What is dementia?
Dementia is a condition that affects over 850,000 people in the UK, with this number expected to rise to over one million by 2025. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, but other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects more women than men, partly because women are more likely to develop the condition and also because they often take on caregiving roles.
Dementia is not just a natural part of ageing. While it is more common in older adults, early-onset dementia affects younger people and brings unique challenges, such as impacts on employment and family life. If you or a loved one experiences memory loss or confusion, it’s important to speak to a doctor early. Early diagnosis can help access support and manage symptoms more effectively, improving quality of life.
In the UK, there are numerous resources and support networks available to help those living with dementia and their families. Building a supportive community ensures that individuals and their carers feel understood and empowered throughout their journey.
Over 55 million worldwide have dementia
1 in 11 people over 65 have dementia in the UK
98% of people could improve how they look after their brain health
Early onset dementia (under 65) accounts for 7.5% of the UK's dementia cases
What causes dementia?
Dementia occurs when connections in the brain start to fail, causing problems with memory, decision-making, mood, and behaviour. Imagine the brain as a bustling city with different districts handling specific tasks. When one district experiences issues, the city’s efficiency suffers. For instance, Alzheimer’s disease affects the memory area of the brain, causing forgetfulness, while vascular dementia is like a city with blocked roads, disrupting overall function.
There are several causes of dementia:
- Alzheimer’s disease: Caused by harmful proteins that block communication between brain cells.
- Vascular dementia: Triggered by poor blood flow, which affects brain function.
- Dementia with Lewy bodies: Shares symptoms with Parkinson’s disease, affecting movement and mental abilities.
- Frontotemporal dementia: Often appears in younger people, affecting behaviour and speech, and can be hereditary.
Ageing increases the risk of dementia, but it is not an inevitable part of getting older. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as staying active and engaging your brain, can reduce your risk.
Interestingly, not all memory issues are permanent. Conditions like depression, side effects from medication, or vitamin deficiencies can cause symptoms similar to dementia but can be treated. This highlights the importance of seeking medical advice early, as some symptoms may improve with appropriate treatment.
The symptoms and effects of dementia
Dementia affects more than just memory; it can change the way you experience daily life. Imagine struggling to follow a conversation, feeling confused about routine tasks, or noticing changes in how you move. These symptoms can start subtly, with misplaced items or feeling disoriented in familiar places, but can worsen over time, making even simple activities more challenging.
Symptoms vary from person to person. Some may have trouble understanding conversations or completing tasks they once found easy. Others might experience mood swings, anxiety, or hallucinations. Dementia can also affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, making it important to monitor any changes carefully.
Early detection is crucial for managing dementia. Treatments that address certain symptoms can help individuals maintain a better quality of life, making it essential to tailor care strategies as needs evolve.
How can it be managed?
While there is currently no cure for dementia, treatments focus on managing symptoms and enhancing quality of life. For Alzheimer’s, medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine may provide temporary relief. For other types of dementia, managing underlying conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes is important.
Non-medical interventions, including talking therapies, cognitive stimulation, and lifestyle adjustments, also play a vital role. These approaches help support emotional well-being, maintain cognitive function, and assist with daily activities. By focusing on the individual’s needs and preferences, these strategies aim to preserve independence and improve the overall quality of life.
Early diagnosis and a holistic approach that includes both medical and supportive care are key to effectively managing dementia and supporting both individuals and their carers.
How can hypnotherapy help?
Hypnotherapy offers a supportive approach for those living with dementia, as well as their caregivers. It provides practical tools to help manage stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being, enhancing day-to-day life. By promoting relaxation, focus, and emotional stability, hypnotherapy can help people with dementia feel more connected to their surroundings and find moments of joy in their daily experiences.
For caregivers, solution-focused hypnotherapy offers strategies to maintain patience and calm in the face of the challenges that caregiving often brings. Simple techniques, such as relaxation exercises, can improve sleep and overall well-being for both the caregiver and the person with dementia.
Hypnotherapy also helps combat the social isolation that often accompanies dementia, fostering better connections with loved ones and creating opportunities for positive interactions. By supporting both individuals and caregivers, hypnotherapy can enrich the quality of life and make the journey through dementia more manageable.
In essence, hypnotherapy provides a compassionate guide through the complexities of dementia, offering practical solutions that help maintain a sense of peace, connection, and well-being for everyone involved.
Our Dementia Specialists
Carmen Harrington
Market Harborough
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Chris Johannes
Spalding
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
