Dementia

Dementia is the umbrella term for a range of progressive neurological disorders affecting brain functioning. Amongst these are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy Body disease, Parkinson’s-related dementia, Frontal Lobe dementia, HIV/Aids-related dementia, and others. There are more than 100 types of diseases that may cause dementia (ADI website).

According to the World Health Organisation in its International Classification of Diseases (2003), dementia is: “A syndrome due to disease of the brain, usually of a chronic or progressive nature, in which there is disturbance of multiple higher cortical functions, including memory, thinking, orientation, comprehensions, calculation, learning capacity, language and judgement.

Causes
Alzheimer’s damages and kills brain cells, ultimately shrinking the brain. The exact cause of it is uncertain, but it is believed to stem from a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.

There are also two hypotheses, which state that a build-up of protein in the brain called amyloid and Tau affect the supporting and transport system of brain cells, are responsible.

• Difficulty performing daily tasks
• Forgetfulness and confusion as a result of attention and concentration
• Memory loss
• Repeating statements and questions
• Misplacement of personal belongings
• Disorientation
• Forgetting names of family and friends
• Agnosia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in mood, personality and behaviour, for example depression, irritability, emotional outbursts
• Poor judgement
• Difficulty writing and speaking

The part of the brain that stores early childhood information, skills and habits tends to be affected later, delaying the degeneration of the below:

• Dancing
• Singing
• Story telling
• Crafting
• Hobbies

Focusing on these abilities can help maintain quality of life.

1. Pre-dementia: Early symptoms, associated with memory loss, often mistaken for aging or stress
2. Early dementia: Definitive diagnosis stage, with memory and learning compromised
3. Moderate dementia: Progressive deterioration starts to hinder independence
4. Advanced Dementia: Patient is completely dependent upon caregivers

• There is currently no specific test available to diagnose AD. Instead, the diagnosis is mainly clinical.
• A medical history and behavioural observation is performed by a doctor.
• Specialised scans and imaging may assist in ruling out other conditions.

• Studies show that long-term participation in activities and events that are mentally and socially stimulating may reduce the risk of AD.
• A healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise are recommended.

Current treatment manages the symptoms of AD, such as:

• Cognitive enhances
• Cognition, behaviour and function
• In some cases, additional medication may be required for insomnia, depression, agitation or anxiety.
• Support through family, friends and groups