- CANCER INFORMATION
- Dementia
Dementia
What is dementia?
Dementia is a word used to describe a range of conditions affecting the brain that get worse over time. There are several types of dementia, having varied symptoms.
Symptoms can include:
- problems thinking clearly
- finding it hard to solve simple problems
- not remembering or using the right words
- being confused or disoriented
- changes to behaviour or personality.
All of these symptoms will affect how you and your body perhaps recognised something was wrong, will manage the effects of the cancer and its possible treatments. You will need the support of your family, carers and healthcare teams to support you. The cancer teams caring for you will also recognise these symptoms and adapt their care accordingly.
Dementia UK has more information and support for people affected by dementia
Cancer and dementia
Being diagnosed with cancer and having dementia can be overwhelming. There will be a lot of information to process, decisions to make and possible adaptations to your routine and care. Feelings both physical and emotional that maybe hard to understand and perhaps difficult to describe to your loved ones. There is a wide range of information of support for you and your family to access.
Please chat with carers, and the varied health care teams you are already have in place alongside the cancer teams so you can voice comfortably your understandable concerns.
Helpful links for you and your loved ones or carers;
Support for your carers
You do not have to cope with caring for someone on your own. Building a support network of friends, family or neighbours can make a big difference
Looking after someone with dementia and cancer
Cancer and dementia care options
Symptoms and side effects in someone with cancer and dementia
- living with cancer and dementia.
Health and social professionals that can help include: - Admiral Nurses
- Specialist nurses
- GPs
- District nurses
- Social workers
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Dietitians
- Speech and language therapists
- Specialist continence