Dementia Care at Haversham House Care Home in Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent
The term 'dementia' describes a set of symptoms which include loss of memory, mood changes, and problems with communication and reasoning. These symptoms occur when the brain is damaged by certain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and damage caused by a series of small strokes.
Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse. How fast dementia progresses will depend on the individual person and what type of dementia they have. Each person is unique and will experience dementia in their own way. It is often the case that the person's family and friends are more concerned about the symptoms than the person may be themselves.
Symptoms of dementia may include the following:
- Loss of memory − this particularly affects short-term memory, for example forgetting what happened earlier in the day, not being able to recall conversations, being repetitive or forgetting the way home from the shops. Long-term memory is usually still quite good.
- Mood changes − people with dementia may be withdrawn, sad, frightened or angry about what is happening to them.
- Communication problems − including problems finding the right words for things, for example describing the function of an item instead of naming it.
In the later stages of dementia, the person affected will have problems carrying out everyday tasks and will become increasingly dependent on other people.
We at Safe Harbor have vast experience in dealing with various cases of dementia and can draw upon our knowledge and experience to cater for any circumstances that may arise.
What Causes Dementia?
There are several diseases and conditions that result in dementia. These include:
- Alzheimer's disease − The most common cause of dementia. During the course of the disease the chemistry and structure of the brain change, leading to the death of brain cells. Problems of short-term memory are usually the first noticeable sign.
- Vascular dementia − If the oxygen supply to the brain fails due to vascular disease, brain cells are likely to die and this can cause the symptoms of vascular dementia. These symptoms can occur either suddenly, following a stroke, or over time through a series of small strokes.
- Dementia with Lewy bodies − This form of dementia gets its name from tiny abnormal structures that develop inside nerve cells. Their presence in the brain leads to the degeneration of brain tissue. Symptoms can include disorientation and hallucinations, as well as problems with planning, reasoning and problem solving. Memory may be affected to a lesser degree. This form of dementia shares some characteristics with Parkinson's disease.
- Fronto-temporal dementia (including Pick's disease) − In fronto-temporal dementia, damage is usually focused in the front part of the brain. At first, personality and behaviour changes are the most obvious signs.
Rarer Causes of Dementia
There are many other rarer diseases that may lead to dementia, including progressive supranuclear palsy, Korsakoff's syndrome, Binswanger's disease, HIV/AIDS, and Creutzfeldt−Jakob disease (CJD). Some people with multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease may also develop dementia as a result of disease progression.
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Some individuals may have noticed problems with their memory, but a doctor may feel that the symptoms are not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia, particularly if a person is still managing well. When this occurs, some doctors will use the term 'mild cognitive impairment' (MCI).
Recent research has shown that individuals with MCI have an increased risk of developing dementia. The conversion rate from MCI to Alzheimer's is 10-20 per cent each year, so a diagnosis of MCI does not always mean that the person will go on to develop dementia.
Who Gets Dementia?
There are about 750,000 people in the UK with dementia. Dementia mainly affects people over the age of 65 and the likelihood increases with age. However, it can affect younger people; there are over 40,000 people in the UK under the age of 65 who have early onset dementia.
Dementia can affect both men and women. However, more women are affected by dementia than men, likely because women live longer and old age being the main risk factor for the condition.
Scientists are investigating the genetic background to dementia. It does appear that the diseases that cause dementia can be inherited. Some people with a particular genetic make-up have a higher risk than others of developing dementia.
Can Dementia Be Cured?
Most forms of dementia cannot be cured, although research is continuing into developing drugs, vaccines and other treatments. Drugs have been developed that can temporarily alleviate some of the symptoms of some types of dementia. These drugs include the three acetylcholinesterase inhibitors:
- Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride)
- Exelon (rivastigmine)
- Reminyl (galantamine)
How Can I Tell if I Have Dementia?
Many people fear they have dementia, particularly if they think that their memory is getting worse or if they have known someone who has had the illness. Becoming forgetful does not necessarily mean that you have dementia. Memory loss can be an effect of ageing, and it can also be a sign of stress or depression.
In rare cases,dementia-like symptoms can be caused by vitamin deficiencies and/or a brain tumour. If you are worried about yourself, or someone close to you, it is worth discussing your concerns with your GP.
Diagnosing Dementia
It is very important to get a proper diagnosis. A diagnosis will help the doctor rule out any illnesses that might have similar symptoms to dementia, including depression. Having a diagnosis may also mean it is possible to be prescribed drugs for Alzheimer's disease. Whether you are someone with dementia or a carer, a diagnosis can help with preparing and planning for the future.
Dementia can be diagnosed by a doctor - either a GP or a specialist. The specialist may be a geriatrician (a doctor specialising in the care of older people), a neurologist (someone who concentrates on diseases of the nervous system) or a psychiatrist (a mental health specialist). The doctor may carry out a number of tests to check basic thinking processes and the ability to perform daily tasks. They may request further tests, such as a brain scan or a more in-depth assessment of memory, concentration and thinking skills.
Can Dementia Be Prevented?
At present, it is not clear what causes most of the diseases that lead to dementia. It is not clear what can be done to prevent dementia itself but the evidence does indicate that a healthy diet and lifestyle may help protect against dementia. In particular, exercising regularly, avoiding fatty foods, not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation and keeping mentally and socially active into old age may help to reduce the risk of developing vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Should you have any questions we are always happy to give you any help we can, please just get in touch by clicking here or arrange a meeting.

