F-615-3829 Understanding Dementia Care Assignment

Introduction

Dementia refers to the group of symptoms which impact thinking, memory, social ability of the individual and overall functioning of brain. This disease negatively hampers overall physical, mental, social well-being and welfare of the individual. It has identified that over 982000 people are suffering from dementia within UK (How many people have dementia in the UK, 2025). The current report will shed light on the reason behind increasing dementia cases within UK along with its impact on overall well-being. It also provides information related to the test and intervention available for the diagnoses of dementia. Moreover, it includes in-depth information related to the diverse complications associated with dementia. In addition to this, it also provides deeper insight about the treatments available at the end stage of dementia and various supports available for the families and other relatives.

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Task 1: Understand the causes and effects of Dementia

1.1 Discuss the reasons for increase in Dementia in the population

There are diverse reasons behind the increasing number of Dementia cases among UK’s population which as follows:

Age: It has identified that there are large number of aged people within UK which eventually increases the risk of dementia (Hosoki et al, 2023). More than 70000 people having dementia due to the age related factors.

Smoking: There is 11.9% increase in smoking rate within UK within past three years which also recognized as a major reason behind higher prevalence of dementia within the country (Smoking Statistics, 2025). Smoking results in blocking arteries which disrupt the flow of blood within brain and thereby leads to memory loss.

Diet: Changing lifestyle and eating preference of people also may cause of dementia. Moreover, people emphasizes on undertaking unhealthy fats, processed food and sugar that increases cardiovascular disease, cholesterol and heart disease (Bir et al, 2021). This situation leads to obesity which in turn also increases the risk of dementia.

Other diseases: There is a high risk of diabetes, heart disease and hypertension which eventually impacts blood vessels of the body. High diabetes increases blood sugar level that damage blood vessel and thereby impacts overall well-being of people.

Lack of adequate nutrient: Dementia is also caused by not adding suitable amount of minerals & vitamins in diet. In this line, deficiency of Vitamin B1, thiamine, Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin B-12, Vitamin E and copper are the major causes of dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease: It is one of most common causes of dementia which develop tangles and plaques in the individual’s brains. These clumps damages fibres and healthy brain cells which eventually ends up by causing dementia.

Physically inactive: Currently, there is a huge change in the individual’s lifestyle due to which they are unable to indulge in physical activities (Jiang et al, 2023). Due to the lack of exercise, playing and walking creates the high risk of stroke.

Depression: On the basis of study conducted in the year of 2020, it has been identified that individual suffering from depression are more vulnerable to dementia. Depression causes diverse vascular disease, alteration in hippocampal & glucocorticoid steroids, increases amyloid deposition and deficit nerve growth which eventually increases the risk of dementia (Avan and Hachinski, 2021). Along with this, long term depression increases stress & anxiety which contribute towards developing thinking and memory problem. 

1.2 Explain the signs and symptoms of Dementia

There is large number of sign and symptom of dementia which explained below:

Memory Loss: People suffering from dementia usually forget the entire recent event, name, important dates and other materialistic information (Tampi and Jeste, 2022). Individual also faces issue in forming judgement and experience higher confusion.

Communication issue: Dementia’s patients usefully face issue in selecting suitable words for phrasing sentences which ultimately creates communication barrier. Further, people with dementia are involved towards continuously repeating the same sentences for several times. On the other hand, this individual also stops in-between conversation which ultimately creates huge amount of communication issue.

Problem with reasoning: It is one of the most common symptoms in which individual not able to understand any issue and faces obstacles in taking accurate decision (Kwon and Lee, 2021). Dementia hampers cognitive function of brain such as remembering & thinking which ultimately develops obstacles in evaluating any issue.

Visual Hallucination: Some people experience hallucination in which individual visualize objects and things which are not physically present at that time.

Issues in undertaking daily activities: Dementia causes memory loss due to which individual faces issue in timely and efficiently carrying out the entire daily task such as dressing, cooking, bathing and many more (Schwertner et al, 2022). Moreover, they are likely to misplace things and also lose ability to find them. In addition to this, they are unable to accurately count money and pay less emphasis over self cleaning and grooming.

