Almost one million people in the UK have dementia and that number is expected to nearly triple by 2050. Dementia results from a variety of diseases and injuries that affect the brain. When a person has one of these diseases, they’ll commonly have problems thinking, remembering, and speaking.
Unlike popular opinion, Dementia is not something that just happens to an individual as they get older. It’s instead caused by various diseases that affect different parts of the brain. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, but there are other types too.
The chances of developing Alzheimer's increases as an individual gets older, yet it’s not a normal part of ageing. At least three in every 100 people with Alzheimer's in the UK are under 65 and these uncommon cases of the disease are called ‘young onset’ Alzheimer's.
While those who study the disease do not have a full understanding of what causes Alzheimer's, studies indicate that it is the build up of two proteins, amyloid and tau, that damage more and more brain cells over time. It is this damage which leads to the following symptoms of dementia developing:
At present, there are no medicines that can cure dementia but there are many things that can be done to make life a little easier. Coyle Homecare understand the complexities of dementia care and are here to provide compassionate, expert support, from the comfort of your own home.
By diagnosing Alzheimer's as early as possible, you will increase the chances of getting the right support and treatments, as well as planning ahead. Coming to terms with any symptoms, can however, be the trickiest part to reaching a diagnosis. By speaking to your local GP, or a doctor, they’ll be able to openly discuss your symptoms and run a blood test to rule out any other causes, such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems.
If your doctor does suspect that you have Alzheimer's, then you’ll usually be referred to a memory clinic, or another specialist clinic. It’s at this stage that you may have a brain scan, as well as completing some in-depth tests to check your memory. These tests will help a doctor to effectively make the best judgment about the likely cause of your symptoms and diagnose the type of dementia.
Coyle Homecare recognise the immense strain families face when managing the day-to-day needs of someone living with dementia. That's why we focus on delivering the highest standard of care, tailored to everyone’s unique circumstances. Our caregivers receive specialised training in dementia care, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to provide sensitive and effective support. This training covers various aspects of dementia care, ensuring our caregivers can address the diverse needs of our service users.
Our experienced team of consultants is also available 24/7 to provide ongoing support and guidance to both our service users and their families. We work closely with you to develop a personalised care plan that addresses your specific needs and promotes the well-being and comfort of your loved one. If you're seeking compassionate, professional dementia care at home, we encourage you to contact us today. We're here to answer your questions and discuss how we can support your family.
Sadly, you cannot simply prevent someone from getting dementia. By encouraging them to seek a diagnosis and by finding the right support, however, you can ensure they receive the best care possible. We’re already playing our role in the race against Dementia, and we encourage you to join us in raising awareness of this devastating disease.