Dementia

There are a range of diseases and conditions that result in the progressive degradation of a persons ability to function, the symptoms of these illnesses are called dementia.

Dementia Symptoms – Signs of Dementia

Because dementia is progressive, the related symptoms will become worse and worse.

• Loss of memory
• Speech problems
• Comprehension difficulty – effects the ability to understand concepts
• Confusion – particularly since people may lose the ability to comprehend and grasp concepts, confusion will ensue
• Mood issues – a combination of confusion and other symptoms of dementia will result in sufferers being angry or frightened of their condition

It is extremely important to seek a diagnosis as soon as signs give reason for concern. The symptoms could be a result of another condition but if a person has dementia, planning for the days ahead will be of great help to everybody concerned. For the sufferer themselves, an early detection of dementia allows them to take care of their personal affairs while they are still able.

Causes of Dementia - Dementia Types

Dementia may be caused by many diseases and conditions but there are some which are more prevalent than others

• Alzheimers Dementia is the most common and well known of the diseases to cause dementia. It affects the brain in a way that aggressively degrades the sufferer’s functions.
• Parkinson’s Disease is an attack on the central nervous system which is often visually characterised by shaking, speech problems and joint stiffness. Dementia is a symptom that usually occurs in the later stages of this disease. Some of the high profile personalities who have developed this condition include Mohammed Ali and Michael J. Fox.
• Vascular dementia occurs when a condition affects the blood supply to the brain
• “Dementia with Lewy bodies” are tiny structures that develop inside the nerves of the brain resulting in brain degradation
• Alcoholic dementia is bought on by alcohol and is exasperated by a deficiency in Vitamin B

Dementia Care

So many people continue to be affected by dementia that there are a huge range of resources and support available to family members and friends wanting to understand more about this condition.

> Learning about Dementia

The behaviours associated with dementia can be well understood and managed by those who care for them through education. For example, dementia may be broken up into stages which a family may learn to recognise and how to react when a dementia sufferer exhibits typical behaviour.

> Well Being of Carers

Taking care of a person suffering from dementia is rewarding but it can be just as taxing on the carers who put their energy into developing a positive relationship. It is for this reason that the well being of carers is very important and there is a great amount of support and resources available specifically for them.

> Resources

We’ve made mention that there are many resources available to inform, connect and help those affected by Dementia. There are so many it’s difficult to list them here, but we will point you in the right direction with some ideas that should be available to everyone who reads this regardless of your location

• Online resources for dementia and Alzheimers are enormous and you have already stumbled upon this page so you are well and truly on your way to finding a wealth of information
• Support groups (online, telephone or in person)
• Written, audio visual and online media
• Your General Practitioner
• Aged Care services
• Training programs

Dementia Treatment

There are drugs that can be given to people suffering various forms of dementia. Because the diseases are generally not curable the drugs are prescribed to put the sufferer at ease and to minimize the distress that dementia can place upon them. There is continuous ongoing research into vaccines and the treatment of dementia.

Prevention

The exact causes of dementia are still unknown as are the preventative measures but it is thought that a healthy and mentally active lifestyle will hold off the onset of dementia.