Changes in mood: Individual living with dementia experience personality and mood swings which leads to confusion, anxiousness, suspicious and depression. They initiate all the tasks in a particular manner and any changes in routine lead both irritation & anxiety.

Issues in concentration: Dementia causes short- term memory loss due to which individual struggle to understand the other’s perception, maintain focus during seminars and faces issue in selecting items and developing plans.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) dementia has been divided into three stages which include early, middle and late that are explained below:

 Early stage:

At this stage, it is difficult to conclude whether person has dementia or not. In this, individual generally becomes more forgetful; not having an idea about the familiar location and time as well.

Middle stages:

Under this stage, dementia’s symptoms could be easily noticeable which include frequent confusion with the names and events as well as forget the same (Kim, Noh and Kim, 2021). Further, individual faces issue in communicating, feeling lost at home, repeatedly asking particular questions, unable to carry out personal care and experience various other behavioural changes.

Late stage:

It is last stage characterized with the severe impact of symptoms due to which individual require full time assistance. At this stage, patients are unaware of their location, face issue in recognizing family members & friend’s, encounter issue in walking and experience high level of behavioural changes such as sadness & aggression.

Task 2: Examine the investigations associated with diagnosis Dementia

2.1 Compare and contrast the available investigations associated with diagnosis of Dementia

There are large numbers of test which used to identify dementia such as follows:

Mental ability Test: This test is also known as cognitive assessment test which undertaken by the general practitioners. GPCOG that is General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition is the most common test which aims at detecting memory and thinking ability of the individual (Hatch et al, 2025). This test assesses the large number of mental abilities such as attention & concentration span, short and long term memory, awareness of time and communication skills. This test did not directly assist in diagnosis dementia but support in identifying the severity of the issue based on which accurate care can be delivered.

Blood Test: It is another significant test which aids in identifying medical condition due to which dementia has been occurred (Dementia- Diagnosis & treatment, 2024). Blood test is initiated with the aim of detecting functioning of liver, kidney, thyroid, Vitamin B12 and HbA1c. This test also aids in identifying all biomarkers such as amyloid peptide & Oligomers based on which diagnosis decision could be taken.

Dementia Brain scans: After conducting all the simpler tests, brain scans are another test which initiated for the diagnosis of problem. This scan is used to identify potential evidence of other problems such as stroke and brain tumour based on which accurate care plan could be drafted (Hillebrand, Weise and Wilz, 2023). In this, MRI scan and CT scan are two most common type of brain scan test which undertaken for identifying the problem and issues. MRI confirms the presence of dementia and also defines the type of diseases which leads to development of such situation. Moreover, this test also detects all the blood vessel damages caused by dementia. Furthermore, it aids in detecting any shrinkage in temporal & frontal areas of brain based on which accurate treatment plans could be formulated. Along with this, CT, PET and SPECT scans are diverse other test that assists in determining blood flow and abnormalities within the brain.

Comparison within different tests and scans:

Basis	Mental ability Test:	Blood Test:	Dementia Brain scans
Accuracy	Low	Moderate	High
Cost	Lowest	Requires high cost than mental ability but lower than scans.	Costlier
Accessibility	High	High	Moderate
Risk	Low	Low	High

Unique aspect: Mental ability test aids in identifying cognitive skill and ability of individual which could not be disclosed in the other test (O'Connor et al, 2025). On the other hand, blood test aids in identifying all the other causes of particular symptom which assists in taking the most accurate decision. Furthermore, brain scan offers visual information related to the issue that are causing dementia based on which accurate treatment could be planned.

Similarities: The entire three tests are highly relevant to each other as all these aid in diagnosing dementia effectively. These tests together offer holistic information related to the physical, cognitive and mental stage of the patients based on which accurate treatments are initiated.

