Everything you need to know about dementia

Caring for someone you love who is living with dementia can feel overwhelming. You may wonder if you’re doing enough, or if there are better ways to help. The truth is, no one is ever truly prepared for dementia. But with the right information, guidance, and support, you can make this journey easier, more dignified, and filled with moments of connection.

At Wisteria House Dementia Care in Plymouth, we specialise in compassionate, specialist dementia care designed to support both individuals and families. This guide was written with the hope to give you clear answers, practical advice, and reassurance so you feel more confident in your next steps.

Different Types of Dementia

Many people think dementia is just memory loss. In reality, dementia describes a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and daily life. The most common types include:

• Alzheimer’s disease – the most widespread form, often starting with memory lapses and confusion. Alzheimer's Society
• Vascular dementia – caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke. 
• Dementia with Lewy bodies – commonly involves changes in attention, sleep and movement, and may include visual hallucinations. 
• Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) – often with earlier onset (frequently 45–65), affecting personality, behaviour and language. 

Each type presents differently, which is why personalised care is so important.

How to Recognise Early Dementia Signs

Early recognition matters because it helps families plan and ensures loved ones get the right support sooner. Common early changes include:

Memory problems that disrupt daily life (e.g., repeating questions, missing appointments), word-finding difficulties, confusion about time or place, withdrawing from social activities, and changes in mood or personality (greater anxiety/irritability or apathy). If you notice these patterns, speak with a healthcare professional. An early (or “timely”) diagnosis opens the door to support, care planning and appropriate treatments.

Note on new medicines: In the UK, the MHRA has licensed lecanemab and donanemab for early Alzheimer’s disease, but NICE has not (yet) recommended them for routine NHS use as of mid-2025, so access is limited. Your clinician can advise on eligibility and current availability. 

How to Support a Loved One Living with Dementia

Supporting someone with dementia takes patience, empathy and adaptability. Helpful approaches include consistent routines, clear, simple communication, home safety adaptations, and emotional reassurance. You are not alone—specialist services like Wisteria House provide professional support for residents and families. 

Residential Dementia Care vs Other Care Home Options (UK)

In UK terms, “care home” is the umbrella:

• Residential care provides 24-hour support with daily living but is not nurse-led.
• Nursing care includes on-site registered nurses for complex medical needs.

Many settings also offer specialist dementia care environments and trained teams tailored to cognitive symptoms. Choosing a specialist dementia setting can improve comfort, orientation and quality of life compared with generalist provision. 

10 Activities to Help Stimulate Memory in Dementia

Simple, meaningful activities can lift mood and support wellbeing: 

1. Music therapy
2. looking through old photos
3. gentle gardening
4. baking simple recipes
5. reading aloud or audiobooks
6. arts and crafts
7. gentle exercise (walking or chair-based)
8. simple puzzles/games
9. reminiscence conversations
10. Singing

These should be tailored to the person’s preferences and abilities. Evidence-based guidance supports music, reminiscence and activity programmes to promote wellbeing. 

The Role of Diet, Hydration and Exercise

Healthy routines support body and mind:

• Diet: research on Mediterranean-style diets shows mixed results for preventing dementia; overall, a balanced diet remains sensible for general health. 
• Hydration: dehydration can worsen tiredness and confusion in older adults, so regular fluids matter. 
• Physical activity: regular movement improves mood, mobility, sleep and balance. It hasn’t been shown to slow dementia progression once diagnosed, but it brings many physical and psychological benefits. Consider walking, stretching or seated exercises.