Living with dementia

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that uses scented essential oils from plants, flowers, herbs and trees to improve mental and physical health. We take a look at how it might help people with dementia

Use of dolls

The use of dolls can bring great benefits to some people with a diagnosis of dementia, particularly those in later stages. It involves making a doll available to the person to hold or to sit with. Some people with dementia find that they get enjoyment from holding or simply being with a doll

Driving and dementia

When someone who drives receives a diagnosis of dementia, one of the first concerns they and their family often have is whether they can continue to drive

Blue Badge parking and dementia

A Blue Badge is a parking permit that allows people with disabilities or health conditions to park closer to their destination, often free of charge. If you or the person you care for have dementia, you may be able to get a Blue Badge

Employment and dementia

People who have young onset dementia are more likely to be in employment at the time of diagnosis and are more likely to have a partner who also works

Good habits for bedtime

Sleep disturbance and issues around bedtime can be very common in people with dementia. This leaflet gives some tips about developing good habits at bedtime

Learning disability and dementia

A learning disability is a condition that affects the way a person learns new things, how they understand information and how they communicate. Learning disability can be caused by genetics, or by a physical change, such as an accident

Creating a 'life story'

We all have our own life experiences which shape us as individuals. Creating a ‘life story’ can be a useful way to record important information about a person with dementia and help others understand and relate to them better

Making the home safe and comfortable for a person with dementia

Dementia can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life, including how well they function in their home. Memory problems and the ability to co-ordinate and interpret the home environment can cause safety issues and frustration

Music

Throughout our lives, we listen to, take part in, and dance to music and sound. For people with dementia – even those who have lost their ability to communicate or are at the end of their life – music can be a powerful way to trigger positive feelings and connect with other people

Sex, intimacy and dementia

As a person’s dementia progresses, it is possible that there may be changes in their relationship with others. This can be complex both for the person and those around them, especially their partners

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Changes in sexual behaviour

As a person’s dementia progresses, they may display changes in sexual behaviour. Our specialist dementia nurses share advice to help you understand and manage these changes

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Dealing with stigma and discrimination

When someone is diagnosed with dementia, they may feel a sense of stigma or discrimination, with people treating them differently, or sometimes even badly. We explain how this may affect them, and ways to cope

Sleep issues and dementia

Rachel Thompson, Admiral Nurse Professional and Practice Development Lead at Dementia UK, talks about how dementia affects sleep and how carers and families can approach sleep disturbance and its possible underlying causes

Living aids and assistive technology

‘Assistive technology’ refers to equipment that is designed to help people with physical or cognitive disabilities carry out daily activities more easily. It doesn’t just refer to electronic equipment or machines, but to a range of living aids