Task 3: Examine the treatment and support available for service users with Dementia and their families

3.1 Explain the Treatment and support available for service users when initially diagnosed with Dementia

There is diverse support and treatment that can be used for diagnosing dementia at the early stage which discussed below:

Care plan: At the initial stage, a care plan should be developed by the social service department, memory assessment services and general practitioners. This plan guide service provider and patient related to their diet and lifestyle which aids in timely curing this issue (Chan et al, 2021). In this Mediterranean diet should be followed which is rich in vegetable, omega – 3 fatty acids, whole grains and fruits. This diet plan improves overall cardiovascular health and supports in reducing the risk of dementia.

 Enhance physical & social activeness: Dementia symptoms can be reduced through the means of physical and social activities. In this, individual should mandate 30 min exercise, in-take healthy & nutritious food, avoid spiking and indulge in social gathering. Furthermore, patients should increase the intake of supplements and sun exposures as to raise the level of Vitamin D.

Medication: Cholinesterase inhibitors, rivastigmine and galantamine & Memantine are the most crucial medication that prescribed for the diagnosis of dementia. These medications are used for treating vascular dementia, Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia (Wallace et al, 2021). Moreover, diverse other medication related to the heart problem, depression, stroke and hallucination could be taken at the initial level of dementia. However, vomiting, fainting, headache, constipation, dizziness and are the most common side effect of such medication.

Therapies: At this stage, cognitive behavioural therapies could be used which assists in dealing with the issue of anxiety & depression. It is the type of talking therapy which based on the concept of positive thinking. Further, it also emphasizes on living positively and thereby reduces the risk level associated with dementia. Further, patient should adequately manage cardiovascular factors such as diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol which ultimately reduce the scope of dementia.

Cognitive rehabilitation: In this patients should consult with occupational therapist or professional psychologist which guides individual in attaining the specific goals (Begde et al, 2024). These professionals direct and support patients in adopting the healthy lifestyle that aids in treating the disease timely.

Other measures: individual should involve toward getting regular eye and ear test which aids in addressing all the potential concern. People with this issue generally experience high level of cognitive and thinking issue which need to be timely cured.

3.2 Discuss the long-term complications associated with Dementia

There are wide ranges of complication which raised due to the long term dementia that ultimately impacts the overall physical, mental and social well-being of the patients which discussed below: 

Cognitive complication of dementia: Dementia significantly impacts the behaviour, ability and memory of the patients which eventually creates issue in undertaking the entire routine task successfully. Memory loss is one of the most common complications which occur at mild and early stage of dementia (Mirzaei and Adeli, 2022). At the initial level, individual faces obstacle in remembering and recalling short term memory. This ultimately results in forgetting names and objects which end up developing issue in taking decision and resolving problem. Furthermore, Disorientation is another significant complication in which patients easily get confused and faces issue in dressing. In addition to this, individual with dementia are unable to manage their time and usually get irritated while identifying any address.

Physical complication: On the basis of 2022 review, it has been identified that people with dementia are likely to fall because of drastic change in cognitive, functional & behavioural aspects. This ultimately increases the risk of bone fracture and restricts easy mobility of the patients. Along with this, dementia also may cause issue in walking, standing, reduces eyesight and cause urinary incontinence. Along with this, individuals with dementia also encounter issue in performing daily activities, swallowing liquids and foods. Dementia also has huge impact on overall sleeping pattern which ultimately influences overall well-being. Additionally, this situation also causes muscle spasticity which leads to ulcers and ultimately end up causing bedsores.

Medical complication: From the study conducted by National Institute of Aging, it has been identified that dementia weakens overall immune systems which in turn increase the risk of flu, Covid-19, common cold and pneumonia (Thijssen et al, 2022). Furthermore, this situation also impacts on overall digestive system and thereby results into the issue of constipation & Diarrhoea.

Social complication: Based on the research conducted by NHS, it has ascertained that individual’s social well being is highly impacted by dementia. This situation increases communication barrier that resist individual to engage in social gathering. People with dementia lack ability to understand meaning of particular word and utilize accurate word to translate their opinion which eventually impact on overall well- being. 

