Making sense of changed behaviours in dementia care

Dementia is a global health priority. The World Health Organisation predicts that, by 2030, there will be 75 million people living with dementia worldwide. The cost of caring for people with dementia will have increased to £1.6 trillion.¹ Dementia is the second leading cause of death in the UK, surpassed recently by COVID-19, which has disproportionately impacted people with dementia.² Recognising the significance of this, in 2022, the UK government announced a 10-year plan to tackle the increasing challenges associated with dementia.³

But the impact of dementia is more than global statistics. Dementia personally affects the lives of individuals and their families, presenting them with multiple hurdles as they adapt to changes in daily life, relationships, and identity. People living with dementia can encounter social stigma and misunderstanding, particularly as their abilities and behaviours change and their need for support increases.⁴ It can be more difficult for people with dementia to communicate their needs and access health and social care. Any discussion about dementia should, firstly, acknowledge the experiences of people living with dementia and those of their families and carers.

Behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia are common