Dementia
What is Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms caused by diseases that affect how the brain works. It can cause changes in memory, reasoning, communication, behaviour and mood, and may gradually make everyday activities more difficult.
Different Types of Dementia
Dementia is caused by diseases that damage brain cells. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Other forms include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia.
Although dementia is more common later in life, it is not limited to older people. When symptoms develop before the age of 65, it is referred to as young-onset dementia.
Although dementia is more common later in life, it is not limited to older people. When symptoms develop before the age of 65, it is referred to as young-onset dementia.
How Dementia Affects the Brain
The brain contains billions of nerve cells that continually exchange information. This communication allows us to think, remember, speak, feel and control many of the body’s functions.
Dementia damages these cells and interferes with the way messages travel through the brain. The effects vary from person to person, depending on the condition involved and the areas of the brain that have been affected.
No two people experience dementia in exactly the same way. Understanding each person’s individual symptoms, abilities and needs is therefore an important part of providing appropriate care and support.
Dementia damages these cells and interferes with the way messages travel through the brain. The effects vary from person to person, depending on the condition involved and the areas of the brain that have been affected.
No two people experience dementia in exactly the same way. Understanding each person’s individual symptoms, abilities and needs is therefore an important part of providing appropriate care and support.