3.3 Explain the treatment and support available for service users at the end stages of Dementia.

There is no specific treatment for curing end stage dementia, but there are some measures which could be adopted for improving situation which as follows:

 Medication: Antipsychotics and anti-anxiety are crucial medications that address issue related to anxiety, hallucination & agitation. Further, Memantine could be taken to cure issue related to memory loss. Further, various pain killers could be used to gain relief for some time (Petersen et al, 2021). Moreover, spoon feeding is crucial at last stage of dementia which ensures adequate food and water intake of the patients.

Introducing comfort measures:  Along with medication, there are diverse other elements which seems necessary for offering comfortable life to patients. This includes relaxing music, routine, familiar setting, family time and entertaining activities. Moreover, domiciliary care home services are also available that help patients in gaining accurate services at their home and thereby experiencing the mental peace.

Support devices: There are diverse support devices such as shower bars and walker could be used that ease the process of walking for patients.

Emotional support: It is very crucial to provide love and safe environment to the end stage dementia patient (Schwertner et al, 2022). In this, family members should involve the individual with dementia in the decision making process, consult with them, give them massage, brush their hair and watch videos together that fosters overall well-being.

Fulfilling basic needs: Caregiver & Family members should focus on managing hygiene and nutritional level of the patients. In this, emphasis should be paid over following a healthy diet which fulfils the nutritional requirement of patients and thereby promotes overall well-being and welfare.

3.4 Explain the support available for families with relatives with end stage dementia

People with end stage dementia require regular and constant care which creates new challenges and enhances the exhaustion of family members. Due to this reason, there is a diverse support available for families that stated below:

Organizational advice & support: There are diverse organization such as Dementia UK, Age UK, Guide to care, UK Online and government carer information which offers advice and suggestion related to manner in which care should be offered (Parra et al, 2022). These organizations are also including towards listening to the family member’s issue and offering them suggestion to overcome the same.

Professional services: There are diverse tools & techniques which ease the process of communicating with therapist, doctors, dietician, physician and practitioners. This information aids family members & care provider to effectively diagnoses symptom, develop adequate schedule and provide practical knowledge to offer optimum services.

Counselling services: It is another crucial support which helps family members in remaining calm while offering care to the patients (Zheng et al, 2021). This counsellor defines manner through which adequate communication could be initiated with patients and thereby enhances the quality of care. Moreover, they define diverse resources that should be available at home which ultimately aids in providing better care to the patients.

Develop comfort environment: Family members should play favourite music of the patients, play with them and honour their each & every needs which provide the sense of satisfaction and thereby controls their aggression. This situation reduces discomfort and difficulties for family members which ultimately support in offering optimum care to patients.

Conclusion

By summing up the report, it has determined that age, diet, smoking, physical inactiveness and depression are major causes of increasing dementia within UK population. Moreover, memory loss, communication issue, hallucination, changes in mood, inability in initiating daily task are diverse symptom and sign of dementia. Further, early, middle and end are three differential stage of dementia. Mental abilities test, Dementia brain scan and blood test are three methods to detect and diagnosis dementia related issue. In addition to this, care plan, higher social & physical activities, therapies, cognitive rehabilitation are various method of treating initial level dementia. Further, cognitive, physical, social and medical are four major complication of long term dementia. Along with this, long term dementia could be cured with help of comfort measure, support devices, medication and by offering emotional support. Lastly, it has ascertained that organization service; counselling and professional services are diverse support services available for family members.

Bibliography

Books and Journals

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Online

How many people have dementia in the UK. 2025. Online. Available through: < https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/how-many-people-have-dementia-uk>

Smoking Statistics. 2025. Online. Available through: < https://ash.org.uk/uploads/Smoking-Statistics-Fact-Sheet.pdf?v=1697728811 >

Dementia- Diagnosis & treatment. 2024. Online. Available through: < https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019>