What is dementia?
Dementia is a term for a set of symptoms that gradually affect memory, thinking, language, and behavior. It is caused by diseases that damage the brain, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common type. Over time, dementia symptoms worsen and may include:
- Memory loss
- Confusion and difficulty with daily tasks
- Trouble with language and understanding
- Changes in behaviour
Since dementia is progressive, symptoms start off mild but gradually become more severe.
Who gets dementia?
Dementia mainly affects older adults, with around 900,000 people in the UK currently living with the condition. It is more common in people over 65, and the risk increases with age.
- 1 in 14 people over 65 has dementia
- 1 in 6 people over 80 is affected
Dementia is more common in women than in men. Younger people can also develop dementia, known as young-onset dementia. About 1 in 20 people with dementia are under 65, with over 70,800 cases in the UK.
Treatments for dementia
Identifying the type of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia, is important for getting the right treatment. Options may include:
- Person-centred care – tailored support to meet individual needs
- Talking therapies – emotional and psychological support
- Medication – to help manage symptoms
While there is no cure for dementia yet, the right care and treatment can help individuals live well for as long as possible. A combination of medication and non-medical interventions can support independence and daily activities.
How can My Life Films help?
Founded in 2014, My Life Films is a UK-registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by dementia.
Our dementia-friendly streaming service - My Life TV - has been designed to support the delivery of person-centred care within professional care settings and in the family home.
My Life TV is a fantastic tool for activity providers and caregivers:
- It can keep residents or loved ones engaged and occupied with meaningful activities such as quizzes. For example, guess the name of the Hollywood Star, Music Star, British Actors, Animals and all sorts of topics
- It’s an enhancing therapeutic provision, supporting exercise and enabling social connection. Join in with a yoga session with My Life TV’s Carolin-Marie or sing along to a favourite tune with Mr Meredith
- It provides opportunities for respite or delivery of care. A choice of slow TV, animal shows, reminiscence and more
- The programmes can help improve mood, quality of life and care, helping to address feelings of agitation, anxiety and apathy
