What is Dementia

Dementia is the umbrella term used to characterise a loss of cognitive function. Dementia can present as disrupted thinking, memory, reasoning, communication, personality, and cognitive speed. Dementia is degenerative in nature, with cognitive abilities decreasing over time either slowly or more quickly depending on the cause of the dementia and the individual. 

Common Dementias include Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular or Multi-infarct Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. Dementia can also be caused by infectious diseases such as AIDS, or hereditary diseases such as Huntington's Disease. Alcoholism and drug abuse are also risk factors for the development of Dementia.

What can psychologists do to help families who face dementia

Psychologists play a huge role in supporting families dealing with dementia. It's not just about the person diagnosed—it’s the whole family system that’s affected. Here’s how psychologists can help:

1. Education and Information

A psychologist can provide psychoeducation to explain what dementia is, how it progresses, and what to expect. They can help families understand the difference between normal ageing and dementia symptoms, which reduces confusion and fear.

2. Emotional Support and Counselling

Dementia is tough emotionally—grief, frustration, guilt, and even anger are common. Psychologists provide a safe space for family members to talk about these feelings. Individual, couple, or group therapy can help everyone process what’s happening.

3. Coping Strategies

Caring for someone with dementia is stressful and exhausting. Psychologists teach coping skills, stress management, and self-care techniques to help prevent burnout. They can also suggest ways to balance caregiving with other responsibilities.

4. Communication Tools

As dementia progresses, communication gets harder. Psychologists can train families in practical strategies—like speaking slowly, using simple sentences, and reading nonverbal cues—to help maintain connection for as long as possible.

5. Conflict Resolution

Family tensions often rise as caregiving decisions get more complex. Psychologists can and mediate family meetings, help the family navigate resolve disagreements about care, and keep everyone focused on what’s best for their loved one.

6. Behaviour Management

Dementia can cause difficult behaviours—aggression, wandering, paranoia. Psychologists help families understand why these behaviours happen and offer evidence-based ways to respond without escalating the situation.

7. Planning for the Future

Psychologists can guide families to talk through tough conversations about legal, financial, and care planning. They can help families prepare emotionally for the progression of the disease and eventual loss. 

8. Support for Children and Teens

Children in the family may be confused or scared by changes in their loved one. Psychologists can help explain dementia in an age-appropriate way, answer questions, and support kids through their own feelings of grief or fear.

If you or someone you know is facing dementia in the family, connecting with a psychologist at the clinic can make the journey less isolating and much more manageable. The right professional can help the whole family adapt, cope, and find moments of connection even as things change.

Types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common form of Dementia. AD is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, which affects up to 5% of people aged 71-79, increasing to up to 37% of people aged 90 and above.

The main features of AD are the amyloid plaques and tangled neuronal fibres that disrupt the normal organisation, and healthy function, of the brain. These plaques and fibres initially develop in the brain’s temporal lobe – the area responsible for memory and language. For this reason, memory problems are often the first indicator of AD.

Symptoms of Dementia

The symptoms of Dementia depend on the affected brain areas, and therefore will vary on the type of dementia present. However, memory problems are always the first indicator. Mild Cognitive Impairment refers to disrupted memory, without impairment to other functional areas. Mild Cognitive Impairment often signals the initial stages of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). AD typically progresses slowly through three general stages — mild (early stage), moderate (middle stage), and severe (late stage). While Dementia used to be regarded as an ‘old person's disease’, it has become more common in young people aged 30 and above.

Causes of Dementia

There is no known cause of AD, however there are several factors that contribute to its likelihood. The genetic presence of the apolipoprotein E variation (APOE-4) is associated with greater incidence of AD. In addition, a history of head injury, depression, and lower levels of education, contribute to higher incidence of AD. Nutrition also plays a role. People with AD are more likely to have poor nutritional status and be deficient in vitamin B12 and folate. High levels of homocysteine may result from a deficiency in these B-group vitamins. Homocysteine causes damage to the blood vessels in the brain,which may damage the hippocampus – the brain region used for memory [20]. Another nutritional factor are antioxidants. Oxidative stress (damage from free radicals) is correlated with AD pathology. Those with AD are more likely to be deficient in the antioxidant vitamins C and E or have lower dietary intake of them.

Nutritional Therapy for Dementia

There is no cure for AD. However, slowing down the rate of cognitive decline and delaying functional and behavioural impairment is important [Gauthier]. Currently, Donepezil is commonly prescribed, which may slow the progression of Dementia. However, the delay this drug offers may only be 6 months to a year. Regardless, early treatment with Donepezil will provide greater benefits in the long term [Winblad, 2003].

At BNC, we believe that treating dietary and nutritional deficiencies, years before late-stage Dementia, provides the best results. Reducing AD risk factors (increased homocysteine and oxidative stress), particularly in high-risk populations, may prevent, delay onset, or decrease the likelihood of its development. Improving brain health via nutritional supplementation improves cognition in older adults [Harris, 2005].

References

Gauthier S.G, 2005. Alzheimer's disease: the benefits of early treatment. European Journal of Neurology, 12(s3), 11 -16.

Winblad B, Engedal K, Soininen H et al. (2003). Long-term efficacy of donepezil in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: results from a one-year placebo-controlled study and two-year follow-up study. Int Psychogeriatr 15: 293–294.

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