Behavioural and Psychological Effects of Dementia on People Living with the Condition

This research project examines the behavioural and psychological effects of dementia on people living with the condition. It explores the prevalence of dementia in the UK, the behavioural and psychological impact, and provides recommendations for caregivers and the government. The study uses secondary data and qualitative research methods.

BSc Health and Social Care
Assessing the behavioural and psychological effect of dementia on
people living with the condition in London
A Research Project

Table of Contents
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................1
1.0 Introduction to the chapter.....................................................................................................3
1.1 Background of the study........................................................................................................3
1.2 Aim and objectives of the study............................................................................................6
1. Specific Objectives are to:.......................................................................................................6
1.4 Rationale for the study...........................................................................................................6
1.5 Significance of the study.......................................................................................................6
1.6 Summary of the chapter.........................................................................................................7
CHAPTER TWO - LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................8
2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................8
2.2 Overview................................................................................................................................8
2.3 Causes of Dementia.............................................................................................................11
2.4 Impact of Dementia on People Living with the Disease.....................................................12
2.5 Misconceptions....................................................................................................................13
2.6 Coping Strategies.................................................................................................................13
2.6.1 Helping Someone with Dementia; Caregiver Support.....................................................14
2.7 Gap in literature...................................................................................................................14
2.8 Theoretical review...............................................................................................................15
2.9 Summary of the chapter.......................................................................................................15
CHAPTER THREE - RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...............................................................16
3.0 Introduction to the chapter...................................................................................................16
3.1 Research Philosophy............................................................................................................16
3.2 Data Collection....................................................................................................................16
3.3 Data Source..........................................................................................................................17
3.4 Search Terms.......................................................................................................................17
3.5 Inclusion and exclusion criteria...........................................................................................17
3.6 Data Analysis.......................................................................................................................18
3.7 Data Summary of journal articles........................................................................................18
3.8 Research ethics....................................................................................................................22

3.9 Limitation of the study.........................................................................................................22
3.10 Summary of the research...................................................................................................22
CHAPTER 4 - RESULTS OF THE STUDY................................................................................23
4.0 Introduction to the Chapter..................................................................................................23
4.1. Behavioral Effects of people living with dementia............................................................23
4.2 Psychological Effects of people living with dementia........................................................25
4.3 Emotional and social effect of dementia on living condition of individuals.......................27
CHAPTER FIVE - DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATION.................................................................................................................29
5.0 Introduction to the chapter...................................................................................................29
5.1 Discussion of the findings...................................................................................................29
5.3 Recommendations for service provision, policy and further areas of research...................33
5.2 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................34
5.4 Summary of the chapter.......................................................................................................35
APPENDICES...............................................................................................................................39
APPENDIX 1: Data Summary of journal articles.....................................................................39

