dementia
... to suffer with the same illness. This has not been proven inconclusively, a small amount of families have been found to inherit Alzheimer’s but it is a very small percentage. The age factor is still one of the main elements in dementia although twenty out of hundred in the eighty plus age group do not suffer from it, showing that age is not the individual cause of dementia, contrary to popular belief. The environment we live in was once thought to also be a factor in the cause of dementia. Our exposure to aluminium was considered in some way to play a part in the causes of this illness, although this has now been mostly discounted. Whether anything else in our environment contributes to the dementia illness is still being researched. (Alzheimer’s Society Information Sheet 2001) The problems that are associated with dementia can be very distressing and frustrating for both the sufferer and the carer. Common problems within the illness have been found, although they do not affect every sufferer in the same way and do not have a set pattern, each individuals dementia will vary in problems and the rate it progresses. Overall the impact the disease has on an individual will depend on what type of personality they had before they fell ill, some will become docile and quiet whereas others may become aggressive and hyperactive. (M.Gee & L Reason 2000) One of the most leading and well known problems to occur within the early stages of dementia is memory loss and forgetfulness. The fact that forgetfulness can be part of the ageing process can make the detection of dementia very difficult, as we all know that when people start to forget where they have put things and peoples names we all tend to blame their age. As the disease progresses the problems become more noticeable and more stressful for all concerned, everyday tasks now become more difficult and constant care from others (usually family and friends) is needed. Individuals with the illness can forget to how to get dressed, what to wear and which item of clothing goes where along with being unable or unwilling to wash or bath. The inability to know when to go to the toilet and incontinence can also be a problem within dementia. These types of problems can cause much upset and embarassement to both the sufferer who may still be aware to some extent and the carers who will have to watch as their loved ones lose control in a indignified and devastating way. Confusion is another main problem for sufferers, confusion about where they are, who they are and also who others are such as close family and friends. This can be very frightening for the individual and soul destroying for the family, realising your mother or father don’t know who you are must be devastating. The gradual inability to converse and understand conversation makes communication with others very difficult, in some cases this could lead to the individual and the carer being ignored and in turn isolated from friends and society as a whole. At times dementia can cause an individual to become aggressive and angry, usually due to frustration of their situation and their incapability of controlling it. In the later stages of dementia when the individual is unable to remember where they are or who they are they may begin to behave inappropriately wandering off alone is quite a common problem, placing the individual in danger from roads and getting lost . (V. Windmill 1992) General health problems can also cause unrest for elderly people with dementia, the fact that they are unable to tell carers they feel unwell means that if it is not noticed then they may have to suffer in silence. The problems that can arise during the dementia disease can be frustrating, degrading, embarassing and upsetting for the individuals and the carers. One major problem being the loss of independence and dignity of the individual, maintaining these throughout the illness is imperative for all concerned. Towards the end of the illness the problems that began with the individual will be passed to the carer. “Their weekly visits are very tiring for my husband and myself, so we have sympathy for my brother caring for her full-time - Relative of a Carer. (J. Brotchie 1998) The majority of carers are family and friends and their job consist of caring for twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, which can be physically and mentally draining. (G. Hemmen 1996). Although many carers get satisfaction from caring for their relatives it is still imperative that support is available and used. Some carers however may feel that by asking for help they are letting down their loved one or feel guilty that they cannot cope alone, this however is not the case. The constant care needed especially towards the later stages of dementia cannot and should not be done alone. The support of a doctor is imperative once dementia has been diagnosed, he should provide information and guidance on what support is available and where from. The doctors referral to a hospital specialist will enable the carer to gain more information regarding drugs and medication that can be given to the individual. In some case the doctor may lack knowledge on the subject or be uninterested in the carers problems, although they cannot or should not refuse the carer the support and guidance they need. (M.Gee & L. Reason 2000). Carers (Recognition and Services) Act which came into effect in 1996, ensured that all carers are entitled to their needs being assessed by Social Services as well as their relatives. The support of community care services should be offered in accordance with their particular needs. Whether this is adequate is debatable, mainly due to cut-backs in funding in some areas coinciding with increase in demand. (V. Windmill 1992) Within the Burnley and Padiham area many support services are available for individuals and their carers, however problem areas still exist. The voluntary sector are among one of the main groups to provide that provide support for carers. Temple Street Resource Centre provides invaluable support ...