Did you know that more than 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia? And 400,000 of those people live in Australia in 2023. It is expected to double by 2050! (Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, 2023). Therefore, it deserves our attention and all hands on deck to deal with this disease.
Maybe you have experienced Dementia, perhaps you are looking after people with Dementia, or you are just curious about this disease and want to know more. Whatever the drive, you are in the right place.
Hi, I am Dr Dennis Welcome to my weekly blog on all things Dementia. Like some of you, I have personal experience with a loved one suffering from this disease. My late grandmother was subjected to this disease for more than one decade and finally succumbed due to the multiple complications of Dementia. Yes, it was a traumatic experience for me, but more so for her children, my uncles and aunties, who had to deal with the daily realities of managing her disease from incontinence to artificial feeding. I have good news for those who understand what I said!
DEMENTIA IS NOT AN UNBEATABLE BEAST!
There is growing evidence to suggest Dementia is preventable and, in some cases, REVERSIBLE! Let us unlock the mystery together, and I will take the lead. Just follow my blog, as I will focus on early detection, which can make a difference in managing this condition effectively.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is not just about memory loss; it affects thinking, communication, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. The key word is interfering with daily living, and for this reason, I wouldn’t say I like labelling people as suffering from Dementia. Allow me to dissect this term in my future blog.
Early Signs of Dementia
– Memory Loss: Forgetting recent events or important dates.
– Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks: Struggling with daily routines like cooking or driving.
– Language Problems: Trouble finding the right words or following conversations.
– Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places or not knowing the time and date.
– Poor Judgment: Making decisions that are uncharacteristic or risky.
– Mood and Personality Changes: Unexplained fluctuations in mood, becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed.
Please do not panic, friends; not all signs point towards Dementia; some signs are symptoms of other diseases (which may look like Dementia) and not all Dementia person has all the signs all at once.
Dementia versus Alzheimer’s?
In my clinical experience, many people are confused between these terms/conditions. So, let’s clear the air before we move on. Dementia is an umbrella term describing many neurodegenerative (“deteriorating neurons”) conditions of the brain, and Alzheimer’s is one of them, and it happens to be the commonest one. Many other diseases can also lead to dementia.
Watch this Short Video:
What shall I do now if I have some “signs.”
First thing first, don’t lose sleep over it! I recommend starting a simple journal by you or your caregiver or partner, writing and recording what you have forgotten, any daily activities you are struggling with, others’ comments, etc. Next, see your local general practitioner, describe the symptoms, and they will manage them. But do yourself a favour, stop consulting Dr. Google, and only follow expert recommendations. If you like, call Prime Garden Mont Albert North on (03) 98904488, leave a message or email info@primegardensrs.com.au, and our responsive staff will get back to you.For more information and support, visit Home | Dementia Australia
