Understanding Dementia: A Guide for Those Caring for Elderly Parents

Medically Reviewed by: Dr Jackie Gray, Public Health Expert and Retired GP
(Carents Trusted Reviewer Programme – Last reviewed July 2025)

Dementia describes a range of conditions that cause progressive cognitive impairment. This can mean a gradual loss of memory, language, thinking, attention, and problem-solving skills. It can also affect everyday abilities like dressing, shopping, or eating.

Ageing is the greatest risk factor for dementia. Around 4.3% of people aged 65 and over in England have been diagnosed, but many more may have dementia without a formal diagnosis.  Dementia becomes more common with advancing years.

The most common cause is Alzheimer’s disease, accounting for 50–60% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia (17–20%), dementia with Lewy bodies (20%), and less common types like frontotemporal dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia.

Each type can show different symptoms at the start and progress at different rates, so every person’s experience is unique.

Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms usually worsen over time. It is often classified as mild, moderate, or severe.

During the illness, about 80% of people develop behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPSD). These can include agitation, aggression, hallucinations, wandering, and sleep problems. Often, these behaviours signal distress, due to pain, discomfort, or unmet needs, rather than just the dementia itself.

Good support can make a big difference. There are charities and services dedicated to helping people with dementia and their carers:

• Alzheimer’s Society: Support for all types of dementia, with a helpline and online community.

• Dementia UK: Lots of support for all types of dementia including Specialist Admiral Nurses who can offer one-to-one support and advice.

• Lewy Body Society: Focuses on dementia with Lewy bodies, providing info and research updates.

• The Brain Charity: Offers emotional and practical help for neurological conditions including dementia.

If your parent has been diagnosed, you should receive clear information about:

• Their type of dementia and expected changes

• The professionals involved in their care

• Advice about driving and legal obligations to inform DVLA

• Financial, legal, and advocacy support services

• What to do if symptoms change

• Planning ahead, including Lasting Powers of Attorney and advance care decisions

After diagnosis, your parent should be able to access local memory or dementia services. These services vary but could include specialist support from hospitals or community teams.

Your GP or care coordinator can help arrange appointments and explain what is available nearby.

Caring for someone with dementia often involves many health and social care services, which can be confusing to navigate.

A named care coordinator can help by understanding your parent’s needs and connecting you with the right support. This can help avoid poor or fragmented care.

Anyone diagnosed with dementia should have a care and support plan agreed with them and their carers. This plan should include how other health conditions are managed and be reviewed at least once a year.

It’s important to support your parent in making plans for the future. This could include lasting powers of attorney and decisions about care preferences as their condition changes.

There is no current cure for dementia. Some medicines can ease symptoms or slow decline, without curing the disease.

• Medication reviews should happen regularly to avoid harmful side effects.

• Medicines used to control behavioural symptoms should be prescribed cautiously and reviewed frequently.

• Antidepressants may not be effective for mild to moderate dementia-related depression unless there is a severe mental health condition.

Certain activities may help maintain wellbeing, especially in early to moderate dementia:

• Cognitive stimulation: Group activities that promote thinking and social interaction.

• Reminiscence therapy: Sharing memories in groups to improve mood.

• Cognitive rehabilitation: Occupational therapy focused on maintaining daily skills and independence.

Your care coordinator can advise on local services offering these therapies.

Local services often provide a range of support to help people with dementia live well. This may include suitable housing, meaningful activities, carer support, transport, and help to maintain relationships.

Hospital stays can be particularly challenging for people with dementia and might worsen symptoms or independence. Avoiding unnecessary admissions is a key goal in dementia care planning.

If hospitalisation is needed, specialist mental health liaison services can support people with dementia in hospital settings.

Carers of people with dementia need support too. This includes training, emotional help, and respite services to help carers maintain their own health and independence.

Contact your GP or organisations like Carers UK or a specialist dementia charity to find local support and groups.

Many people living with dementia have other long-term conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, or hearing loss. These can worsen dementia symptoms if untreated. It is important to manage all health problems together as part of the care plan.

• Look into iSupport, a World Health Organisation programme offering training for carers.

• Learn more from the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends initiative.

• Explore the NHS Well Pathway for Dementia and other local care improvements.

Caring for a parent with dementia can feel overwhelming. Remember, you are not alone. Support and advice are available to help you provide the best care and to look after your own wellbeing too.

Medically reviewed by Dr Jackie Gray, July 2025