Record numbers diagnosed with dementia
Home Instead reflects on the latest report from the NHS which has highlighted a record number of people diagnosed as living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
The latest report from the NHS on diagnosis rates of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. is not unexpected because there is an ageing population, but this review also reveals some interesting insights into the rates of diagnosis. It is estimated that the rate of diagnosis compared to the number of people who are believed to have the condition rests at 65%, whilst other high-income countries only diagnose between 20% – 50%. This is vitally important because a diagnosis enables people to receive the best care and support to live with the illness in the best way possible. Unfortunately, this positive diagnosis rate is not consistent around the country due to inefficiencies and a lack of scanners in some areas.
Recognising the signs of dementia
The Alzheimer’s Society agrees that an early diagnosis is “vital for unlocking care, support and treatment” and at the Home Instead (Stourbridge Hagley and Halesowen Office) we are accustomed to helping people through this process and if you have concerns then a referral needs to be considered, so what are the signs?
Dementia can affect someone’s memory, cognitive ability and communication skills.
Examples include:
- General forgetfulness
- Difficulty remembering names
- Struggling to remember places or directions
- Misplacing household items
- Difficulty knowing what time of day it is
- Struggling to make choices (whilst shopping for example)
- Difficulty following and joining in conversations
- Losing interest in activities
- Not being able to find the right words
- Frequently repeating themselves
- Losing interest in socialising
- Anxiety and depression
How does a GP make a diagnosis of dementia?
Many of the behaviours which can be signs of dementia can also be simple conditions associated with normal ageing and it is a big decision to seek a formal diagnosis and most people feel a fear of the unknown so what exactly does a diagnosis involve?
Firstly, a GP will ask very simple questions to understand somebody’s general health, lifestyle and family history, then they will ask further questions, about their memory called a cognitive assessment. GPs may also conduct some physical checks connected with vision, hearing and movement.
After these checks by the GP, they will send a small blood sample and sometimes a urine sample for tests. One of the reasons for this is to check for other conditions such as hormone problems as it is important to rule out other medical problems which could be causing the symptoms.
When all of the results can be viewed together, the GP will arrange another consultation which may lead to an appointment with a dementia specialist or they may offer different treatments if it is apparent that symptoms are being caused by other medical issues.
Whatever the result of the assessment, it is important to have support around you and that you are able to discuss your feelings with someone close. Some people feel that they need further clarification or they may disagree with the results, so it is possible to ask for a second opinion and it is always good to ask lots of questions about a diagnosis and the support or treatments that are available. It is important to consider emotional support as well as physical and medical support.
There are lots of local and national orgnaisations which can offer support and at Home Instead, as well as our own hourly and Live In Care services we are happy to chat with people and help with signposting to local organisations across Stourbridge, Hagley, Halesowen, Belbroughton and Clent.
