{"id":13158,"date":"2019-09-20T09:00:51","date_gmt":"2019-09-20T08:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.new-directions.co.uk\/socialcare\/?p=13158"},"modified":"2019-09-18T12:34:32","modified_gmt":"2019-09-18T11:34:32","slug":"caring-for-someone-with-dementia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.new-directions.co.uk\/health-social-care\/2019\/09\/caring-for-someone-with-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"Caring for someone with dementia"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Caring<\/a><\/h2>\n

Many of us know of someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia, whether that\u2019s a friend, neighbour, family member, or through our field of work. Globally, the number of people living with Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia is on the rise, which means more of us are caring for someone with dementia. It\u2019s estimated that figures will rise from 50 million cases around the world in 2018 to a staggering 152 million in 2050<\/a> putting greater pressure on the social care sector. That\u2019s a predicted increase of 204%, marking Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia as one of the most pressing global health concerns of our age.<\/p>\n

A new case of dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s is diagnosed somewhere in the world every 3 seconds<\/a>, mostly affecting people over the age of 65. In the UK, 1 in 14<\/a> people over the age of 65 have dementia. However, it is not a natural part of the ageing process and can even affect people at a much younger age. This is known as early onset dementia and in the UK, over 42,000<\/a> people under the age of 65 have early onset dementia.<\/p>\n

\"Facts<\/a><\/p>\n

World Alzheimer\u2019s Month – caring for someone with dementia<\/h2>\n

A diagnosis of Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia can be life changing for a person and their family and friends, at whatever age it is diagnosed. Therefore, knowledge and recognition are crucial in tackling any stigma associated with it, developing an understanding of the disease to help people cope with their diagnosis, and caring for someone with dementia.<\/p>\n

September is World Alzheimer\u2019s Month<\/a> \u2013 a campaign to raise awareness of the disease and tackle any stigma associated with it. The aim is to get people talking more openly about dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s, helping to improve understanding of the disease and support those living with it. Here\u2019s some useful information to get you started\u2026 So, #LetsTalkAboutDementia<\/p>\n

What is dementia?<\/h2>\n

Dementia is the term used to describe symptoms like memory loss and difficulty thinking, problem solving and communicating. Although many people think dementia is just forgetfulness, it actually covers a range of other symptoms too. When caring for someone with dementia, you might come across symptoms\u00a0 including:<\/p>\n