause and when the condition was diagnosed. Typically, people with Alzheimer's disease live for between three and 11 years after it is diagnosed, but some for much longer. Those with vascular dementia tend to live for about five years on average.
What support is available for people with dementia and their families?
Many people with mild-to-moderate dementia are able to stay in their own home and live well if they have adequate support. Being in familiar surroundings can help people cope better with their condition.
As the symptoms of dementia get worse, many people will eventually require support in a care home. Depending on their needs, this could be in a residential care home or a nursing home. Your local council will have to carry out a needs assessment to confirm the need to go into a care home, and a financial assessment to decide how much the person will have to pay towards their care home fees.
One of the major providers of support is Dementia UK. It was founded in 1988 to train specialist nurses to help those with dementia, their families and carers. The wife and daughter of the property developer Joseph Levy started the charity after he began to suffer from vascular dementia. They called the trainees Admiral nurses because Levy loved sailing and was affectionately nicknamed 'Admiral Joe'.
Admiral nurses work in the community, care homes, hospitals and hospices. They also staff a confidential helpline (0800 888 6678, email helpline@dementiauk.org; Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm; Saturday-Sunday 9am-5pm) and a virtual clinic, where you can speak to a nurse by phone or video call.
◆ dementiauk.org. You can follow Dementia UK on X, @DementiaUK, and on Facebook: facebook.com/DementiaUK
How can you reduce the riskof dementia?
There is a lot of evidence that lifestyle choices can affect your chance of getting dementia. People who have healthy behaviours in mid-life (aged 40- 65) are less likely to develop the condition. The Alzheimer's Society recommends the following:
Exercise
Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia. It's good for your heart, circulation, weight and mental wellbeing. There are two main types of physical activity - aerobic activity and strength- building activity. Each type will keep you keep fit in different ways. Doing a combination of these activities will help to reduce your risk of dementia.
Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of developing dementia. If you regularly drink alcohol, try to do so in moderation and within the recommended limits. Drinking too much alcohol at one time exposes your brain to high levels of harmful chemicals.
Smoking
If you smoke, you are putting yourself at a much higher risk of developing dementia later in life. Smoking does a lot of harm to the circulation of blood around the body, particularly the blood vessels in the brain.
Depression
Depression affects at least one in five people in the UK. People who have had periods of depression in their life also have a higher risk of developing dementia. Social isolation can also greatly increase the chance. Engaging in social activities may help to build up your brain's ability to relieve stress and improve your mood.
◆ alzheimers.org.uk
There is a lot of evidence that lifestyle choices can affect your chance of getting dementia. People who have healthy behaviours in mid-life (aged 40- 65) are less likely to develop the condition. The Alzheimer's Society recommends the following:
Exercise
Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia. It's good for your heart, circulation, weight and mental wellbeing. There are two main types of physical activity - aerobic activity and strength- building activity. Each type will keep you keep fit in different ways. Doing a combination of these activities will help to reduce your risk of dementia.
Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of developing dementia. If you regularly drink alcohol, try to do so in moderation and within the recommended limits. Drinking too much alcohol at one time exposes your brain to high levels of harmful chemicals.
Smoking
If you smoke, you are putting yourself at a much higher risk of developing dementia later in life. Smoking does a lot of harm to the circulation of blood around the body, particularly the blood vessels in the brain.
Depression
Depression affects at least one in five people in the UK. People who have had periods of depression in their life also have a higher risk of developing dementia. Social isolation can also greatly increase the chance. Engaging in social activities may help to build up your brain's ability to relieve stress and improve your mood.
◆ alzheimers.org.uk
This feature first appeared in the September 2024 issue of The Lady magazine.
Picture: Adobe Stock