ABSTRACT
Introduction: The study has been conducted to examine the behavioural and phycological
effects of dementia on the people living with the condition. The objectives of the study were to
assess the prevalence of dementia in the United Kingdom, to explore the behavioural effect of
dementia on people living with the condition, to identify the psychological impact of dementia
on people living with the condition and to examine make recommendations as to how caregivers
and the government of UK can help and support people with the condition.
Methodology: The thesis used theory of interpretative research which is related to the group of
epistemology philosophies alongside with a qualitative research approach. The study used only
secondary data collected from research papers, books, news articles and official statements
reports from journals such as the science direct, Google Scholar, SAGE Journals, Jstor and many
more. Also, data were collected from the official websites of the Government of UK, the NHS,
the Alzheimer’s disease Society and many more with search terms such as causes and effect of
dementia, theories of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, behavioural impacts of
dementia and many others. Being a qualitative research work, the thesis used content analysis to
analyze secondary data gathered.
Results: Firstly, the findings show that, about 50 million people have dementia worldwide, and
850,000 people have dementia in the UK. The findings also revealed that the behavioural effects
of dementia on people living with the condition included Agitation, Aggressive Behavior,
Disinhibition, Apathy, Sleep disorders, Anxiety, Aberrant motor behaviour, Irritability and
Euphoria. In addition to this, the findings recorded that, the psychological effects of dementia on
people living with the condition included Depression, Psychosis, Hallucinations, Delusion,
Delusional misidentification and Visual hallucinations. Finally, the findings show that the
government of UK has already put several measures and policies in place to support people
living with dementia and these include the National Dementia Strategy 2009, the 2012 Dementia
Challenge and the most recent one being the Challenge of Dementia 2020.
Conclusion and Recommendations: It was then recommended that; the government and the NHS
should organize training sessions for people involved in the care of dementia patients. Such
education can also be extended to families and love ones of people living with dementia. Also,
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caregivers and health practitioners caring for people living with dementia should try to involve
people living with dementia in decisions about their care. Caregiver and medical practitioners should
encourage and enable people living with dementia share their views and opinions about their health
care. Also, the researcher recommended that the government of UK and the NHS should organize
awareness and sensitization programs to impact the knowledge of the risk factors and what can be
done by younger people to avoid developing dementia. Last but not least, the general public should
also be sensitized and educated in order not to engage in any form of stigmatization for people living
with dementia. The general public needs to be educated and oriented to be more supportive of people
living with dementia.
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CHAPTER ONE - INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction to the chapter
Dementia is considered as worldwide health condition affection millions of people around the
globe. This health condition comes with both physical and phycological consequences which are
being studied in this research. This is the first chapter of the study which introduce the
background of the problem and the objectives of the study. This section of the chapter will
enlighten readers about the current trends and statistic of dementia cases worldwide and
specifically in the UK. The chapter also enlightensthe researcher on the need for a solution to the
research problem as well as an argument as to how this study is important.
1.1 Background of the study
Ageing, in most cases, is accompanied by the prevalence of so many diseases that rids them of
their independence. One such ailment is dementia syndrome. The Alzheimer’s disease
International (2017), has reported dementia to be a disease that is associated with a continuous
degeneration of brain functioning. It is associated with symptoms such as memory loss,
personality changes and impaired thinking pattern of the affected. Similarly, other sources have
defined it to be a group of thinking and social disorders that interferes with patient’s daily
functioning and activities. The NHS (201) has explained dementia as a syndrome that can be
linked to an ongoing decline in the brain functioning or a chronic mental disorder caused by
brain disease or an injury to the brain. Dementia is a degenerating neuron health condition which
leads to persistent and permanent deterioration in the cognitive, social and physical activities of
people living with the condition.
Dementia has become a global disease, as the number of people living with these health conditions
keeps increasing. Despite several researches by medical practitioners, there is no known cure for this
health condition. The World Health Organization (2019) stated that, although dementia mainly
affects older people, it is not to be considered as a normal part of ageing. The Alzheimer’s disease
International (2017) revealed a very disturbing statistics that show that a person is diagnosed of
dementia every three minutes in the world, contributing to a total of over 9.9 million dementia cases
a year. In 2015, dementia statistics by Alzheimer’s disease International (2017) estimated that about
46.8 people are living with the dementia-related disease worldwide. A recent statistic in 2019 by the
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World Health Organization (2019) shows that over 50 million people are living with dementia
worldwide. To make matters worse, there are now 10 million new cases every year. This statistic
has been projected to get worse with a projection of 82 million cases in 2030 and 152 million
cases in 2050. (WHO, 2019). Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia which
covers 60% to 70% of the total number of dementia cases worldwide.
Source: Prince, M et al. (2015).
The diagram above shows the projections made by Prince, M et al. (2015) in their World
Alzheimer’s Report 2015 from the year 2015 to 2060. The chart shows a continues increase in the
number of people living with dementia across the world. As stated earlier, the number of people
living with dementia worldwide is projected to exceed 150 million by the year 2050. In the chart, it
can be observed that Asia as a continent leads the current and the projected number of people living
with dementia worldwide. This was followed by America and Europe, respectively. Africa has the
least number of current and projected people living with dementia.
News from the Care Policy and Evaluation Centre of UK (2019) has it that the UK will report a
drastic increase in the number of dementia cases from about 885,000 people in 2019 to a
probable estimation of 1 million people in 2024 and another increase to 2 million in the year
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2050. In the UK, dementia affects one out of 6 people who are over the age of 80 years and 1 out
of 14 people who are over the age of 65 years. Furthermore, the Care Policy and Evaluation
Centre of UK (2019) anticipated that due to the continuous rise in the rate at which the condition
was prevailing, the total cost of dementia treatment in the United Kingdom is most likely to
shoot up by 172%, which signifies an increase from £34.7 billion to £94.1 billion in 2040.
Currently, in the UK, the annual cost of dementia stands about £26
billion, making it £32,250 per individual every year (Alzheimer’s Society, 2017).
Source: Prince, Knapp, Guerchet, McCrone, Prina, Comas-Herrera & Rehill (2014).
The chart shows the projections of dementia from the year 2015 to 2050. The chart shows that,
by the year 2050, there will be an estimated number of over 2 million people living with
dementia in the UK. Of this estimated number, around 1.3 million of them will be females while
700,000 of them will be males (Prince et al., 2014).
Dementia has both physical and phycological effects on the people living with this health
condition. The complexity of this health condition has made it very difficult for catering to
people with dementia. The sad part of the whole issue is that dementia does not only negatively
affect the people living with the condition, but it also has negative effects on their families and
loves ones and even the soundness of the country’s economy. If care is not taken, the number of
resources needed to manage dementia cases in the UK will become unbearable to countries in the
region. Despite interventions to support people living with dementia in the region, countries are
still experiencing its negative impact as more and more cases are recorded each year. There is,
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therefore, the need for more measures, education and policies to be put in place to teach people
on how to live a healthy physical and mental lifestyle in their early years to reduce the risk of
having dementia when they grow old. This study can be seen and considered as a tip of an
iceberg but in the right direction of the efforts to reduce dementia cases in the UK. To that effect,
the researcher is still of the view that more needs to be done in this area of study.
1.2 Aim and objectives of the study
The aim of the study is to examine the behavioural and phycological effects of dementia on the
people living with the condition.
1. Specific Objectives are to:
 Explore the behavioural effect of dementia on people living with the condition.
 Identify the psychological effect of dementia on people living with the condition.
 Assess the emotional and social impact of dementia on the sufferers.
1.4 Rationale for the study
This condition, usually associated with the age, does not only affect the patient but caregivers and the
nation as a whole. As seen in the section mentioned above, the disease prevalence continues to rise.
The cost involved in the management of dementia cases in the UK is even enough reason to find and
provide better solutions to the problem. As the number of cases continues to increase each year, it is
only wise and of good judgement to estimate a sharp increase in the cost of dementia management in
the region. These shows a situation where more and more resources are being expected to be used in
the management of a chronic health condition. These resources can equally be used in other sectors
that will prove to be more beneficial either than the treatment of a disease. This study will be centred
on the negative impact of the disease, causes and interventions that can be put in put the situation
under control.
1.5 Significance of the study
Due to the prevalence and rise in the number of dementia cases in the UK, the findings of this
study will help the NHS, government and other stakeholders know the possible cause of the
condition and its increase, and with further research come up with a possible means of
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preventing and controlling it. The findings of the study will also enlighten all stakeholder
involved in the management of dementia on the physical and phycological effects of these health
conditions. This will help impact more knowledge into these stakeholders who may include the
NHS, Medical and Health, Professionals, Caregivers, Families and love ones. The acquisition of
such knowledge will help some of these stakeholders involved in the management of dementia to
be well equipped for their tasks, duties and role they have to play. Finally, the study will also be
of great significance to future researchers who may want to carry out a study in similar areas.
Such a researcher can use this study as reference material.
1.6 Summary of the chapter
This chapter has presented a well-elaborated introduction to the study. The chapter has included
the background of the study, which is expected to educate researchers on the meaning of
dementia, its prevalence, trends and its statistic worldwide and specifically in the United
Kingdom. The chapter has revealed that dementia cases worldwide are over 50 million and
885,000 cases in the UK alone. It is projected that; these statistics will keep increasing at its
alarming rate and will be over 82 million cases in 2030 and 152 million cases in 2050. The
chapter also presented the rationale and the significance of the study to all stakeholders involved
in the management of dementia. The chapter also stated the objectives of the study as well as the
questions the researcher seeks to provide answers to. The main objective of the study identifies
to examine the physical and phycological effects of dementia on the people living with the
condition.
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CHAPTER TWO - LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This is the first section of the chapter. In this chapter, literature will be reviewed under the following
headings: overview, causes and impact of dementia on people living with the disease as well as
myths associated with the disease and the best way to cope with it. Information will be gathered from
various known sources and adapted to suit the objectives of this research.
2.2 Overview
As people age, cells and tissues break down also, which causes them to lose a certain level of
autonomy? While some age successfully, others encounter some major or minor ill conditions
which are normally related to old age. Dementia is one of the major ill conditions that the aged
face while they grow. It has been described as a global problem, according to the World Health
Organisation. Research has it that, although it’s a common disease among the aged and respecter
of no person, it, however, is more likely to affect the wealthy because they have been assumed
more likely to develop into ancient age. In a report from the Alzheimer’s society (2014), an
estimation of over 850,000 people in the United Kingdom currently have been said to be living
with dementia. Among these, nearly 40,000, under age 65 years of them have been diagnosed to
be within the early stages of dementia. This assertion as made above is in agreement with the
study of Sommerlad A et al., (2017) which revealed that although dementia is more often seen in
older people, young adults can also be affected when they experience traumatic brain injury and
brain tumours. When a person’s age rises, so does the likelihood of having dementia. It is at that
stage of their lives where family members and other secondary caregivers are most needed to
help the patients go through a fulfilling ageing period. However, their health may not be the
same as before or what they expected it to be.
The findings of a Dementia UK report (2014) revealed that there had been a tremendous landmark
change in how dementia was prioritized in the UK. In the report, an accurate understanding of
dementia and its prevalence was established to aid in policy development, its influence,
commissioning and service design. It is expected that the number of people living with dementia in
the United Kingdom will grow over a million by the year 2021. In a new study entitled “the
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prevalence of dementia worldwide”, the world health organization (WHO) affirms the prediction
above by saying that population ageing is the key driver of expected increases. Since population
ageing occurs at an unprecedentedly rapid pace in low and, particularly middle-income
countries, the bulk of the number may increase to 2050 in those areas. However, the study also
forecast that the future size of the dementia crisis can be rounded off by improving public health.
In the study, the WHO revealed that their best current projection suggests that about 10-20% of
the occurrence can be prevented.
Also, the World Health Organization states that because the vast majorities (63%) of people
living with dementia live in low and middle-income countries with very restricted access to
social security, support and care, there is an urgent need to improve cost-effective medical and
social care services that will address the needs of people living with dementia and their care
providers during the disease, along with evidence-based preventive measures, that can only be
expected and controlled by investing now in research and cost-effective treatment solutions.
Statistics show that the total cost involved in managing dementia in the UK is about £26.3
billion, with the NHS catering for £10.3 billion and Social care taking £10.3 billion. Two-thirds
of the cost of managing dementia is borne by people affected with it and their families (primary
caregivers) in paid or unpaid care services. This evidence above shows how urgent it is for
interventions to be put in place to control the situation in the UK.
The issues of dementia have increased exponentially with rising age, based on the available
estimates of the global incidence of dementia (WHO 2010). Dementia has been identified to
come in different types. Some are very common and reversible, while others are uncommon and
irreversible (Ojeda et al. 1986, cited in Henderson &Jorm 1998). Many a time, dementia has
been described as a disease that is primarily associated with the aged population, causing them to
lose their independence and day-to-day functioning. However, research conducted by Dr Julie
