Dementia Services
Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) that is associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities. These include:
- memory
- thinking
- language
- understanding
- judgement
People with dementia may also become apathetic, have problems controlling
their emotions or behaving appropriately in social situations. Aspects of their personality may
change or they may see or hear things that other people do not, or have false beliefs. Most cases
of dementia are caused by damage to the structure of the brain. People with dementia usually need help
from friends or relatives, including help in making decisions.
How common is dementia?
Dementia is a common condition. In England alone, there are currently 820,000
people living with dementia. That number is expected to double over the next 30 years.
Today, caring takes into account the whole person, as they were, and as they are now. This approach is known as 'person-centred care
- Person-centred care means seeing the person with dementia as a unique individual with a rich history, experience, abilities, skills, knowledge, preferences, desires and personality.
- A person with dementia is just that - a person first.