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Nov 11, 2026 6 min
Caregiver supporting an elderly man as he stands up from a sofa in a bright living room.

The effects of Alzheimer’s on the body

The effects of Alzheimer’s on the body include changes to movement, balance, digestion, continence, and swallowing, not just memory. These physical changes can appear at any stage of the condition, sometimes before memory loss becomes obvious, and tend to become…

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Nov 11, 2026 6 min
Carer offering biscuits to an elderly woman, showing comfort and companionship during mealtime.

Dementia and eating problems: Why do people with dementia stop eating?

People with dementia often stop eating because the condition affects hunger, taste, memory and the muscles used to chew and swallow. Dental pain, low mood and medication side effects can also reduce appetite. Watching someone with dementia eat less or…

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Nov 11, 2026 8 min
Elderly woman sitting with her head in her hands, expressing sadness or distress in a quiet home setting.

Dementia Care: What is sundowning?

Sundowning describes a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, or anxiety that occurs in the late afternoon or early evening. Sundowning is thought to affect approximately 20% of people living with dementia in the community, rising to around 80% of those…

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Nov 11, 2026 6 min
What is the life expectancy of someone with dementia?

What’s the life expectancy for someone with dementia?

Life expectancy with dementia depends on the type. Alzheimer’s Society gives averages of around five years for vascular dementia and 8 to 10 years for Alzheimer’s disease. Individual outcomes vary widely, so treat these figures as a general guide. Each…

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Nov 11, 2026 5 min
A woman supports an elderly man with a cane as they walk together in a warmly lit library lined with wooden bookshelves filled with colorful books. Two green armchairs and a small table sit nearby, creating a cozy reading space.

The seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease: What families need to know

When someone you care about is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, one of the first questions families ask is: what happens next? Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition, but understanding how it typically develops can help you plan, have the right conversations…

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Nov 11, 2026 6 min
Smiling elderly woman wearing a green coat and black hat being helped by a younger woman outdoors, conveying warmth, care, and companionship.

When do dementia patients need 24-hour care?

Deciding when someone living with dementia needs 24-hour care is one of the most difficult decisions families face. As dementia progresses, daily activities become more challenging and safety concerns increase. Many families worry about acting too early… or waiting too…

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Nov 6, 2026 6 min
Older woman sitting beside a caregiver on a hammock by a lake, both wearing jackets and sharing a quiet moment outdoors.

Rapidly progressive dementia: What families need to know

Rapidly progressive dementia (RPD) is a rare form of dementia that progresses within weeks or months rather than years. Most dementias develop gradually, so RPD can leave families with little time to adjust. Understanding the causes and symptoms, and the…

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Nov 6, 2026 6 min
Close-up of two elderly people holding hands on a table, symbolising comfort, care, and emotional support in dementia care.

How does a person die from dementia?

A person with dementia doesn’t die from memory loss itself, but from the complications that the disease causes as it advances. Most commonly, pneumonia, infection, or organ failure. Dementia gradually damages the brain’s control over the body’s vital functions, so…

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Nov 5, 2026 6 min
"Elderly woman sitting outdoors holding hands with a carer

How much is overnight care for the elderly?

Overnight care for the elderly costs around £210 a night on average for sleeping night care, and around £260 a night for waking night care. Costs depend on whether the carer sleeps or stays awake through the shift. It covers…

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