Snowden (2018) classified dementia as a syndrome rather than a single disease. Throughout her
research, it was found that the causes of dementia are a myriad of primary neurological,
neuropsychiatric and medical disorders. According to Snowden (2018) also, it is normal for
multiple illnesses to lead to the dementia syndrome of an individual. The brain consists of nerve
cells (neurons) that work interrelatedly by transmitting signals. Dementia impairs the nerve cells
in the brain, and it causes its inefficiency in transmitting signals to and from the brain, which
prevents the body from functioning normally.
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As already mentioned, dementia comes in several types. Some such as Lewi body dementia and
Alzheimer's disease dementia are neurodegenerative; it causes a dysfunction in the nervous system
and brain. A Mayo clinic (MC) clinical study on April 03 confirmed that Lewi body dementia is the
second most common form of progressive dementia following Alzheimer’s dementia and is
caused by irregular protein deposition in the nerve cells in the brain region which is responsible
for thought, memory and motor action. When that happens, symptoms such as visual
disturbances, alertness and concentration shifts become evident. Also, there is the evidence of
Parkinson’s disease- symptoms such as the sluggish movement, rigid muscles and tremors, all of
which may be attributed toAlzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer's disease dementia is also a chronic condition that causes brain cells to degenerate and
die. It is the most common cause of 70% of dementia, (Ojeda et al., 1986) resulting in a gradual
deterioration in thought, behavioural and social abilities that interferes with a person’s ability to
work independently. The Alzheimer's Association reports that although it is a usual disease
associated with old age, it is, however, not a normal part of ageing. The report further reveals
that one may seem physically healthy, while symptoms of this disease may be associated with
normal ageing instead.
Similar MC reports identify frontotemporal dementia as another group of uncommon disorder that
affects the brain’s frontal, temporal lobe. Such brain areas are typically associated with personality,
actions, and language. Symptoms can differ depending on the part of the brain that is affected.
Although certain people with frontotemporal dementia experience dramatic personality changes and
are socially insensitive, impulsive or emotionally oblivious, they are also are said to lose the ability
to use language properly. It is because of symptoms such as these for which is frequently
misdiagnosed as a psychological disorder or Alzheimer’s disease and often appears to occur at a
younger age than Alzheimer’s disease. Frontotemporal dementia frequently occurs between the ages
of 40 and 65. Whatever form of dementia is diagnosed and which part of the brain is affected, each
patient will experience dementia in their unique way.
2.3 Causes of Dementia
So many factors can cause dementia. Some of which are primary and other secondary factors.
According to the Alzheimer’s society, some of these causes can be managed, while some cannot. The
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ones that can be managed are usually not of a neurodegenerative factor such as Alcohol or drug
abuse, a buildup of fluid in the brain or metabolic disorders such as vitamin B12 deficiency. These
non-neurodegenerative causes are those classified as secondary causes of the disease. More of such
include lack of proper sleep, exposure to narcotics, excessive alcohol, intake, inhalation of heavy
metals and carbon monoxide, deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin B12, thiamine and folate,
endocrine disorder and more (Loganathan S, 2014). There may be a congenital heart disease which
may cause chronic hematoma; accumulation of fluid in the brain. There may also be the incident
of concentrations of blood on the surface of the brain’s outer cover during a head injury.
Behavioural changes, medications or surgery can manage all these. Another report from the
Alzheimer’s Society found that other secondary and most rare causes include: dementia
associated with infection; infections that are viral, bacterial and parasitic can cause damage to
brain cells, and dementia can occur mostly at the late stage of severe infections.
However as reported early on, the primary causes include neurodegenerative causes such as
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Lewy body (LB), frontotemporal dementia (FTP), and vascular dementia
(VD). According to a report from Mayo Clinic, these types are of dementia are often grouped
because they have a few characteristics in common; they are associated with the deposition of protein
in some part of the brain that is affected. Other diseases linked with dementia include Huntington’s
disease (HD), Parkinson disease dementia (PD), Binswanger’s Cadaisil Vasculitis and Creutzfeldt-
Jakob disease (CDJ), a very rare disorder that causes the heart to breakdown after the brain cells are
damaged. Because the hallmark of this disease is mental deterioration and involuntary muscle
spasms, it has often been mistaken to be the same as the mad cow disease (Bovine Spongiform
Encephalopathy). This is because the causative agent for both is the same. There is also dementia that
is associated with HIV/AIDS.
Some researchers have come out with a report that family risk factors can also make a person
prone to developing the condition. However, according to the Alzheimer society, family risk
factors may not be a significant cause of dementia. This suggests that offsprings do not inherit
dementia. However also, in rarer forms of dementia, there may be a stronger genetic correlation
that could place relatives at risk of inheriting the syndrome.
2.4 Impact of Dementia on People Living with the Disease
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A diagnosis of dementia may have a significant effect on a person’s life. The result of the diagnosis
is usually unlike any other condition the affected person may have dealt with before. This can affect
various aspects of their lives. Anyone diagnosed with dementia is likely to feel a variety of feelings
that can include sadness, disappointment, rage, surprise, fear, denial and even relief. However, each
case of dementia is dealt with uniquely by different people. Some people experience behavioural and
psychological changes such as moodiness, changes in personality, general apathy and language
difficulty (Weill Institute for Neurosciences).
In a study done by Fraker et al., (2014), it was observed that the behavioural changes often
happen as a result of the mental and psychological changes in the body. For instance, the
frontotemporal lobes, which is the area of the brain found directly behind the eye is responsible
for controlling our ability to focus, pay attention, be motivated, and other parts of the
personality. When this part is affected, the behavioural consequence is that people are less able
to focus and plan. They often become less motivated and passive. This may cause them to often
act rude and insensitive towards other people (Memory and Ageing Center).
Secondly, dementia affects how a person responds to the environment. Often, they are forgetful
and have trouble keeping up with conversations. Factors such as noise, discussions, crowd and
other activities may be over-stimulating and too tricky for them to understand. Because they
cannot keep up with what is going on around them, they become frustrated and angry. Another
interesting revelation was that dementia patients rely on emotional cues from others. This means
that for instance, if a person is anxious and worried, these emotions are reflected onto the patient,
and he or she also tends to become concerned and anxious.
Finally, it was revealed that a dementia patient with a painful condition might not be able to
express or explain it, and instead act it out in an angry way or be less active.
2.5 Misconceptions
Throughout their operations, the dementia UK specialist admiral nurse service has worked with
families affected by dementia and have come to the knowledge of some misconceptions that
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people have about the condition. There is a great deal of doubt and confusion about Alzheimer's
disease. According to Edward P. (2018), many people delay their diagnosis because they are
concerned that they will not be able to resume their normal operations. Below are some of the
misconceptions of dementia;
 There is a widespread common but incorrect belief that severe mental decline is a
normal part of ageing.
 Affected people will have to stop driving right away
 They have to stop working and be treated differently unlike other family members
 They will lose their ability to make decisions
 They cannot manage their finances
 Only the aged can be affected
 Dementia and Alzheimer’s are both the same
These misconceptions, according to Barchester (2020) and the Alzheimer’s Association are not
correct, and people need education to comprehensively understand what dementia is all about
and how to handle it properly.
2.6 Coping Strategies
Alzheimer Europe (2009), in their report, proposed several coping strategies for patients and
their caregivers. Below are some recommendations to help people living with dementia coping
with the disease?
 Patients must be educated on memory loss, dementia and the Alzheimer disease.
 They should consider doing new things, like joining a support group or
participating and volunteering in physical activities designed for people living with
dementia.
 Patients can seek individual or family counselling sessions to help them cope with
the disease in healthy ways.
 Seek spiritual guidance and assistance from their religious leaders and societies.
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 Patients are advised to maintain contact with people. They should spend quality
time with friends and family, and also accept practical and emotional support from
others.
 Discover new ways to express how they feel, through paintings, singing or writing.
 Get people they trust to help them in decision making.
2.6.1 Helping Someone with Dementia; Caregiver Support
It is physically and emotionally exhausting to care for patients who have dementia. Caregivers may
face difficulty in trying to provide care and understanding the change in behaviour of the affected.
Feelings of anger and remorse, disappointment and discouragement, anxiety, sadness and social
isolation are normal. However, understanding the behaviour of such people is a step to lessen these
difficulties. Here are some recommendations for dementia caregivers:
 Caregivers of dementia patients must learn a lot about the disorder and as well be
educated through caregiver programs.
 When the demand for the job becomes strenuous, caregivers can ask other friends and
families for help.
 Caregivers need to attend to their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. This will help
them to maintain a healthy state of being.
 Patients who do not have caregivers to help them through their new status should be sent
to care homes where they can be taken care of properly. However, they should be visited
regularly, so they do not feel abandoned. Research according to the Alzheimer’s society
(Feb 26, 2013) explained that 80%, as against the former 62% of people in residential
care homes are either suffering from dementia or severe memory issues.
2.7 Gap in literature
During the literature review, information from the Mayo Clinic report showed that not only the
aged could be affected by dementia. This was confirmed by other reports, including that from the
Alzheimer’s Association. However, a very little study had been done on that subject
2.8 Theoretical review
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In this section, the researcher will adopt a school of thought from any theorist, which is relevant to
this study. The theory (ies) will serve as evidence to either confirm or negate the findings in the
various literatures that were adapted to suit this study and its objectives. In a report published by the
University of Adelaide (2012), Prof. Richards propounded by a new theory to explain the causes of
dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. The theory confirms the assertion by the Alzheimer’s
society that as people age, they experience wear and tear and may not be as fit to the vigorous and
other autonomous activities as before. The theory states that the body is its culprit in cell
degeneration. It revealed that the immune system is the first in the line of defence in cells and usually
distinguishes molecules that belong to the body from those who do not. The immune system, because
of its nature, responds to foreign molecules in a self-destructive mechanism to contain and eliminate
the foreign molecules or invaders. This can lead to a malfunction in the body and as well as on the
outside.
2.9 Summary of the chapter
In this chapter, several scholarly articles, news and journals were reviewed. Literature was
reviewed with the objectives of the study in mind so as not to deviate. Theories associated with
the condition were also adopted in the study to confirm or negate the findings from the various
sources.
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CHAPTER THREE - RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction to the chapter
The elements discussed in chapter three of the research helps to explain the methods used in
performing the study. Lune (2016) states in his study that the methodology in research is an
essential part. In this section of the research, the researcher will discuss how and from where
data was obtained, the research philosophy, process of data collection, techniques of data
analysis, research ethics, and study limitations.
3.1 Research Philosophy
Philosophy of research can be defined as the perspectives which serve as a guide for the
researcher during the study. Mihas (2019) describes research philosophy as the beliefs of a
researcher on how to obtain, interpret and present data in the analysis. There were two keywords
used to define the different methods of philosophies available to a researcher. These two types of
research ideologies include doxology that talks about what is supposed to be true in a study. The
thesis used theory of interpretative research which is related to the group of epistemology
philosophies. This kind of theory of science is one of the subjectivisms that conclude from the
latest phenomena of events occurring in the real world (Rey & Martinez, 2019). The researcher
used this approach because, in England, dementia is a real-life problem; hence the need for
interpretative epistemology to interpret the study situation. With this theory, the researcher was
interested in interpreting the elements and issues addressed by the study Mihas (2019),
discovered that, in comparison to quantitative research approach, interpretive philosophy is often
used alongside a qualitative research approach. All this suggested is that, interpretive philosophy
is ideally adapted for such qualitative analysis work as the present study. For this purpose, the
researcher also employed a qualitative research approach, using the literature review as the key
instrument of the study.
3.2 Data Collection
The data collection section of this research clarified the process the researcher underwent to get
the information required for the analysis. According to Kumar (2019), the data collection process
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includes the methods the researcher uses to obtain information from appropriate and credible
sources. Also, to meet the objectives and provide comprehensive answers to the research
questions, the researcher ensured to go through all the data collection process carefully. The
study used only secondary data collected from research papers, books, news articles and official
statements reports. The researcher collected secondary data, which were then analysed to
achieve the study's objectives and provide answers to the research questions.
3.3 Data Source
The source of data refers to the placer, where the researcher obtained secondary data for the study.
With regards to this study, the researcher collected data from journals such as the science direct,
Google Scholar, SAGE Journals, Jstor and many more. Also, data were collected from the
official websites of the Government of the UK, the NHS, the Alzheimer’s disease Society and
many more.
3.4 Search Terms
Since the study only adopted secondary data, the researcher needed to have an idea of which
terms to search for information. Some of the terms that were used included: Dementia, Dementia
in the UK, causes and effect of dementia, theories of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and
dementia, behavioural impacts of dementia. These few among the lot were terms that were often
used to search for information.
3.5 Inclusion and exclusion criteria
After the collection of research papers and articles, the researcher had to select the papers that
can be used and those that were not used. The collection of these papers was driven by the
researcher's ability to decide on which information must be used or not be used in the study.
The first criterion used in the selection process by the researcher was related to the year of
publication. Articles, journals, and news publications that were published before the year 2010
were not considered for the analysis in the researcher’s because the researcher wanted to use
existing and quite the latest literature. For that impact, the researcher’s inclusion criterion
included academic articles, journals, reviews and news stories that were published only after
2009.
17

