What is dementia?
Dementia is a neurological condition; this means that it is a physical one and that you can get help. This is not a normal part of ageing and people of all ages can develop dementia, although it is more common in older people.
Although there isn’t a cure for dementia at the moment, getting a diagnosis as early as you can means that in some cases it could be slowed down and the person may be able to maintain normal function for longer. It also means that you can get the right support and help and prepare for the future, living a normal life for as long as possible.
As the type of dementia progresses, more brain cells will become damaged. This affects a person’s thinking, behaviour, feelings and abilities. It may be mild at first but it will become worse (usually years) until the person needs help to do everyday activities.
There are over 100 types of dementia which can present with different symptoms. It is possible to have more than one type at a time; this is called ‘mixed dementia’.
Although a lot of time has been spent on research we haven’t found a cure yet. But we now have medications that can help with some of the symptoms of the different types of dementia. We also now have more support available whether you are caring for someone with dementia or have been given a diagnosis yourself.
This page hopes to be able to provide you with information and resources which may be of assistance and signpost you to further resources.
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Resources and Information
Animated Videos
A series of animated videos have been created by the teams behind the Communication & Interaction Training (CAIT) and Newcastle Model Series.
Although mainly aimed at care staff, family and friends of residents with dementia could also find them useful.
All videos take no longer than 10 minutes to watch, some are shorter:
Meeting the needs of care home residents during COVID-19 (8 mins)
This video explores ideas and examples of how care homes can try to meet care home residents needs during COVID-19.
(Meeting) Fundamental needs in dementia care (5 mins)
People with dementia living in care homes have physical, psychological and social needs like all of us but meeting these in care homes can have specific challenges. This video describes what these needs are and a way to think about them while caring for others.
Understanding memory changes in dementia (6 mins)
Memory is one of the commonest features of living with dementia but did you know there are lots of different types of memory? Understanding these a bit better can help to consider the person’s experience – this video gives a brief overview of these.
Sensory changes in dementia (3 mins)
Sensory changes experienced in dementia are often overlooked and are very common, often impacting on their wellbeing and the ability to care. This video gives an overview of these.
Formulations in dementia care
Formulation is a person-centred, evidenced framework and tool commonly used by our specialist care home teams to gather information and understand the underlying causes of distressed behaviour in a person with dementia. The information is used to work with care staff and families to come up with strategies to reduce distress and inform treatment and this video gives an overview and explanation of this.
Family guide to Newcastle Model (10 mins)
The Newcastle Model is a common assessment and intervention framework used by our specialist behaviour support teams in NHS Lothian to work with care staff and families when a resident is experiencing persistent distress behaviours or stress. As it is also used on some inpatient units, this video refers to this but a lot of the information about this approach is relevant to care homes.
Therapeutic Lies in dementia care (10 mins)
Care staff and families often report using lies when caring for a person with dementia. It can be an effective strategy but need careful planning to avoid difficulty or distress. This video aims to bring this topic out into the open, explain what therapeutic lies are, why and how they are used in practice
Documents & Leaflets
Alzheimer Scotland Library
Alzheimer Scotland have an online library which provides a wealth of information on topics related to dementia. Most information can be downloaded and printed off.
There is information for people with dementia and for people caring for someone with dementia. They also provide, or signpost, a lot of practical information, including:
- A guide to services available
- Help for Carers
- Information on Power of Attorney
- A help card for people with dementia
Framework (document) – Promoting Excellence: A framework for all health and social services staff working with people with dementia, their families and carers
This framework provides a skills and knowledge framework for those with dementia, their families and the staff and organisations who work with them.
Proud to Care: LGBT and Dementia Project – A Guide for Health and Social Care Providers
The Dementia Training Partnership (Scottish Care, Edinburgh HSCP and NHS Lothian) have developed this resource for the benefit of people with dementia receiving support, who also identify a being part of the LGBT community.
You can download the document “Proud to Care: LGBT and Dementia Project A Guide for Health and Social Care Providers “ and a hard copy has been sent to all Care Homes.
People from the LGBT community often face barriers to accessing good health and social care support and , even when they can access care, it sometimes fails to meet their specific needs. This guide will allow staff to handle conversations about gender identity and sexuality sensitively and more confidently and demonstrate a commitment to person-centred care and support.
Resources for Working with Someone with Dementia
Playlist for life – website
- Information about dementia
- Information about music and dementia
- Helpful hints and tips for building a playlist
- Build a playlist on the site – step-by-step instructions
- Links to training for Care Home Staff
Twiddle muff factsheet
People with dementia often have restless hands. Knitted muffs (fingerless gloves) with items attached can help to keep dementia patients’ hands active and busy.
Music in dementia
Music therapy and the use of music therapueutically is becoming increasingly popular, indeed, SIGN guidelines and Alzheimer Scotland both recommend it’s use for people living with dementia.
Studies have shown music can help people living with dementia in many ways, including, help increase people’s mood, reduce anxiety, and providing meaningful activity.
NHS Lothian’s “Music in Dementia” website shares literature and resources to find out more about music therapy and also offers hints and tips on how to use music therapeutically with people living with dementia.
Websites
Further information
For information on dementia education please see the Dementia education page.
