Dementia is a word used to describe the symptoms which occure when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions, which may result in changes in behaviour and personality, and the loss of skills and memory,. Dementia is progressive and may be caused by a variety of illnesses, including Alzheimer's disease and Vascular Dementia.
Symptoms may include:
- Loss of memory, inability to concentrate and a poor sense of time and place
- Difficulty in finding the right words, or understanding what people are saying
- Difficulty in completing simple tasks and solving minor problems
- Mood changes and emotional upsets, sometimes with depression
Often people forget what they are meant to do, lose their way in places they know and become confused when using a telephone or working out change. Some people change their eating habits, get dressed in the middle of the night, or wander off.
Early in the illness the person with dementia and their friends and family can help by writing things down and using reminders. Later people lose the skills they need for everyday life and may fail to recognise even close family members. Eventually the brain ceases to direct activities and the person with dementia becomes increasingly dependent on others.
With the right advice and support, a lot can be done to help the person with dementia and you, their carer.