Additionally, the geographic distribution of the study paper, journals articles, and news coverage
had to be considered for inclusion or exclusion in this study. The researcher ensured that every
paper fit for inclusion must have covered the United States since that is the country of interest in
this study only. This meant that all studies done outside the UK formed part of the exclusion
criteria
Besides this, the language was another variable that was considered for inclusion and exclusion by
the researcher. During analysis and selection of literature and secondary data, it is crucial for the
researcher to have a clear understanding of the topic sentence. It is for this reason that language plays
a significant role. To that effect, the researcher used an exclusion criterion that excluded all articles,
journals or reports not written in the English language. On the other hand, the inclusion criteria used
included papers written in English to assist in a deeper understanding of the subject, and this was
very important to the success of this research.
3.6 Data Analysis
This section of the chapter clarified how secondary data gathered for the study was analyzed to
fulfil the study's objectives and address the research questions. According to Taylor, Bogdan,
and DeVault (2015), data analysis is the application of methods that the researcher can use
efficiently to turn raw data collected into useful information. The data obtained from the study
was carefully analysed to clarify the information derived from the secondary data and as well
make possible conclusions. Tufford and Newman (2012) discovered that, after data collection,
choosing the methodology for data analysis is very important for the quality of information
presented as a result. When analysing data obtained for a study using incorrect analytic methods,
the study results and conclusions end up being misinformed, mostly lacks integrity and validity.
The researcher must choose the right tool for data analysis, regardless of the research being
qualitative or quantitative. Being a qualitative research work, the thesis used content analysis to
analyse secondary data gathered. This form of data analysis approach employed by the
researcher required critical examinations of the study papers collected by analysing the findings,
to meet the objectives of the study.
3.7 Data Summary of journal articles
Table 1: Data Summary of journal articles
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19

