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Dementia care at Highpoint Care
Highpoint Care is a set of purpose-built elderly residential care homes, where we offer specialised support – including facilities and care for those with dementia-related illnesses. Our aim is to provide the highest standard of care in stunning, luxury accommodation where all our residents’ needs are met in a comfortable, happy, and above all safe environment.
What is dementia?
The word “dementia” describes a set of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline in brain function. There are several forms of dementia, with different causes, which are most common in older age. On this page, we will go through the basics of dementia and the related care that Highpoint can provide.
Symptoms of dementia
The exact symptoms can vary between different forms of dementia and different people. But in all cases, one key area is affected: the brain.
According to the NHS, those with dementia may have problems with:
• memory loss
• thinking speed
• general mental sharpness and quickness
• language
• judgement
• understanding
• difficulty carrying out daily tasks or socialising.
It is normal to experience some memory loss in old age, or when under stress. With dementia, on the other hand, you may also experience a change or decline in the way you speak, think, feel, and behave.
Information resources
Alzheimer’s disease
The most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is defined by a protein build-up in the brain. The proteins form structures called ‘plaques’ and ‘tangles’, which cause a loss of connections between nerve cells and, eventually, kill the cells.
Vascular
Vascular dementia is a term used for a group of conditions caused by lack of blood circulation to the brain and is the second most common type of dementia. The brain is restricted of oxygen due to small blood clots developing which are known as Transient Ischaemic Attacks or TIAs. Damage to the blood supply can also be caused by blocked arteries (atherosclerosis) or bursting of blood vessels in the brain.
Again, there is currently no cure, but support is available from Highpoint to help residents with their day-to-day life.
Huntington’s disease
Huntington’s’s disease is a genetic disorder that stops part of the brain working caused by a faulty gene on chromosome 4. Huntington’s disease can present in people at a very young age and over time cause gradual decline and can unfortunately bring on early fatality, there is currently no cure or way to stop it getting worse. However, facilities like Highpoint Care can provide the care and support that those with Huntington’s need to enjoy their daily life – including support with day-to-day tasks and a stimulating routine.
Mixed dementia
At least 10% of people with dementia are diagnosed with ‘mixed dementia’ – a combination of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. With appropriate facilities and support for both these types of dementia, Highpoint Care locations are easily able to provide care for those with a mixed diagnosis.
Lewy body
Lewy body dementia is thought to account for 10-15% of all those diagnosed with dementia and can often be mistaken for Alzheimer’s. It effects a person’s ability to coordinate their movements and thoughts and can cause hallucinations and delusional thoughts. The cause of Lewy body dementia is a collection of abnormal clumps of protein building up in the brain particularly around the parts of the brain responsible for thought, movement, visual perception, and sleep. It is a less understood area of dementia, but those diagnosed can benefit from similar care and support as most other forms.
Korsakoff’s
The cause of Korsakoff’s dementia is excessive alcohol consumption over a prolonged period. The high level of alcohol can result in a combination of problems such as B1 deficiency, toxic effects on nerve cells and blood vessel damage.
People with Korsakoff’s dementia develop symptoms gradually loosing concentration, gaps in memory and a difficulty in retaining new information.
More Information
One way to support those with dementia is with a stimulating life of activities. It can be as simple as conversation, while Highpoint Care also allows for creative pastimes, hobbies, games, and gentle exercise. For more information, or if you would like to find out how and what we do to take care of our residents, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01744 454546, fill in our quick enquiry form or email our customer services team on customer.services@highpointcare.co.uk and we will be happy to answer any and all of your questions.
