What is dementia?
Dementia is the umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders (conditions that affect the brain). There are many different types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being one of the most common. Dementia can change the way a person thinks, feels, functions and communicates. It is a progressive condition, which means that it gradually gets worse over time.
There are currently around one million people living with dementia in the UK. Dementia mainly affects people over 65, with around one in 14 people over 65 living with the condition. It can also affect younger people. More than 70,800 people in the UK are living with young-onset dementia.
Memory problems are common in dementia, although symptoms vary depending on the person and type of dementia. As dementia progresses, some people may need increasing support with everyday activities and personal care. Changes in mood or behaviour, anxiety, depression, and distress can also occur.
Although there is currently no cure for dementia, treatment and support can help people manage symptoms and live well with the condition. Counselling and other talking therapies may provide emotional support for some people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers.
In this video, counsellor Caroline Ellison explains how therapy can support those diagnosed with dementia, and the people caring for them.
Types of dementia
There are many different types of dementia, and each type is caused by something slightly different.
Common types of dementia
- Alzheimer's disease: the most common type of dementia. It is linked to abnormal proteins that build up in the brain, damaging brain cells over time.
- Vascular dementia: caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, which can damage brain cells.
- Mixed dementia: when someone has more than one type of dementia. The most common combination is Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
- Lewy body dementia: linked to abnormal deposits of a protein called Lewy bodies developing inside brain cells.
- Frontotemporal dementia: caused by damage to the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain, which are involved in areas such as behaviour, personality, and language.
Dementia that develops before the age of 65 is known as young-onset dementia. It can include different types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
Living with dementia
Living with dementia can bring changes and challenges for the person diagnosed, as well as their family and friends. Everyone's experience is different, and the support someone needs may change over time.
People with dementia may find it increasingly difficult to recall certain memories. They may also experience confusion and find some everyday tasks more difficult over time.
Signs and symptoms of dementia
Recognising possible signs of dementia can help someone seek advice and support sooner. If dementia is diagnosed, this can help the person and those close to them plan for the future and access appropriate treatment and support. This may include researching the condition yourself, seeking counselling and support and looking into possible care options.
Some common signs of dementia can include:
Memory loss
We all have forgetful moments. But when forgetfulness starts to affect their day-to-day life or is putting someone in danger, further help is recommended.
Difficulty with everyday tasks
Memory loss can make it very difficult to carry out what many of us consider common tasks, such as cooking dinner, washing, and cleaning the house.
Changes in communication
Dementia can often make people forget words and lose track of what they were saying.
Confusion about time and place
It’s not uncommon for individuals with dementia to get lost in their own street or neighbourhood, even if they’ve taken the same route for years. It can be very easy for people to become lost or disorientated when living with dementia.
Changes in judgement and decision-making
Dementia can affect judgement and decision-making, making some everyday decisions more difficult.
Difficulties with thinking and problem-solving
Dementia can affect thinking, concentration and problem-solving. This can make familiar tasks, such as using a phone, managing money or following instructions, more difficult.
Misplacing things
It is common for people with this condition to forget where things belong. They may forget where they’ve put things or put their belongings in the wrong place. This makes it easy for important things to become lost, which often adds to the confusion and frustration of the condition.
Changes in mood
Dementia can affect mood and emotions. Some people may experience anxiety, sadness, frustration, agitation or other changes in mood.
Changes in personality and behaviour
People with dementia may experience changes in personality or behaviour. Some people may also become less inhibited, which can lead them to behave in ways that are unusual or out of character.
Loss of interest or motivation
People with dementia can become passive and lose interest in things they used to enjoy.
Seeking help
If you're worried about changes in memory, thinking or behaviour, speak to a GP. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing, and other conditions can sometimes cause similar symptoms.
Dementia support
Therapy and counselling can give much-needed support by providing people with dementia and their carers the opportunity to speak in confidence about the issues that might be troubling them.
Talking therapies can help people come to terms with a dementia diagnosis, identify ways to live with the condition and can also help with related issues, such as anxiety and depression. Creative therapies, such as music therapy, dance therapy and art therapy, may also offer opportunities for self-expression and connection.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Psychological therapies may be helpful for some people living with mild to moderate dementia who are also experiencing depression or anxiety. Cognitive behavioural therapy is one type of talking therapy that may be considered.
CBT may also involve learning relaxation techniques or breathing exercises, or trying out new activities. The hope is to improve the person’s enjoyment and quality of life. If the person with dementia agrees, having a family member join sessions can be helpful so that they can practise techniques at home.
Music therapy
Dementia can often create a feeling of isolation, for the person themselves as well as for their loved ones. Music therapy can offer opportunities for connection, self-expression, and engagement through music. Familiar music may also evoke memories or emotions for some people living with dementia. It can give people with dementia the chance to explore their own creative abilities, helping to regain their sense of who they are.
How can dementia counselling help?
There is plenty of advice available for families dealing with dementia. The problem with the advice found in books, leaflets and online is that it is very general. Dementia is inconsistent by nature – what works one day might not work the next and, unfortunately, everyone can be affected differently.
For this reason, having professional support can provide space to explore how dementia is affecting you or your relationships and find ways to cope with the emotional impact.
Adjusting to life with dementia
When a family member is diagnosed with dementia, life can change for everyone involved. Whether you're the person who has been diagnosed, a partner, relative or friend, adjusting to these changes can take time.
A counsellor can support people affected by dementia to talk through the changes and challenges they are experiencing. This might include exploring ways to cope with difficult emotions, adjusting to changing relationships and roles, and finding ways to manage stress and uncertainty.
Counselling can help by providing support for people living with dementia (and their families), as well as helping them discover ways of coping in the longer term.
Communication and relationships
Dementia can bring changes to communication, which can sometimes be difficult for both the person living with dementia and those close to them. They may have difficulty finding the words they want to use or expressing what they are thinking or feeling. This can sometimes lead to frustration or misunderstandings. A counsellor can offer support in adjusting to these changes and exploring ways to communicate with one another.
Emotional wellbeing
Dementia doesn’t only affect the person diagnosed. Friends and family can also be affected. Caring responsibilities, changes in relationships and uncertainty about the future can affect emotional wellbeing and may contribute to stress, anxiety, low mood or other difficulties.
If you are a carer, it is important you take care of yourself too. Self-care is an essential part of maintaining overall health and wellbeing – it’s not selfish to take a step back every now and then.
Finding a counsellor for dementia support
It's important you feel comfortable with your counsellor. Who you think will be the most helpful will depend on both your own personality and that of the counsellor. We recommend contacting a professional who is experienced in dementia support and understands the effects it can have on people living with dementia, their families and carers.
You may need to speak to several professionals before you find the right person, but that's OK. If someone's not right for you, they'll understand.
When searching for a counsellor, check that they have relevant experience and are appropriately qualified. Take your time to find a counsellor you feel comfortable with. When you're ready, you can search for a counsellor and explore their profiles to find someone who feels right for you.