20

21

3.8 Research ethics
In any analysis, the researcher is expected to point out the ethical considerations made for the study.
Similarly, the researcher adhered to all the necessary ethics needed in any research study. Since the
study used qualitative analysis and review of past literature, the principal ethical concern was to cite
the writers who authored the literature appropriately used. To this effect, the researcher ensured that
all secondary data had been well referenced during the data analysis and literature review process. In
addition to the study's ethical concern, the researcher also ensured that no claims that could have
been regarded as biased or manipulative were used.
3.9 Limitation of the study
In every research work, it is likely the study will face some limitations because it may not carry
all the information as thought by the researcher. It is often based on the limitations of a study that
other researchers also do further empirical studies. However, the limitations in a study must be
often reduced. The limiting factors typically restrict the research findings, efficacy, reliability
and reputation just like most studies; the current study has its limitations. The limitation of this
study is the fact that, for its analysis, it relied solely on the use of secondary data, thereby
neglecting the primary benefit data could have offered to the study also.
3.10 Summary of the research
This entire chapter focused on the research methodology, which explains how data was
collected, which sources the data was obtained from and the analysis tool that was used. The
chapter also explained which information the researcher regarded or disregarded and why it
happened so. The data for the study was solely secondary, and the study design employed was
qualitative.
22

