So what is dementia?
Dementia describes a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. In other words, dementia isn't one specific disease.
The symptoms cause a progressive decline in the ability to think and perform everyday tasks. It can also lead to changes in personality and behaviour.
Some common symptoms include:
- Memory loss
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing everyday tasks
- Confusion about time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- Difficulty speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgement
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality.
Understanding the symptoms associated with each type of dementia can help in ensuring each person’s care needs are met. It is important to remember that no two people experience dementia in the same way.
While there is no cure for dementia, it’s important to keep in mind that it is possible to continue to maintain a good quality of life for many people.
Life may change, but finding ways to focus on physical and mental wellbeing makes dealing with the progression of the disease more manageable. People often lead active and meaningful lives for many years after their diagnosis.
While it is more commonly experienced in older people, dementia can sometimes occur in those under 65 years of age. This is known as younger onset dementia.
One in ten people over the age of 65 experiences dementia, while three in ten are affected once they reach 85 years of age.
What impact does dementia have on carers and families?
Dementia has a huge impact not only on the person who has been diagnosed, but also on those closest to them. Often children of someone living with dementia find roles have been reversed as they become the caregivers. Some of the feelings commonly experienced by carers include guilt, grief, loss and even anger.
Rest assured that if you are feeling any of these things you are not alone. Even if your loved one isn’t ready to move into long-term care, feel free to arrange for a chat with our knowledgeable team who’ll be happy to offer advice or put you in touch with other carers who are going through the same thing and can offer support and understanding.