Dementia

Dementia is the umbrella term for a range of progressive neurological disorders affecting brain functioning. Amongst these are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy Body disease, Parkinson’s-related dementia, Frontal Lobe dementia, HIV/Aids-related dementia, and others. There are more than 100 types of diseases that may cause dementia (ADI website).

Dementia
Alzheimer’s Disease
Signs and Symptoms
Skills that remain very late
Stages
Diagnosis
Preventative measures
Treatment
What to expect

DEMENTIA

According to the World Health Organisation in its International Classification of Diseases (2003), dementia is: “A syndrome due to disease of the brain, usually of a chronic or progressive nature, in which there is disturbance of multiple higher cortical functions, including memory, thinking, orientation, comprehensions, calculation, learning capacity, language and judgement.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Causes Alzheimer’s damages and kills brain cells, ultimately shrinking the brain. The exact cause of it is uncertain, but it is believed to stem from a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. There are also two hypotheses, which state that a build-up of protein in the brain called amyloid and Tau affect the supporting and transport system of brain cells, are responsible.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Difficulty performing daily tasks
Forgetfulness and confusion as a result of attention and concentration
Memory loss
Repeating statements and questions
Misplacement of personal belongings
Disorientation
Forgetting names of family and friends
Agnosia
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in mood, personality and behaviour, for example depression, irritability, emotional outbursts
Poor judgement
Difficulty writing and speaking

SKILLS THAT REMAIN VERY LATE

he part of the brain that stores early childhood information, skills and habits tends to be affected later, delaying the degeneration of the below: • Dancing • Singing • Story telling • Crafting • Hobbies Focusing on these abilities can help maintain quality of life.

STAGES

Pre-dementia: Early symptoms, associated with memory loss, often mistaken for aging or stress
Early dementia: Definitive diagnosis stage, with memory and learning compromised
Moderate dementia: Progressive deterioration starts to hinder independence
Advanced Dementia: Patient is completely dependent upon caregivers

DIAGNOSIS

There is currently no specific test available to diagnose AD. Instead, the diagnosis is mainly clinical.
A medical history and behavioural observation is performed by a doctor.
Specialised scans and imaging may assist in ruling out other conditions.

RISK FACTORS

Age
Family history of AD
Having Down Syndrome
More common among females
Previous repetitive head trauma
An unhealthy lifestyle

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

Studies show that long-term participation in activities and events that are mentally and socially stimulating may reduce the risk of AD.
A healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise are recommended.

TREATMENT

Current treatment manages the symptoms of AD, such as:

Cognitive enhances
Cognition, behaviour and function
In some cases, additional medication may be required for insomnia, depression, agitation or anxiety.
Support through family, friends and groups

WHAT TO EXPECT

Pneumonia, urinary tract infection and dehydration are the most common dangers. Individuals with AD are also more prone to falling and injuring themselves. A calm and stable home environment can help reduce behavioural problems. Routine habits and reducing memory-demanding tasks can also make life much easier. Hence, the following are suggested:

Always keep your valuables, such as your phone and wallet, in the same place at home
Keep a list of your daily tasks and appointments, and tick them off as they have been completed
Remove clutter from your space
Ask your doctor to keep your treatment regime as simple as possible
Schedule regular appointments for the same day, same time and same location
Activate the location application on your phone in case you get lost
Automate regular monthly payments as far as possible
Keep photographs and familiar items visible in your home
Wear well-fitting shoes with an adequate grip and install handrails in the bathroom and along staircases
Set reminders to intake fluids regularly

Please Note: This is an educational information leaflet only and should not be used for diagnosis. For more information on dementia, consult your healthcare professional.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Always keep your valuables, such as your phone and wallet, in the same place at home
Keep a list of your daily tasks and appointments, and tick them off as they have been completed
Remove clutter from your space
Ask your doctor to keep your treatment regime as simple as possible
Schedule regular appointments for the same day, same time and same location
Activate the location application on your phone in case you get lost
Automate regular monthly payments as far as possible
Keep photographs and familiar items visible in your home
Wear well-fitting shoes with an adequate grip and install handrails in the bathroom and along staircases
Set reminders to intake fluids regularly

Please Note: This is an educational information leaflet only and should not be used for diagnosis. For more information on dementia, consult your healthcare professional.

Medical References

The information on this website is meant to give general knowledge only. It is not medical advice and should not replace advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a doctor. It also doesn’t set a specific way that care should be given.Always talk to your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional if you have any health questions or concerns. Don’t ignore or delay getting medical help because of something you read on this website.Medical information is always changing, so the details on this site—or any sites it links to—might not be fully accurate or up to date. You should not use this information to make medical decisions for yourself or others. If you do, you are doing so at your own risk.