CHAPTER 4 - RESULTS OF THE STUDY
4.0 Introduction to the Chapter
The chapter presents the results of the study. The researcher examined several research papers
and reports that enables the easy identification of the themes in line with the research objectives
which were to assess the prevalence of dementia in the United Kingdom, to explore the
behavioural effect and psychological impact of dementia on people living with the condition.
4.1. Behavioral Effects of people living with dementia
The first objective of the study was to explore the behavioural effect of dementia on people
living with the condition. Six out of nine studies reported the behavioural impact of dementia on
the suffers (Cerejeira et al., (2010; Selbæk, Engedal, & Bergh (2013)). Cerejeira et al., (2010)
revealed in their study that, behavioural effects of dementia on people living with the condition
includes Agitation, Aggressive Behavior, Disinhibition, Apathy, Sleep disorders, Anxiety and
Aberrant motor behaviour. In consistence to these findings, Selbæk, Engedal, & Bergh (2013)
stated that behavioural effects of dementia on people living with the condition includesAgitation,
which deals with the agitation level of people living with dementia, euphoria, disinhibition,
irritability, aberrant motor behaviour, night-time behaviour and anxiety.
In a study Kang et al., (2010), the researcher grouped behavioural effects into two, consisting of
Hyperactivity effects such as agitation/aggression and disinhibition as well as Apathy/vegetative
symptoms such asapathy, sleep, appetite, and irritability. Finally, Prado‐ Jean, (2010) listed
behavioural as a Sleep disorder, Aberrant motor behaviour, Apathy, Appetite and eating,
Disinhibition, Irritability, Agitation, Anxiety.
23

24

Studies of Cerejeira et al., (2010), Selbæk, Engedal, & Bergh (2013), Kang, Smith, Buckwalter,
Ellingrod & Schultz (2010), Prado‐Jean, Couratier, Druet‐Cabanac, Nubukpo, Bernard‐
Bourzeix, Thomas & Clément (2010), Garre-Olmo, J., Lopez-Pousa, S., Vilalta-Franch, Gracia
Blanco, & Vilarrasa (2010), Fauth & Gibbons (2014), Conde‐Sala, Turró‐Garriga, Piñán‐
Hernández, Portellano‐Ortiz, Viñas‐Diez, Gascón‐Bayarri, & Reñé‐Ramírez (2016), Van der
Mussele, Bekelaar, Le Bastard, Vermeiren, Saerens, Somers & Engelborghs (2013) andDi Iulio,
Palmer, Blundo, Casini, Gianni, Caltagirone & Spalletta (2010) have all been conducted and
have been in relation with Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia commonly
known as BPSD.
4.2 Psychological Effects of people living with dementia
The third objective of the study was to identify the psychological effect of dementia on people living
with the condition. To that effect, the researcher reviewed studies by the same author provided
above. The findings revealed several psychological effects of dementia on the people living with the
condition. Starting from Cerejeira et al., (2010), their study revealed that, psychological effects of
25

dementia on the people living with the condition included Depression, Psychosis, Hallucinations,
Delusion, Delusional misidentification and Visual hallucinations.
Likewise, to this study, Selbæk, Engedal, & Bergh (2013) recorded psychological effects of
dementia to be Psychosis/affective effects which include Delusions, Hallucinations, and
Depression.Kang et al., (2010), Prado‐Jean et al., (2010), and Garre-Olmo et al., (2010) have
also recorded similar findings in their studies.
In addition to the findings of behavioral and psychological effects of dementia on people living with
dementia, many researchers have also conducted studies to examine several relationships between
behavioral and psychological effects and other factors related to dementia such as the type of
dementia. For example, a study by Fauth, & Gibbons, (2014) on the topic titled; which behavioral
and psychological symptoms of dementia are the most problematic? Variability by prevalence,
intensity, distress ratings, and associations with caregiver depressive symptoms. The study
discovered that most prevalent NPI symptoms were Apathy, Depression, and Agitation. Most intense
(frequency × severity) were Appetite, Motor behaviours, and Apathy, and most distressing were
Delusions, Agitation, and Irritability.For RMBPC, Memory was most frequent but least distressing,
whereas Disruptive was least frequent but most distressing.
Adding to these studies, Van der Mussele et al. (2013) examine the prevalence and associated
behavioral symptoms of depression in mild cognitive impairment and dementia due to
Alzheimer's disease. In their study, they discovered that the prevalence of significant depressive
symptoms in Alzheimer's disease patients (25%) was higher compared with mild cognitive
impairment patients (16%). This means that Alzheimer's disease patients are more likely to show
depressive symptoms compared to mild cognitive impairment patients. This finding of the study
was consistent with that of Di Iulio et al., (2010) who revealed in their study that, a large
proportion of AD (49.6%) and multidomain-MCI (44.1%) patients had depression disorder. Di
Iulio et al., (2010) added more insight to their study by revealing that, apathy disorder was
common in AD (51.3%) but less frequent in amnestic-MCI (6.9%) and multidomain-MCI
(14.7%) and that, after apathy and depression, the most prevalent neuropsychiatric symptoms in
AD and MCI were anxiety, agitation, irritability, night-time behaviours, and appetite
disturbances.
26

Finally, the research by Conde‐Sala et al., (2016) on the effects of anosognosia and
neuropsychiatric symptoms on the quality of life of patients with Alzheimer's disease: a 24‐
month follow‐up study revealed that A higher total NPI score was associated with a more
negative rating of QoL‐p among caregivers (p < 0.001) and that, the neuropsychiatric symptoms
(NPI) associated with a more negative view of QoL‐p were depression, for patients' self‐ratings,
and apathy and agitation for caregiver ratings.
4.3 Emotional and social effect of dementia on living condition of individuals
Third objective of the study is to analyse social and emotional impact of dementia on the suffers.
There were five main studies that focuses upon explaining social and emotional impact of
dementia upon patients.
According to the view of Mushi & et. al., (2014) symptoms of dementia in old age is always
considered as a problem due to which patients feel that they have become a burden upon family
members as there is increase in involvement and support of family members in care and
treatment of family members. As per the view of Scott, (2020) detection of dementia sets
boundaries for the patients because of which they are impacted emotionally. They ty to isolated
themselves as a result their relationship with others is impacted. Dementia results in working as a
barrier in selfhood and it becomes difficult for them to maintain a concept of independence and
maintaining a positive self-concept
In the study as explained by Connolly, & et. al., (2014) dementia is a costly health condition
because of which care givers, patients and family members are impacted socially. Pressure of
increasing support and care is increased for care givers and patients, tension among family
members can either increase or decreased that can impact care provided by them. According to
the view of O’Hare & et. al., (2018) dementia condition impacts a patient emotionally especially
elder patient. Patients fail to explain their ill condition because of which they start blaming others
of themselves for their condition. Abandonment, lower support level of healthcare providers or
care givers towards patients can make them emotional because of which they can feel isolated,
mistrust or misjudge someone easily and feel left out or abandoned.
Authors name & year Social and emotional
Mushi, D., & et. al., (2014). Social representation and
practices related to dementia in Hai District of
Dementia add significant burden upon family
members, increase in family support,
27

