Dementia

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Dementia is a progressive brain dysfunction that gradually leads to an increased restraint of daily activities. It is not a specific disease and there are many disorders that can cause dementia. The most familiar types are Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. These disorders are caused by an incurable condition and individuals will eventually become unable to care for themselves. Individuals may lose their ability to maintain emotional control and may experience personality changes and behavioural problems. Dementia not only affects the sufferer, but everyone around them.

However, other types of dementia can be halted or reversed if the correct treatment is given. There are approximately 70 to 80 different types of dementia and the degree of reversibility depends on the particular type and on how quickly the basic cause is treated. Dementia mostly occurs after the age of 65, however it can also affect younger people. An estimated five percent of people over the age of 65 are affected to some extent by dementia. Those with moderate or advanced dementia usually require round-the-clock supervision and care to ensure they don't hurt themselves or others. Daily activities such as bathing, dressing and eating may also require assistance.

Dementia is caused by problems in the way the brain works; when neurones are not working as they should be or dying. The biggest risk factor in all types of dementia is increasing age and by the age of 90, approximately one in three people are affected.

Symptoms:

Dementia causes many problems for the sufferer and their family. Some early signs of dementia include:

Forgetfulness

Memory loss

Confusion

Difficulties with familiar activities

Language problems

Impaired capacity of judgement

Problems with abstract thinking

Leaving things behind

Mood swings

Loss of initiative

Cause:

The term dementia covers a range of symptoms accompanying certain disorders or diseases and there are many different causes of dementia, all varying in progression. Diseases more commonly connected with dementia are genetic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease. Some research has suggested that Alzheimer's disease accounts for about 60% of all cases of dementia.

Treatment:

Dementia of aging and traumatic injuries to the brain is not usually treatable. However drugs are now available specifically for Alzheimer's disease and other progressive dementias and though they do not halt or reverse the existing brain damage, they can improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Many other forms of dementia can be reversed and improved by treating the condition.

Dementia Statistics:  More Statistics >>

20 per cent of people in the UK over the age of 80 and 6 per cent over the age of 65 are affected by dementia. [16] There are some 650,000 people with dementia known to health authorities in the UK. Over two thirds of them are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. [17] The Alzheimer’s Society reports that dementia currently affects over 750,000 individuals in the UK. By 2010, the number is expected to rise to around 870,000. [18]
(Statistics from Mind.org.uk)

Further Help:

NHS Direct

Alzheimers Society

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