Our homes
Cloverfields Care Home in Shropshire
Residential, Nursing, Palliative & Short Stay
Cloverfields Care Home in Shropshire is 3663.39 miles away from Dementia Care

Cloverfields Residential Care Home and Nursing Home in Whitchurch Shropshire provides 34 registered bedrooms and a welcoming homely and relaxed atmosphere for residents, staff and visitors. Cloverfields Care offers a safe and security conscious environment for our residents with a nurse call alarm system running throughout the building. Our Care home has many goals including promoting equality and dignity for all of our residents. We provide expert nursing care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with fully qualified nurses who are always on hand to ensure that residents receive the attention they require. Cloverfields is one of the finest nursing homes in Shropshire for residents who require care for a life threatening illness - the wellbeing of residents is our upmost concern. We welcome short stay (respite) as well as long term residents into our home, providing compassionate care through a holistic, personalised care package.
Tel. 01948 667 889
Email.
info@cloverfieldcare.co.uk
Dementia Care Staffordshire | Agnes & Arthur | Safe Harbor
Residential Dementia & Short Stay
Dementia Care Staffordshire | Agnes & Arthur | Safe Harbor is 3667.99 miles away from Dementia Care

Agnes and Arthur Residential Care Home is located in Bradeley, near Smallthorne and Chell in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. We have 44 recently renovated bedrooms with TV/DVDs in each room. Agnes and Arthur residents have their own personal salon within the building, with expertly trained hairdressers on site weekly. Communal areas are available with regular leisure and recreational activities such as weekly outings where possible. Agnes and Arthur care home’s relatively small size and highly trained staff helps to create a friendly little community. Each resident is given a tailor made Personal Care Plan which maximises comfort and happiness within our care home. We have a secure garden area for our residents so they are able to have access to the lovely garden for some peace and quiet or for recreation.
Tel. 01782 811 777
Email.
info@agnesandarthur.co.uk
Florence House Care Home Staffordshire
Residential Dementia & Short Stay
Florence House Care Home Staffordshire is 3666.7 miles away from Dementia Care

Florence House Residential Care Home in Porthill, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire welcomes long term and short term residents and specialises in residential and dementia care. All of our 36 bedrooms, living rooms and other communal rooms have been refurbished to a high standard. Florence House residents have their own personal salon within the building, with expertly trained hairdressers on site weekly. All of our lovely bedrooms have wall mounted flat screen TV DVDs. Expert carers are always available, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; sometimes carers or family members need a break and we are happy to accommodate short stay residents which is ideal when a carer is unavailable such as over a holiday period. Florence House care home’s relatively small size and highly trained staff helps to create a friendly little community. Each resident is given a tailor made Personal Care Plan which maximises comfort and happiness within Florence House.
Tel. 01782 637 354
Haversham House Care Home Stoke-on Trent
Residential, Residential Dementia & Short Stay
Haversham House Care Home Stoke-on Trent is 3661.55 miles away from Dementia Care

Haversham House Care Home in Trentham, Stoke on Trent always strives to provide the best care for all individuals through person centred care. Haversham House has 58 bedrooms and specialises in Dementia Residential Care. We offer short stay (respite) as well as long term residents into our home, providing compassionate care through a holistic, personalised care package. Haversham House Residential Care Home in Staffordshire has a lovely secure garden for our residents which has a sweet shop. We have a welcoming Haversham Inn Reminiscence pub indoors, which seems to be a found favourite for our residents. We offer activities of the residents choice catering to all choices, we strive to provide person-centred activities and care. We have regular weekly outings to a chosen destination of the residents choice.
Tel. 01782 643 676
Email.
info@havershamhouse.co.uk
Private Nursing Homes | Stoke-on-Trent | The Place Up Hanley
Residential, Residential Dementia & Short Stay
Private Nursing Homes | Stoke-on-Trent | The Place Up Hanley is 3665.36 miles away from Dementia Care

The Place up Hanley Residential Care Home in Stoke on Trent is a Staffordshire care home with excellent facilities. Our living rooms and other communal rooms have been fully-refurbished to the highest of standards. Our Care Home is situated in Bucknall in Stoke on Trent and has 47 luxury bedrooms with TV/DVDs in each room. The Place up Hanley Care Home can cater for people who suffer with residential dementia along with people who also require residential care.
Tel. 01782 219888
Email.
info@theplaceuphanley.co.uk