Tanzania. BMC Public Health, 14(1), p.260. involvement of family members treatment and
improvement plan of patient.
Scott, H., (2020). The impact of dementia on the
selfhood and identity of women: a social
constructionist approach (Doctoral dissertation,
Cardiff University).
Threat of selfhood, relationship with others is
impacted, isolation
Connolly, S., & et. al., (2014). Estimating the
economic and social costs of dementia in
Ireland. Dementia, 13(1), pp.5-22.
Increase in pressure to provide adequate level
of support and care, increase in care provided
by family members and friends.
O’Hare, A.M., & et. al., (2018). Emotional impact of
illness and care on patients with advanced kidney
disease. Clinical Journal of the American Society of
Nephrology, 13(7), pp.1022-1029.
This study clearly explain that dementias does
have an emotional impact upon a patient. It
results in abandonment, being emotional,
isolation, mistrust, alienation, over emotional
and quick to blame themselves
van der & et. al., (2017). Do determinants of burden
and emotional distress in dementia caregivers change
over time?. Aging & mental health, 21(3), pp.232-
240.
Increase burden upon care givers, increase in
provision of competence and high affection by
care givers to patients.
28

CHAPTER FIVE - DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATION
5.0 Introduction to the chapter
This chapter of the study is the final chapter which highlights the discussion of the findings, the
conclusion and the recommendation of the study. The chapter explains the findings of the study
with regards to the personal opinion of the researcher.
5.1 Discussion of the findings
Behavioural
Evidence from this review shows that dementia impact on the behaviour of people living with
the condition. It shows that they experience agitation, Aggressive Behavior, Disinhibition,
Apathy, Sleep disorders, Anxiety and Aberrant motor behaviour. This is not surprising as
dementia is related to memory loss which could impact on people interpersonal skills required
behave in a certain way. This result of this study is consistent with the findings of another review
in Spain (Cited) which linked dementia to behavioural issues.
Psychological
As per study, it has identified that dementia often experience change in their emotional
response. It may have limited control over their feelings. It is very difficult for handling own
feeling and expression. It directly impacting on the individual person may be irritable, rapid
mood change and overreacting. This type of condition can be identified as appear unusually
The third objective of the study had to deal with the psychological effects of dementia on people
living with the condition. The study findings revealed that the psychological effects of dementia
included Depression, Psychosis, Hallucinations, Delusion, Delusional misidentification and Visual
hallucinations. These behavioural and psychological effects are very common in dementia patients;
however, these effects vary in relation to the type of dementia and how long a patient has been with
the condition. Fauth, & Gibbons, (2014), in their study, revealed that most prevalent NPI symptoms
29

were Apathy, Depression, and Agitation. This means that, with regards to the number of people
living with dementia, most of them are likely to experience the effects of Apathy, Depression, and
Agitation. However, the most intense (frequency × severity) were Appetite, Motor behaviours, and
Apathy, and most distressing were Delusions, Agitation, and Irritability.What this also means is that,
of all the behavioural and psychological effects of dementia, Appetite, Motor behaviours, and Apathy
are the most intense and the most distressing ones are Delusions, Agitation, and Irritability. In the
opinion of the researcher, agitation and aggression can be considered as the most common and
intense effect of dementia on people living with the condition. It is very easy and common to see a
dementia patient showing strong agitation and intense aggression now and then.
Social and emotional
As per evidence, it can review the current stage of Dementia which can have a huge
impact on the person life style. Someone recently have been diagnosed the dementia which is
likely to experience wide range of emotional distraction. Initially, it include anger, relief, loss,
grief. This type of situation is not surprising for patient. Through this study, it has been
examined the current situation and generate an accurate result or outcome. It is important to
provide appropriate support to dementia patients as it can impact them emotionally and can
isolate them, their relationship with others can get impacted.
The study has been conducted with four specific objectives. These objectives were to assess the
prevalence of dementia in the United Kingdom, to explore the behavioural effect of dementia on
people living with the condition, to identify the psychological effect of dementia on people living
with the condition and to examine make recommendations as to how caregivers and the
government of UK can help and support people with the condition.
With regards to the first objective of the study, the study analyzed the rate of dementia
worldwide and in the UK. It was revealed that there is an estimation of 52 million people living
with dementia and 850,000 people in the UK alone. Also, projections made by the World Health
Organizations (2018) shows a projection of about 152 million people getting dementia by the
year 2050. Projections in the UK shows that there will be about 1.6 million people living with
30

dementia in the UK by the year 2040 (Alzheimer’s Society, 2019). What these findings indicate
is the fact that the prevalence of dementia both worldwide and the UK does not seem to get any
better. Governments are making efforts, international bodies such as the World Health
Organization to help control the rise in dementia cases around the world. However, these
methods seem not to make the issue get any better. In the opinion of the researcher, these
measures can be seen as mere management and coping of the situation rather than a solution to
the problem. This can be associated with the fact that dementia is not a disease that has a well-
established and known cause or cure. However, the government of the UK (2019) published on
its official website some of the ways that can be used to reduce the risk of an individual
developing dementia health condition. The measured includes; being more physically active,
eating healthily and maintain a healthy weight, drinking less alcohol, putting an end to smoking,
being socially active and controlling diabetes and high blood pressure. In my opinion, as to the
researcher, I have personal knowledge to believe that smoking and alcohol accounts for most
cases of dementia in older people.
In the finding of the study, the researcher also discovered through the projections made by Prince et
al., (2014) showing that there will be an estimated number of over 2 million people living with
dementia in the UK by the year 2050 of which, around 1.3 million of them will be females while
700,000 of them will be males. These statistics indicate that females are more likely to develop
dementia as compared to males. However, throughout the review of the existing literature, not study
has been conducted to explain these projections. On the types of dementia, the researcher observed
through the findings that, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia in the UK.
These finding also implies that, of the estimate of 52 million people with dementia worldwide, the
majority of them are likely to be caused by Alzheimer’s disease. The next in line to this type of
dementia in the UK is Vascular Dementia which accounts for 20% of the total number of people
living with dementia in the region.
With regards to the second objective of the study, the researcher examined the behavioural
effects of dementia on people living with the condition. The study reviewed several paper and
reports which highlighted on the behavioural effects of dementia. After a detailed review of
several studies, the researcher came up with many behavioural effects of dementia. These
behavioural effects of dementia included Agitation, Aggressive Behavior, Disinhibition, Apathy,
Sleep disorders, Anxiety, Aberrant motor behaviour, Irritability and Euphoria.
31

