Carers Guide to Dementia

Carers Guide to Dementia[edit | edit source]

Facts & Figures[edit | edit source]

Dementia is a disease of the brain which is progressive in nature.  It is characterised by alterations in reasoning, memory, comprehension, problem-solving, or attention.  It is a disease which is seen more in older people but is not a part of the normal ageing process [NHS Choices 2012]. 750,000 people are living with dimentia in the UK at present.  This figure is expected to double over the next 30 years. 25% of hospital bed are occupied by an individual over the age of 65 with dementia. [CSP (2011). Physiotherapy works: Dementia Care]. 

 

This resource will help you to:[edit | edit source]

  • Recall the different stages of dementia and recognise where your loved one is within this model.
  • Differentiate between the ‘normal’ aging process and the typical signs and symptoms of dementia.
  • Recognize other conditions that may co-exist alongside dementia.
  • Identify strategies and techniques that enable you to help your loved one in optimizing their independence and quality of life.
  • Identify dementia services and resources that would be appropriate for different stages of dementia.
  • Relate the information in this resource to their individual circumstances.

Recognition

What to expect

What physiotherapy can do 

What you can do 

Where can you get help

References