Answering Your Dementia Questions

The possibility of a dementia diagnosis can open up a whole world of questions and concerns.

There is a wealth of resources and advice available online from trusted, expert organisations such as the NHS, Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK. As a starting point, here are some common questions our support team receives at Beechcroft Care Homes. We are here to provide local dementia support to the Torbay area, in whatever way we can.

This is for anyone who would like to know more about dementia, and what it means for those affected and their loved ones.

What is dementia (and what isn’t)?

Dementia is a set of symptoms rather than a disease in itself. These symptom patterns can vary depending on the different diseases that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia or frontotemporal dementia. Symptoms can include:

Memory loss
Difficulty concentrating or communicating
Confusion and problems with decision-making
Mood and behaviour changes
Finding it hard to complete familiar everyday tasks

Initially, these symptoms are often mild and may be termed “mild cognitive impairment” (MCI) if they don’t affect a person’s ability to complete everyday tasks. Some people will find that the symptoms remain the same, but others will gradually get worse and develop dementia.

It’s important to note that dementia is not a natural part of ageing, and it’s essential to get medical advice if you’re concerned about memory problems or any of the symptoms listed above.

What are the early signs to watch for?

Everyone experiences dementia differently. The first signs are often mild so in the early days, it may be hard to spot.

Early-stage dementia symptoms commonly include:

Memory problems - someone may not recall recent events or keep losing personal items
Confusion - someone may find it hard to make complex decisions or plan ahead
Communication problems - someone may find it harder to find the right word or follow a conversation
Visual difficulties - someone may have problems judging distances

If you or a loved one notices a persistent change over time, it’s important to seek professional advice. Take a look through the Alzheimer’s Society checklist and book an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms.

How do you get a diagnosis?

If you have memory or concentration concerns, it’s important to speak to a GP for further advice.

At your appointment, your GP will ask you about symptoms and other aspects of your health. They may ask if you have difficulties with everyday tasks such as personal hygiene and care, cooking, shopping and paying bills. It may help to bring someone who knows you well to the appointment to describe any changes they have noticed.

If the GP believes that you have dementia, they may ask you to go for a memory test or a blood test to rule out other illnesses. If you are diagnosed with dementia, you may be prescribed medicines to help make day-to-day life easier.

Are there treatments or ways to manage symptoms?

Unfortunately, there are no current medications that can stop or reverse dementia. Some treatments can temporarily help a person manage their symptoms. However, it’s not possible to know in advance if someone’s symptoms will improve, as everyone responds differently.

Outside of medication, there are lots of things you can do to improve your general brain health and wellbeing. Keeping your brain active, staying physically healthy and regularly visiting family and friends all help to contribute to general wellbeing. Studies suggest that these could slow the extra damage that happens to your brain over time.

For more practical advice and guidance, see the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guide.

Can you still drive with dementia?

Getting a dementia diagnosis doesn’t always mean you will lose your driving licence. However, getting a diagnosis does mean that you have a legal duty to let DVLA and your insurance company know as soon as you can.

It’s worth having an early, honest conversation with your GP. If you would like to keep your licence, the DVLA will ask you to fill out a form and get in touch with your doctor to learn more about your symptoms. You may also need to complete a supervised driving assessment. The DVLA will then confirm in writing if it’s safe for you to continue driving.

For a more detailed overview of driving with dementia, see the official government guidance.

What legal and financial steps should we consider early?

Many people choose to make plans for the future during early-stage dementia, while they still have the clarity of thought and mental capacity to do so. To make your wishes and preferences clear as dementia progresses, you may consider:

Lasting power of attorney - this is a legal tool that lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions for you.
Advance decision - this is a legally-binding document that makes sure you are not given treatment in the future that you do not want to receive.
Advance statement - this is an expression of your wishes that can help doctors or family members make future decisions on your behalf.

There are also financial plans that you can put in place to help you manage. These include:

Council tax reduction or exemption - many people with dementia will qualify for a reduced council tax bill from 25% to 100%.
Attendance Allowance - a weekly benefit for older adults with a physical or mental disability that is severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.
NHS Continuing Healthcare - some people with dementia will qualify for funding to meet the cost of their care needs.

What everyday support can I offer?

Whether your loved one is in the early stages of dementia or it has progressed, there's plenty you can do to support them. Our informative blog has a range of resources to help you navigate the right approach.

Start with our guide on how to support someone with dementia and explore our range of resources covering everything from the best activities to enjoy, fun questions to ask, and the best ways to communicate.

Local, compassionate help in Torbay

If you’re looking for compassionate dementia care in the Torbay area, we would be very happy to support you and your loved one.

At Beechcroft Care Homes, our motto is simple, “Your Family, Our Family”. There are no set visiting hours. You’re welcome to visit regularly and whenever suits you. We’re always ready to welcome new residents for respite care and can be flexible to fit around your needs. With four care homes in close proximity, we’re almost always able to guarantee a room and accept arrivals at any time and on any day of the week.

Arrange a visit or book a respite stay

If you’d like to arrange a tour, book a short stay or even just discuss your options, get in touch through our online form or call 07867 048093.