Dementia Awareness

1.2: Key functions, for example:

• damage to brain cells so that brain cells can no longer communicate with each other
• when cells in a particular region are damaged, that region cannot carry out its functions normally, for example, memory, judgement, movement

1.3: Early signs, for example:

• memory problems, especially short-term
• decline in communication, struggling to follow or join a conversation
• recognition and coordination difficulties
• disorientation
• changes of behaviour, judgement or mood
• loss of daily life skills

2.3: Why dementia should be viewed as a disability, for example:

• people with learning disabilities, and in particular Down's Syndrome, are at greater risk of developing dementia
• similar symptoms between those with disabilities and dementia, for example, memory loss, difficulty with thought processes, problem-solving or language problems

3.1: Common causes of dementia, for example:

• Alzheimer’s disease – abnormal protein build‑up causing brain cell damage
• vascular dementia – reduced oxygen supply occurs when blood vessels in the brain become narrowed or blocked, often following a stroke or due to disease affecting the small blood vessels (subcortical vascular dementia)
• frontotemporal dementia – clumps of abnormal proteins affect the front and side parts of the brain, causing cells to die
• dementia with Lewy bodies – involves tiny abnormal structures forming inside the brain, which leads to the death of brain cells

3.2: Risk factors, for example:

• age-related – risk increases significantly from age 65 onwards
• genetics
• lifestyle, for example, higher blood pressure in mid-life, smoking, type 2 diabetes
• learning disability

4.1: How different individuals may experience living with dementia, for example:

• ability to maintain independence as long as possible
• need to access services on a day-to-day basis
• as a person gets older, physical deterioration and dementia may necessitate other forms of support
• increased levels of confusion and concerns for safety

4.2: Impact, for example:

• depression
• isolation, as the person does not want to go out
• people become more supportive and caring following the diagnosis

5.1: How to support people with dementia, for example:

• ensuring hearing and sight aids are working properly and being used
• explaining things in a way that is easy to understand
• using pictures to help someone choose
• choosing the best time of day to talk about decisions
• by using an interpreter or involving a person with a more detailed understanding of their communication methods, if needed