The number of people living with dementia is staggering. Every 3 seconds, this disease impacts another person! In 2020, 55 million sufferers worldwide were recorded, nearly double what we had just 20 years ago. It is targeted to reach 78 million by 2030.
Around 9% of the population of our planet is over 65, aged people can face a myriad of health problems and disabilities - mental and neurological disorders account for 6.6% of these.
Studies and research suggest 15% of the elderly suffer from a mental illness. So, it’s important to ensure that people over 60 receive the right treatment, therapy, and care to ensure they can stay independent, comfortable and happy in their daily lives at home.
Our aged loved ones play a significant role and are an essential part of our communities. They provide us with a sense of warmth, love, and trust, as well as wisdom and knowledge to guide coming generations. So it’s no wonder we want to provide them with the right care, support and treatment, so their quality of life continues to be the best it can be.
In this blog, we talk about these mental health issues, dementia, and how to reduce the risk.
Mental Health Disorders In Elderly Loved Ones
Elderly loved ones are more likely to develop mental, neurological, and other related disorders. As a result, their mental and physical abilities can be hampered. These mental health issues, coupled with other medical conditions, such as diabetes, hearing loss, osteoarthritis, or a physical illness, can further complicate matters.
Dementia is one such neurological disorder that can limit their cognitive abilities and functioning. Dementia is a progressive disease that worsens with time. Therefore, early diagnosis of dementia is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Can Dementia Be Passed Down Through The Family?
There is a common misconception with dementia that it can be inherited or passed on to the next generation. Children and grandchildren do not inherit most dementia disorders. However, rare types of dementia are genetically linked, but these make a very small percentage of dementia cases.
Can Alzheimer's Disease Be Inherited?
99% of Alzheimer’s disease cases are not inherited or have genetic links. The most significant factor for Alzheimer’s disease is age. The risk of having Alzheimer’s disease is so high for people over 70, that having a parent or grandparent with Alzheimer's disease at this age does not change your risk compared to the rest of the population.
But, if an individual is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at a young age, there is a high chance that it is a type of Alzheimer's disease that can be inherited.
Is Dementia Or Alzheimer’s Hereditary?
As our loved ones age, they are at a higher risk of dementia. However, studies suggest there are certain lifestyle factors that can reduce the risk of dementia. These include a healthy diet, physical exercise, and healthy brain activities.
Vascular dementia is itself not inherited, but underlying health issues, such as high blood pressure/heart disease or diabetes, can contribute to this condition. These health issues can also be passed on from generation to generation.
Children cannot inherit vascular dementia from their parents, other than in a few rare cases. But certain genes that increase the risk of developing vascular dementia may be passed on by parents.
How To Reduce Your Risk Of Alzheimer's And Other Dementias
Genes that increase the risk factors of vascular dementia are also the same ones that increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, vessel disease, and stroke.
Therefore, the older generation needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They should maintain a healthy diet and do physical activity to prevent dementia or early onset Alzheimer’s.
Mix it up by trying new games - Why not try the extra bonus of activities like these?
Social connections also help your brain - so whether it’s over the phone, in person or online, keep talking to friends and family.
Work on a crossword, number or other kinds of puzzles to keep circulation going in those hard-to-reach areas.
Play an online memory skills training course where there will be no timers, so everyone can focus their attention solely on retaining information learned. It takes the pressure off your loved one - and the whole part is this is a fun activity, so they feel inclusive.
Other Games to try:
Dominoes
Card games
Bingo
Jigsaw puzzles
Snakes and ladders
The beauty of these games is that even the
smaller members of your family can get involved. Lots of happy faces and laughter is a great tonic for everyone.
Causes of Vascular Dementia
The most common form of dementia is vascular dementia. It causes reduced blood flow to the brain, which damages and eventually kills brain cells.
This is caused by the shrinking of small blood vessels inside part of the brain. This condition is commonly known as subcortical vascular dementia or small vessel disease.
Symptoms of dementia are increased in people who have suffered a stroke. When a stroke occurs, the blood supply to the brain is suddenly cut off, and there is also a risk of blood clot formation. Post-stroke dementia or single-infarct dementia are the most common types that can occur after a stroke.
In cases where the damage to the brain is widespread, it is known as multi-infarct dementia.
People with vascular dementia can also have brain damage due to Alzheimer’s disease, known as mixed dementia.
Who's Most At Risk?
Certain things increase your chances of getting vascular dementia. Age is the most important factor for dementia, but there are also other factors, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), smoking, an unhealthy diet, high cholesterol, and lack of exercise.
Obesity and being overweight can also increase your chances of getting dementia. People with diabetes and heart disease are also at higher risk. A high intake of alcohol is also a risk. These health and lifestyle choices can increase your chances of damaging blood vessels in and around your brain or cause blood clots to develop inside them.
Homecare Services For Your Loved One With Dementia
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, you or another family member may take it upon yourself/themself to become the main caregiver. But eventually, you can get overburdened by the constant 24/7 care and support and responsibility. You may also feel guilty for backing off from this responsibility.
However, it is important to remember that we are there to help you with your loved one with our home care services when it starts to affect you and maybe feels slightly overwhelming. There’s no shame in asking for some extra support, and we get many family members who say they wished they sought help sooner when they do get in touch.
At Abney and Baker, we provide professional home care services for your loved one diagnosed with dementia. Our home carers ensure your loved one feels safe and supported in the comfort of their own home.
You can then focus on other aspects of your life, while having the peace of mind that your older parent or relative is in safe and caring hands.
Our Community Support Manager will go through a full assessment with you and your family member, so you know when the carers will visit and how frequently, depending on your loved one’s specific needs. Our pricing is also affordable, and the quality of care is next to none.
For our award-winning Companionship Support Services in Melksham and Home Care Service in Melksham and Bath and surrounding areas get in touch.
Helping your loved one to continue living independently and confidently in their own home.
By providing a range of support at home, we’re helping many clients across Bath & North East Somerset and West Wiltshire retain their independence and stay in control in the comfort of their own homes.
Remember we’re always here if you want to chat about your care options. Just get in touch:
Call 0333 043 4880 - Email enquiries@abneyandbaker.com - Book a call here