Saïna’s story – A song for my beloved grandpa, Ralph
Saïna opens up about how her grandfather’s dementia has affected her, and how songwriting has provided a release.
How to support someone with a learning disability and dementia.
People with a learning disability are at greater risk of developing dementia, especially young onset dementia (when dementia symptoms develop before the age of 65).
This information, produced in conjunction with MacIntyre – the charity for people with learning disabilities – will help you understand how to support someone with a learning disability and dementia.
If you are noticing changes in the person with a learning disability that could be caused by dementia, it is important for them to see their GP.
These changes might include:
A number of other conditions and illnesses can cause changes similar to dementia, such as depression, vitamin deficiency and thyroid problems.
To rule these out, the GP should offer to do blood tests, a chest X-ray (if necessary), a brain scan and a urine sample.
The GP may also briefly test the person’s cognitive abilities by asking them to:
If the person is likely to struggle with these tests because of their learning disability, you should tell the doctor.
If the GP believes the person may have dementia, they may then refer them for further investigations.
These could be:
Getting an accurate diagnosis of dementia for a person with a learning disability can be difficult, as dementia symptoms are often put down to the person’s learning disability.
In some cases, specialist dementia services like memory clinics do not even accept referrals for people with learning disabilities.
If you need support with getting a diagnosis, you can call our free Dementia Helpline to speak to a specialist dementia nurse.
If the person with a learning disability is diagnosed with dementia, the health professional should tell you:
You can also speak to your local council or look online for information on support groups and services in your area, such as dementia specialist Admiral Nurse services or MacIntyre Memory Cafés for people with learning disabilities and dementia.
The following tips may help to make life easier for the person with the learning disability and their family.
To speak to a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse about learning disabilities and dementia, or any other aspect of dementia, please call our free Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 (Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm, every day except 25th December), email helpline@dementiauk.org or you can pre-book a phone or video appointment with an Admiral Nurse.
macintyrecharity.org
General enquiries: 01908 230100
Email: hello@macintyrecharity.org
Our virtual clinics give you the chance to discuss any questions or concerns with a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse by phone or video call, at a time that suits you.
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