Psychologist explains ‘mixed dementia’ and common myth | UK | News

A psychologist has shed light on the true meaning of ‘mixed dementia’ while dispelling a common misconception. D., CEO of Dementia Care Hub and a researcher specializing in cognitive decline. Kelynn Lee took to TikTok to answer a viewer’s question.

The viewer had recently learned that his mother had been diagnosed with mixed dementia. They mistakenly believed this meant doctors were unsure about the specific type of dementia, but Dr Lee insisted this was not the case.

In a video published in September, he said: “No. So, mixed dementia is when a person has more than one type of dementia. OK, so instead of just having Alzheimer’s disease, they will also have Alzheimer’s disease plus vascular dementia, for example.”

“That’s probably the most typical when we’re talking about mixed dementias. So no, it’s not that they’re not sure what it is, we’re talking about the fact that there are two types of dementia.”

Dementia is a broad term that covers many conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, each of which leads to a persistent decline in brain function. NHS It is estimated that more than 944,000 people in the UK are living with dementia. Alzheimer’s Association It suggests that one in 10 people are affected by mixed dementia.

Mixed dementia, which involves a mixture of different types, does not present with a specific set of symptoms. Therefore, it is very important for people caring for mixed dementia patients to become familiar with the symptoms of each type; however, it is common for symptoms of one type to occur more than others.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s official guidance adds: “Alzheimer’s disease with vascular dementia. This is the most common type of mixed dementia. It occurs because a person with Alzheimer’s disease also has diseased or damaged blood vessels that supply the brain.”

“Two different types of diseases come together to make symptoms worse than they would be on their own.” There is currently no cure for mixed dementia, but treatments are available to relieve its symptoms, which can include confusion, forgetfulness, and speech difficulties, among others.

Anyone who suspects that they or a loved one is showing symptoms of dementia should see their doctor.

Potential early indicators of dementia

Dementia symptoms will vary depending on the type. But in the early stages, common symptoms may include:

• mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Having difficulty performing familiar daily tasks, such as being confused about the correct change when shopping
• Amnesia
• I have trouble following a conversation or finding the right word
• Confusion about time and place

NHS guidance added: “These symptoms are usually mild and may worsen only very slowly. They are often referred to as ‘mild cognitive impairment’ (MCI) because the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia.”

“If you have these symptoms, you may not notice them, and your family and friends may not notice them or take them seriously for a while. In some people, these symptoms will remain the same and not get worse. However, some people with MCI will continue to develop dementia.

“Dementia is not a natural part of aging. So if you’re worried about memory problems or other symptoms it’s important to talk to a GP sooner rather than later.”

For more information, visit: NHS website.