Dementia-friendly physiotherapy in London and Essex
Sunday 17th September 2023
Estuary Physio
Dementia-friendly physiotherapy in London and Essex
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in cognitive abilities. It is possible that this interferes with daily functioning. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
What are the common early signs of Dementia?
The early signs of dementia can vary from person to person but some common early signs include:
- Memory loss.
- Difficulty with planning and problem-solving.
- Language problems: Trouble finding the right words or following conversations.
- Confusion and disorientation.
- Making decisions that are out of character or unwise.
- Changes in mood and behaviour.
- Losing interest in hobbies or avoiding social interactions.
- Struggling to complete routine tasks.
What are the symptoms of Dementia
Dementia symptoms will depend on the type of dementia and the individual. one common symptoms include:
Cognitive:
- Memory loss
- Problems communicating or finding words
- Trouble with visuospatial awareness
- Difficulties problem-solving
- Trouble with planning and organising
- Poor coordination and control of movements
- Disorientation
Psychological:
- Personality changes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Inappropriate behaviour
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
What are the types of Dementia?
Dementia is typically progressive and irreversible. Some common underlying conditions that can lead to dementia include:
1. Alzheimer's disease: This involves the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, leading to the progressive loss of brain cells and cognitive decline.
2. Vascular dementia: This type of dementia occurs when there is damage to the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
3. Lewy body dementia: This form of dementia is characterized by the presence of abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. It can cause a range of cognitive, motor, and behavioral symptoms, often resembling a combination of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
4. Frontotemporal dementia: This type of dementia is caused by the degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
5. Other causes: Dementia can also be caused by conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, HIV/AIDS, traumatic brain injury, certain infections, and nutritional deficiencies.
A healthcare professional can help determine the specific cause of dementia through a thorough evaluation and diagnostic tests.
How do you diagnose Dementia?
The diagnostic process may include the following steps:
1. Medical history and physical examination.
2. Cognitive and neuropsychological testing to evaluate memory, thinking, language, and other cognitive functions.
3. Blood tests may be performed to rule out other potential causes, such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems.
4. Imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans can help identify structural changes in the brain.
Why is early diagnosis important?
Sometimes other conditions can mimic dementia and are reversible. If a diagnosis of dementia is made, progress can be slowed down in some cases, so the person may be able to maintain their level of function for longer. It also means that treatment and support can be given early.
What are the stages of Dementia?
Dementia is often broken down into 3 stages: mild, moderate and severe. These stages can be used to understand how dementia is likely to change over time, and to help people prepare for the future. The stages also act as a guide to when certain treatments, such as medicines are likely to work best.
The early stage of dementia lasts on average approximately two years. In the moderate stage of dementia, symptoms become more noticeable and people may need prompts with things such as washing and dressing. With severe dementia, full-time care as well as support with daily living and personal care will be needed.
How many people have dementia?
In the UK, approximately 1 in 11 people, over the age of 65 have dementia. As people live longer, the number of people in the UK with dementia will increase.
Will I benefit from physiotherapy?
Physiotherapists can help identify the problems that are restricting someone from doing the activities that are important to them. Regular exercise can help improve memory, reasoning and judgement, which in turn can reduce the need for medication and encourage social interaction.
Getting active and staying on your feet is essential. Strength and balance exercises are key for people with dementia to reduce the risk of falls and fractures. We also aim to provide timely therapy to help you overcome common set-backs and bumps along the way (e.g. infections, falls).
We appreciate the challenges associated with living with dementia - Our clinicians are able to think outside of the box to help our clients engage and succeed with their rehabilitation. Our therapists can work with clients, family and carers to demonstrate ways of how to support independence. This can help to ease the carer's role and promote the best quality of life for the person with dementia.
Physiotherapy has been shown to work through studies and research and is a treatment you can trust.
Booking an apointment
If you would like to find out more about Estuary Physios dementia friendly service, please get in touch with us today and speak with one of our clinicians.
Helpful Resources
NHS Guide to Dementia
Chartered Society of Physiotherapists Guide to Dementia
Demenita UK Dementia Advice
Other conditions we treat:
We understand that our clients often have a range of medical conditions. Our therapists have a broad range of backgrounds. For example, someone with dementia may also have cancer. We have specialist oncology therapists who can work alongside a Geriatric Physiotherapist to get the best results.
Some other pages on our website you might find useful:
Dementia
Oncology
Home Physio
Older Adults
Neuro Rehab
