Here’s 5 things that we think you should know about dementia.
1. Dementia isn’t a natural part of ageing
If an elderly person starts to become confused or forgetful, a lot of the time people will say that it’s part of getting old. However, dementia isn’t momentarily forgetting your daughters name or forgetting what you had for lunch, people with dementia may not even remember meeting others, which adds to stress and illness. Having dementia doesn’t just mean that you have memory problems, there are other symptoms that effect daily life. The condition isn’t part of ageing, it is caused by changes to the chemistry and structure of the brain. If you are worried about your memory, you should contact your local GP.
2. Diseases of the brain causes dementia
The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, this causes the chemistry and the structure of the brain to change which causes brain cells to die. The first sign of Alzheimer’s disease is usually short term memory loss.
There are other kinds of dementia which include: Dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia including Pick’s disease, Vascular dementia and mixed dementia which is both Vascular and Alzheimer’s diseases. These diseases effect the brain in different ways. Vascular dementia following a stroke can often progress in a stepped way, whereas Alzheimer’s usually starts slow and progresses gradually, but everybody’s dementia is different.
3. It isn’t all about losing your memory
Dementia can affect the way that people, speak, think, behave, feel and perceive things. Some common symptoms can be struggling with familiar daily tasks like using your card or reading a book. The condition can also effect, judging distances with eyes, controlling emotions, finding it hard to keep up with conversation, being withdrawn and lacking confidence. It is progressive too which can mean that some conditions start to become worse in time, but it varies with each person, some can stay independent for years.
There are currently no known cures for dementia but there are ways to help symptoms and make life better through each stage.
4. People live well with dementia
As we all know, scientists are trying to find a cure for dementia. In the meantime there are drugs and treatments that can help people live healthy, active lives. Some drugs can slow symptoms of dementia down which is why it’s important to see your GP if you feel as if there is a problem. There are also treatments that don
’t involve drugs which can involve keeping mentally, socially and physically active, cognitive stimulation which can include word puzzles, and also life story work which includes sharing memories and experiences with others. This can boost confidence, memory, self -esteem and help avoid depression.
5. There is more to a person than dementia
Having to live with dementia can be very challenging and future plans may have to change. Yes you may need extra help and support but it doesn’t change who you are.
If you suffer or know someone that suffers from dementia, Ableworld are here to help. We have products such as telephones, telecare, security and safety items, watches, wade ceramic, pill dispensers, walking sticks and straps, magnifiers with straps and a walking frame caddy available to help those with dementia feel safe and secure. Click here to view the range of products available.
For more information about dementia, please visit www.alzheimers.org.uk
For products to help with dementia and any advice you might need, please visit our website or talk to our dementia friendly staff at any of our mobility shops.