Symptoms of Dementia and Support

What are the symptoms of dementia?

Symptoms of dementia can include increased forgetfulness, losing items regularly, poor short-term memory, confusion, mood swings, problems with communicating, poor concentration, getting lost in seemingly familiar paces and repeating oneself frequently.

We all forget a name or even a face once in a while and this is nothing to worry about. Dementia can be a combination of one or all of the above symptoms, which have been occurring for a period of time and are progressively getting worse.

I suspect my loved one has dementia. What should I do?

Memory problems or increased confusion can be caused by a number of things. If you suspect you or a person you know may have a type of dementia it is essential you get a diagnosis as soon as possible.

There are many conditions or situations that can cause confusion and symptoms similar to dementia and the person who is experiencing the problems must see their GP as soon as possible. The GP will then be able to refer you to a specialist for an assessment.

The following conditions can cause similar symptoms to those of dementia but may be reversible and should always be explored.

• Chest and urinary infections
• Infected pressure sores
• Severe constipation
• Depression
• Side effects from medication
• Taking medications incorrectly or taking medication that has not been prescribed
• Vitamin and thyroid deficiencies
• Brain tumours and normal pressure hydrocephalus
• Syphilis
• Sudden changes such as moving house or bereavement
• Poor sight or hearing
• Alcohol (even in small amounts)

A GP should then refer you to your local Adult or Older Adults Community Mental Health Team for further assessment. It is always important to eliminate other possible causes for the change in your loved ones behaviour before considering a diagnosis of dementia.

My loved one has been diagnosed with dementia. What support can I receive?

Your local Community Mental Health Team may be able to advise on what is available locally to help you, including day care/day centres.

• Social Services should be asked to do a needs assessment for the person with dementia, and a carers assessment for the person looking after them. People are entitled to these assessments as a right. 

• The person doing the assessments will usually be called a Care Manager or Social Worker and they can help set up a package of care to help meet your needs, which may include day care, home care, help with shopping, cleaning, bathing and dressing, and a number of other things.

• They should also conduct a benefit check, to make sure you are both receiving the benefits you may be entitled to.

• There may be other organisations in your area, which may be able to provide you with support and advice, such as Age UK, Carers UK and Crossroads Care.

• There may be an Admiral Nurse Service near you and if there is, simply ring them and they will take it from there.

• Alternatively, contact the Admiral Nursing DIRECT helpline on 0845 257 9406 or email direct@dementiauk.org. We can provide advice on what services you may have in your area, advice on benefits you may be eligible for, and information and support from the point of diagnosis to beyond bereavement.

Carers manage much better if they understand the illness better and have information on how to manage changes in the persons behaviour, some of which may be minor, others major.

What support is available for the person with dementia?

Different areas have different types of support available. The types of support may include:

• Day Hospital - where the assessment will be made, people may be invited to attend 1 to 2 days a week for a period of time whilst assessment is made and the person receives the diagnosis and some type of follow up support.
• Day Centres - once assessment is made some people attend day centres. The number of days a person can attend and the types of centre will vary from area to area.
• Support Groups - some services offer support groups for people who have a recent diagnosis. Alzheimer's Cafés - groups in community settings - which often invite carers and people with dementia to attend together to receive support and advice, be in a safe space and enjoy a café-like experience together.

What support is available for family carers?

• Carers Groups - are a great way of meeting other carers and sharing experiences and also enable you to meet "others in a similar situation".
• Social Services - can do a range of things, putting in services, arranging for carers to come into the person with dementia's home to assist with day to day tasks, advising on benefits and helping make claims.
• Age UK (formerly Age Concern and Help the Aged)- will be able to help with things such as benefits / attendance allowance claims, managing budgets and money issues, plus much more.
• Factsheets and Books - a huge amount has been written about dementia and it is natural that you will want to read up about this new diagnosis.

A word of caution however, do not read everything and start to worry about how you are going to cope with things that the books say might happen. You need to deal with things as they happen and spend time focusing on what you are dealing with now.

I'd like to join a support group. Can you refer any to me?

If you have an Admiral Nurse Service they should be able to recommend a local support group such as a Dementia Café or Joe's Club. You can also become part of a wider network of carers by joining Uniting Carers.

How can Admiral Nurses help?

Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses, working in the community with family carers of people with dementia.

The Admiral Nurse model was established as a direct result of the experiences of family carers. Admiral Nurses are named after Joseph Levy, who had dementia. He was known by his family as ‘Admiral Joe' due to his keen interest in sailing.

Admiral Nurses:

• Work with family carers as their prime focus
• Provide practical advice, emotional support, information and skills
• Deliver education and training in dementia care
• Provide consultancy to professionals working with people with dementia
• Promote best practice in person-centred dementia care

© Dementia UK