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Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in mental functioning. There are a variety of causes. The most common early symptoms The early symptoms of dementia are subtle and vary for each person and from day-to-day. Symptoms gradually get worse. Common symptoms include: - Memory problems, especially for recent events (long term memory usually remains in the early stages).
- Language and speech difficulties.
- Confusion, getting lost.
- Personality changes and behaviour changes.
- Apathy and withdrawal.
- Loss of ability to do familiar tasks.
Types and causes There are many different types of dementia. The most common are: - Alzheimer's disease - there is no known cause, except for a very small percentage of cases which are inherited.M<.,
- Vascular dementia - damage is caused by 'mini-strokes'; risk may be fullout reduced by maintaining good cardiovascular health: no smoking, weight control, exercise.
- Pick's disease and frontal lobe dementia - damage starts in the front part of the brain, with personality and behavioural symptoms more common early on; the causes are unknown.
- Parkinson's disease - dementia is more common in people with Parkinson's but not everyone with Parkinson's gets dementia; the causes are unknown.
- Alcohol related dementia - caused by too much alcohol, especially with a poor diet, low in Vitamin B1 (thiamine); can be prevented by avoiding alcohol abuse.
- AIDS related dementia - caused by the AIDS virus, but does not affect everyone with AIDS.
- Huntington's disease - an inherited condition, dementia is usually an inevitable part of the deterioration.
Dementia and ageing Dementia is not a normal part of ageing, although it is more common in older people. People as young as 40 can get Alzheimer's disease. One in four people aged over 85 years have some form of dementia. Diagnosis is important It is important to confirm a diagnosis. This will: Rule out other conditions which can be mistaken for dementia - such as depression, stress,pain or infection.Enable treatments to be discussed - there are treatments which can help some people.Help planning for the future to start early, while the person affected can still actively participate.Allow support to be arranged to assist both the person with dementia and their family.A local doctor or specialist should conduct a full assessment. Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS) clinics are available throughout Victoria to assist in diagnosis. If the person will not go to a doctor or the doctor is unwilling to take your concerns seriously, seek advice on how to deal with this from the Alzheimer's Association Victoria. Getting help early will make a difference The earlier help is found, the better the family and person with the disease will be. It is important to: - Plan ahead - while the person can still legally sign documents, get an enduring power of attorney (to manage financial affairs) and enduring medical power of attorney (to manage medical decisions).
- Get information - find out about dementia and what lies ahead, being informed gives people more sense of control.
- Seek support - many people find it helpful to talk through what a diagnosis of dementia means and how they can make adjustments.
- Practical help - help in the home, respite so carers can have a break, the person with dementia going out to clubs, day centres or outings with friends, all make a positive difference.
Support services There is a wide range of community services which help both the person with dementia and their carers throughout the course of the disease. These include: - Dementia Helpline.
- Support and information groups, for people in the early stages of dementia and their careers.
- Career education and training programs.
- Books, videos and other resources.
- Counselling and practical advice, for individuals or family groups.
- Carer support groups.
- Telephone support programs.
- Day centres.
- Respite care, including in-home, out-of-home and flexible care (such as holidays). Home care and meals on wheels.
- Hostels and nursing homes.
Things to remember Dementia is a progressive decline in mental functioning.
There are many causes of dementia - Alzheimer's disease is just one.
While dementia is more common in older people, it is not a normal part of ageing.
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