Dementia has become one of the leading causes of death in England and Wales. According to statistics published in The Express in October 2017, dementia claimed 62,948 lives, including 41,747 women and 21,201 men, in England and Wales in 2016, accounting for 12% of all deaths that year.

What is worrying is that by 2040, there will be 1.2 million people living with dementia in the UK, a rise of 57% from 2016. The increase will majorly be driven by the rise in the ageing population. This information was published in journal, The Independent.

Dementia is a degenerative brain disorder that not only devastates the life of the person who is suffering from the condition but tears the family apart as well. Moreover, the lack of proper treatment and awareness in society only worsens the situation, making it one of the greatest medical challenges of modern times, says an expert at Ashton Leigh, a leading care home in Crawley.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is not a disease in itself but is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders. It is caused by conditions that result in the loss of brain cells. Such loss impairs mental function and the patient starts facing difficulty in problem solving and speaking, experiences memory loss, forgetfulness and confused thinking. They also face difficulty in remembering recent conversations, names and events.

There are many care homes in West Sussex that specialise in highly personalised care for elderly patients with mild to moderate dementia, taking into account their individual needs.

Causes of Dementia

Vascular dementia is the most common form of dementia, which results from brain cell death caused by cerebrovascular diseases like a stroke. Some dementia symptoms are seen after an injury that prevents normal blood flow and deprives brain cells of oxygen.

Surprisingly, the modern lifestyle is causing people to suffer from dementia earlier than ever, says experts at residential care homes in Crawley. According to a scientific study published in The Telegraph, the use of PCs and mobile phones is increasing non-ionising radiation, while the introduction of chemicals in the food chain, petrochemical pollution and environmental changes are also leading to an increase in the risk of dementia at a much younger age than ever before.

Can Dementia be prevented?

According to a report by the first Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention and Care, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2017, one in three dementia cases is preventable, if nine lifestyle factors are immediately addressed. Managing lifestyle factors like hearing loss, hypertension, obesity, smoking, diabetes and depression, while focusing on increasing education in early life, ensuring adequate physical activity and enhancing social interactions can help prevent 35% of dementia cases.

To improve the condition of a person already living with dementia, it is highly important that they receive good quality care that preserves their dignity. Look for care homes in West Sussex where elders are treated with respect and independence is promoted to improve the lives of those living with dementia.

Author: Dharmendra