Understanding dementia

There are  different types of dementia. These are the four main types, Alzheimer's disease, Vascular dementia, Frontotemporal dementia and Lewy bodies :

1. Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, it causes brain cells to be surrounded by an abnormal protein and their internal structure also becomes damaged. In time, chemical connections between cells are lost and some cells die. An individual living with Alzheimer’s disease can have lapses in memory, experience difficulties in word finding and have difficulties in understanding what is being said to them.

2. Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is the result of problems with the blood supply to the brain. Nerve cells need oxygen and nutrients from the blood to survive. Without enough blood, these nerve cells will die. An individual living with Vascular dementia will experience difficulty planning, thinking quickly or concentrating.

3. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)

Tiny clumps of protein that develop inside nerve cell called Lewy bodies. Protein in the nerve cells reduce the level of chemical messengers and cause nerve cell to die. An induvial with Lewy bodies may have difficulty with planning ahead, reasoning and problem solving.

4. Frontotemporal dementia

Frontotemporal dementia is one of the less common forms of dementia. It is sometimes called Pick's disease or frontal lobe dementia. In frontotemporal dementia, a variety of symptoms are caused by damage to different areas of the frontal and temporal lobes. Based on these symptoms and the lobes that are affected a person may have one of three types of frontotemporal dementia.

Different types of dementia can affect people differently, and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way.

However, there are some common early symptoms that may appear some time before a diagnosis of dementia. These are include diagram: 

Tips for Communicating with a person with Dementia

1. Always have a positive attitude

The person with dementia may have an increased sensitivity to other people’s emotions and feelings, and tends to mirror this. when others are tense and uptight, they feel the same way.

2. Get the person’s attention first

Before speaking, make sure you have eye contact (if they are seated, get down to their level), Address them by name, and use nonverbal cues to help keep them focused. Limit outside noise and distractions

3. Speak slowly and use simple words

Articulate well and use short sentences. If necessary, repeat your message or question, but always be patient in waiting for their reply ( they may fell pressured if you try to speed up their answer). Always try to listen for the meaning and feelings That underlie their words

4. Be respectful of their feelings

Do not ta talk down to them or speak to them as if they were a child. Never ridcule what they say. Instead acknowledge their Anser ( even if it seems out of context) and show them you are paying attention.

5. Use body language and physical contact

Communication isn't just taking. Body language, physical contact, and tone of voice become very significant when a person has difficulity understanding words. A hug, a touch of hands, and a friendly tone of voice will likely help to reassure them 

6. When all else fails, SMILE

Instead of getting frustrated when the person with dementia does something that seems perfectly normal to them, and foolish to you, just smile. A smile will take the edge off any situation.

• Offering a range of tastes, textures, colours and smells and serving food on aesthetically pleasing crockery can increase its attractiveness and stimulate appetite. It’s important to remember that the presentation of meals is just important as the taste of the food itself.
   
• Variety is the key to increasing food intake-people eat 50 % more food if there is variety. Although it can be beneficial to have a weekly meal plan to stick to, a few little treats now and again can help to excite taste buds and make meal times an occasion to look forward to.
   
• If appetite is low, eating ‘little and often’ can be a good solution, and also help to keep blood sugar levels on an even keel.
   
• Take the time to make a list of favourite foods that have positive associations (ie. ice cream that recaptures fond memories of summers past etc.)  Incorporate foods from this list into the diet now and again can be a great way of helping with memory recollection and ensure that meal plans remain inspiring.
   
• When meal intake declines, often due to a lack of appetite, or reduced ability to swallow, it’s a good idea to try and incorporate more easily digestible foods into the diet. Nutritious alternatives like soups, avocados and bananas are all good options, and are packed with vital vitamins and nutrients as well.