Findings of Van der Mussele et al., (2013) who examined the prevalence and associated
behavioural symptoms of depression in mild cognitive impairment and dementia due to
Alzheimer's disease also revealed some interesting findings to the researcher. The study
discovered that the prevalence of significant depressive symptoms in Alzheimer's disease
patients (25%) was higher compared with mild cognitive impairment patients (16%). This means
that Alzheimer's disease patients are more likely to show depressive symptoms compared to mild
cognitive impairment patients. This finding of the study was consistent with that of Di Iulio et
al., (2010) who revealed in their study that, a large proportion of AD (49.6%) and multidomain-
MCI (44.1%) patients had depression disorder.
All these behavioural and psychological effects of dementia on people living with the condition
affect them to a very great extent. This reduces the quality of life of such people. The findings of
Conde‐Sala et al., (2016) on the effects of anosognosia and neuropsychiatric symptoms on the
quality of life of patients with Alzheimer's disease showed that, a higher total NPI score was
associated with a more negative rating of QoL‐p among caregivers (p < 0.001) and that, the
neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPI) associated with a more negative view of QoL‐p were
depression, for patients' self‐ratings, and apathy and agitation for caregiver ratings. What these
findings mean to the researcher is that the neuropsychiatric effects of dementia lead to a negative
view of the quality of life of Alzheimer's disease patients. This implies that the more these
patients experience such neuropsychiatric effects, their quality of life decrease, the more. The
findings also imply that, upon all the neuropsychiatric effects, depression, apathy and agitation
has the greatest and the most significant negative effects on patient’s quality of life.
The final part of the study findings dealt with examining and making recommendations as to how
caregivers and the government of the UK can help and support people with the condition. In the UK,
their government has put in place several measures and policies to improve dementia care, support
and research. In England, for instance, the National Dementia Strategy 2009 and the 2012 Dementia
Challenge and the lasts one being the Challenge of Dementia 2020. In February 2015, the
government of the UK published the Challenge of Dementia 2020 as a successor of the 2012
Dementia Challenge. The two main objectives of the Challenge of Dementia 2020 policy are to
become the best country in the world for dementia care and support and for people with dementia,
32

their carers and families to live and the best place in the world to research dementia and other
neurodegenerative diseases. The government hoped to achieve these goals by taking several
initiatives such as increasing public awareness and understanding of the factors that increase the risk
of developing dementia, equal access to dementia diagnosis, training of NHS staff on dementia
and their appropriate role and many other strategies. The issues arising now are the evaluation of
the progress of the government and the NHS in executing these strategies to achieve their 2020
objectives. Other research has also come up with several ways that can be adopted to improve
dementia care and support for people living with dementia in the UK. Based on these studies, the
researcher made recommendations for the study.
5.3 Recommendations for service provision, policy and further areas of research
Recommendation for service provision
The recommendation for service provision that needs to identify the rejection of request or
failure in service delivery. Once it would be considered the recommendations:
 Express the knowledge about the individual regarding the experience within particular
services. Afterwards, it can be examined the current situation or condition.
 Talk about the level individual at level. For instance, when an individual person working
directly with their co-workers.
 It must ensure that all essential information or data is accurate and improve poor service
which will handle the current position of business.
Recommendation for policy
Policy recommendation is just form of different standards analytical way to analyse
current situation and then implement suitable action. It has been recommended that include
specific approaches to follow the sequence: identify and clarify the issue of policy, carry out the
essential consultations, gather or collect relevant information through background, take an
approval from authority.
Furthermore, it has recommended that consider both direct as well as indirect structure. Direct
structure should follow to identify the issue or problem. Afterwards, it will cover background
and different factors associated with alternative option.
33

Recommendation for further research
Based on the findings of the study, the researcher made the following recommendations,
Firstly, there is a need for an informed workforce for people with dementia. This calls for the
need for an effective training session for caregivers and medical practitioners who cater for
people with dementia. As such, the researcher recommends that the government and the NHS
should organize training sessions for people involved in the care of dementia patients. Such
education can also be extended to families and love ones of people living with dementia.
Secondly, caregivers and health practitioners caring for people living with dementia should try to
involve people living with dementia in decisions about their care. Caregiver and medical
practitioners should encourage and enable people living with dementia share their views and
opinions about their health care. This will help make people living with dementia feel at ease and
reduce the occurrences of behavioural and psychological effects such as aggression and
agitation.
5.2 Conclusion
The study has been conducted to examine the behavioural and psychological effects of dementia on
people living with the condition. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher made four main
conclusions. Firstly, about 50 million people have dementia worldwide, and 850,000 people have
dementia in the UK. Secondly, the behavioural effects of dementia on people living with the
condition included Agitation, Aggressive Behavior, Disinhibition, Apathy, Sleep disorders, Anxiety,
Aberrant motor behaviour, Irritability and Euphoria. Thirdly, the psychological effects of dementia
on people living with the condition included Depression, Psychosis, Hallucinations, Delusion,
Delusional misidentification and Visual hallucinations. Finally, the government of UK has already
put several measures and policies in place to support people living with dementia, and these include
the National Dementia Strategy 2009, the 2012 Dementia Challenge and the most recent one being
the Challenge of Dementia 2020.
Thirdly, the researcher has observed that, in almost all the researchers about dementia, the main
focus is on the people who have dementia. However, there is also the need for extensive
knowledge on the awareness of dementia and its risk factors by the younger population. Should
the need be for awareness, the government of UK and the NHS should organize awareness and
34

sensitization programs to impact the knowledge of the risk factors and what can be done by
younger people to avoid developing dementia.
Last but not least, the general public should also be sensitized and educated in order not to
engage in any form of stigmatization for people living with dementia. The general public needs
to be educated and oriented to be more supportive of people living with dementia. This will go a
long way to improve the care and reception of people living with dementia receives in their
communities.
5.4 Summary of the chapter.
Chapter five of the study has presented a discussion of the study findings, the conclusion of the study
and the recommendations made by the researcher. The chapter has presented the reader with the
opinion of the researcher with regards to the findings of the study as far as the research objectives are
concerned. The chapter also presented the recommendations made by the researcher that can be used
by the government of United Kingdom and the National Health Services on ways they can use to
improve the care for people living with dementia in the region.
35

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APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1: Data Summary of journal articles
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