DEMENTIA
Dementia Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of illnesses and disease symptoms, which primarily affect the brain. The term describes a loss of mental ability associated with the gradual decline and eventual death of brain cells.
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Alzheimer’s
lzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia with over 60% of those with dementia suffering from the disease, which affects almost half a million people in the UK. Alzheimer’s disease is caused by parts of the brain wasting away, a process known as atrophy. Whilst it is not known what triggers this initially, the brain cells in someone with the disease deteriorate through the build up of protein. This build-up reduces the effectiveness of your healthy neurons, which are the nerve cells that carry messages to and from the brain. Over time, this damage spreads to several areas of the brain, such as the grey matter (which is responsible for processing thoughts) and the hippocampus (which is in charge of your memory). The gradual breakdown of these cells means that the symptoms develop
gradually over a number of years. The first sign of Alzheimer’s disease is usually minor memory problems. As the condition develops, memory problems become more severe and further symptoms develop.
Symptoms and stages In the early stages, the main symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are related to memory lapses. Someone with early symptoms may forget about recent conversations or events, repeat themselves regularly, show poor judgment or find it hard to make decisions. As this develops into the middle stage, noticeable mood changes may develop, such as increasing anxiety, periods of confusion etc. This middle stage also includes problems with speech or language, delusions, obsessive and impulsive behaviour and increasing confusion and disorientation. By this stage, someone with Alzheimer’s disease will usually need everyday support for things such as washing, dressing and using the toilet. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 19
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