Health issues and advice

Cancer and dementia: for carers

This information leaflet is about cancer and dementia. It is for anyone who looks after a friend or family member who has both cancer and dementia. It includes tips on how to get support and look after yourself

Cancer and dementia: for people

Some people who have cancer also have dementia. Having both conditions can be difficult for you and the people close to you. The number of people living with both cancer and dementia is growing. We have written this leaflet to give people information about living with both conditions and tell people where they may be able to get help

Continence

People with dementia can experience problems with using the toilet, which can be distressing for them and those who care for them. This might be due to difficulty finding the toilet or reaching it in time, or problems with co-ordination

Eating and drinking

Staying healthy with dementia

The good news is there is evidence that people living with dementia can remain healthy, with a good sense of well-being, by being active and socially engaged

Find out more

Mouth care

Maintaining good oral health is essential to your overall well-being. Daily care can help stop problems like painful cavities and infections before they arise, and helps avoid pain when eating, drinking and communicating

Pain and dementia

Pain can often be missed or not recognised in people with dementia. They may have communication difficulties which makes them less able to tell you

Dementia and difficuly with sounds

Many people with dementia have trouble hearing, distinguishing between and interpreting sounds, which can make the world a confusing place. We explain why this might happen, and how you can help

Caring for a person with a stoma

Teaching a person with dementia how to care for their stoma is not possible in all cases, but where it is possible, attempts should be made to encourage them

Good hydration for a person with dementia

People with dementia may not always recognise when they are thirsty or be able to express their thirst. This may mean that they do not drink enough and become dehydrated

Keeping a person with dementia safe during hot weather

Due to communication difficulties a person with dementia may not be able to explain that they’re dehydrated or feeling unwell because of the heat

Looking after a person with dementia in cold weather

When temperatures decrease, families with dementia may be facing heightened feelings of social isolation, worry and stress

Medication for people living with dementia

Although there is no known cure for dementia, for some types, medication may help to relieve some of the symptoms or slow its progression