Common health issues can include:
Infection
Symptoms: Chills or sweats, cough or sore throat, shortness of breath or a stiff neck.
UTI
Fever
Symptoms: The person’s temperature is two degrees or more above average.
Flu and Pneumonia
Symptoms: Fever, chills, aches and pains, vomiting, coughing, breathing difficulties.
Dehydration
Symptoms: Dry mouth, dizziness, hallucinations.
Constipation
Symptoms: Trouble going to the toilet – the person may be unable to tell you this is happening. They may be grimacing or holding their tummy.
Depression and low mood
A person with dementia may be sad about their diagnosis (if they are aware of it) and may be angry or down about losing their independence. It’s common for a person with dementia to feel depressed, angry or frustrated at being unable to pursue or fully enjoy activities or hobbies they had in the past.
Ways to help improve mood
Encourage the person to exercise if they can or socialise
Support them in doing activities they enjoy
Take them outside for some fresh air
Encourage family members to visit as much as possible
Reassure the person you are there for them
Play their favourite songs. Music is a natural mood booster and is considered very effective for a person with dementia.
Pain
The person may be unable to tell you they are in pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, between 50 and 80 per cent of people with moderate to severe dementia suffer from daily pain.
Untreated pain can result in low mood and mean that the person becomes more withdrawn. Speak to the person’s GP if you suspect they are in pain. The GP may be able to prescribe painkillers. <link to pain article>.
High blood pressure and diabetes
Vascular dementia can be linked to high blood pressure and being overweight, and of course, the latter can lead to Type 2 diabetes.
Diarrhoea
Some medications can cause loose stools. If this occurs, it’s worth speaking to the person’s GP. If the person is suffering from diarrhoea, it’s essential to ensure they stay hydrated.
Falls
A person with dementia, especially an elderly person, can be at risk of falls. As we age, our risk of falls increases, with one in three adults over 65 likely to suffer a fall. A person with dementia may suffer from problems with balance. Over time, their mobility will deteriorate.
Making the person’s home safe and free from clutter will reduce their risk of falls <link to article on making the person’s home safe>. Ensure the person isn’t thirsty or hungry, which can cause dizziness, increasing the risk of a fall. <link to article on falls>.
Other medical issues can include diarrhoea and incontinence. <link to incontinence article>.
Sources:
Dementia UK
National Institute on Aging
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-caregiving/alzheimers-disease-common-medical-problems#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20the%20symptoms,Visiting%20the%20Doctor
https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/health-advice/dementia-and-falls/
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/urinary-tract-infections-utis-dementia