Dementia is not a specific condition but rather an umbrella term that describes particular illnesses that affect the brain. Dementia is defined as a progressive decline in cognitive function. Areas of cognitive decline may include:
- Everyday activities such as eating, dressing, cooking, budgeting or driving;
- Abnormal behaviours such as anxiety, depression, hallucinations, delusions or mood changes; and
- Cognition such as memory, concentration, judgement, language dysfunction or spatial perception.
Early symptoms are usually subtle. Common symptoms that may arise include progressive memory loss; changes in personality and behaviour; confusion; apathy and withdrawal; or decline in participation of everyday tasks.
In 2013, it was estimated that 322 000 Australians were diagnosed with dementia and this number is expected to rise. Additionally, 1 in 10 Australians over the age of 65 had dementia. It is important to consider that the risk of developing dementia increases with age and it can happen to anyone but the majority of people do not develop dementia and that it is not a normal part of the ageing process.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most recognisable and common form of dementia, being 75% of all dementia cases. Other common forms of dementia include but are not limited to vascular dementia, Lewy body disease and frontotemporal dementia.
Unfortunately there is no cure to dementia and it is important to focus on support from loved ones to help manage the condition. However, there are avenues to help prevent dementia such as maintaining physical activity, keeping your brain active and following a healthy diet. September 2014 is the National Dementia Awareness Month and My Rehab Team would like to play its role in increasing awareness and understanding about dementia. If you would like to know more about a management regime, please contact us on 1300MYREHAB (1300 469 794) or at info@myrehabteam.com.au.
References:
“What is Dementia?” Available from http://www.yourbrainmatters.org.au/what-dementia (Accessed on 29th August, 2014)
“Dementia” Available from http://www.aihw.gov.au/dementia/ (Accessed on 29th August, 2014)
“Dementia” Available from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Dementia_explained (Accessed on 29th August, 2014)
“Fight Alzheimer’s, Save Australia” Available from http://www.fightdementia.org.au/default.aspx (Accessed on 29th August, 2014)
Image Image courtesy of Photoshop @freedigitalphotos.net [Online] Available from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/happy-mother-and-daughter-looking-at-camera-photo-p264364 (Accessed on: 30th August, 2014)
