Dementia

  • Dementia
    is a broad term for a range of conditions that involve loss of mental ability and so cause problems with memory, language, behaviour and emotions. Dementia is most common in the elderly. Around five percent of people over the age of 65 are affected to some extent.  According to Alzheimer’s Disease International with increasing life expectancy, this is expected to surge to 75.6 million in 2030. Disease awareness and understanding is a huge challenge  
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 31 July 2014

is a broad term for a range of conditions that involve loss of mental ability and so cause problems with memory, language, behaviour and emotions. Dementia is most common in the elderly. Around five percent of people over the age of 65 are affected to some extent. 

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, in 2013, there were 44.4 million people with dementia. But with increasing life expectancy, this is expected to surge to 75.6 million in 2030. Some of the fastest growth in elderly population is taking place in China and India.

Dementia is caused by problems in the way the brain works. The brain is made of billions of brain cells or 'neurons’, through which electrical signals pass. Normally these cells signal to each other through narrow gaps (synapses) with the help of chemicals called 'neurotransmitters'.

Dementia is caused by neurons not working properly or dying. This often changes the levels of different neurotransmitters, which affect the functioning of the brain. Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It is different from the mild forgetfulness that can occur in the elderly.

Related reading:

Signs and Symptoms

Tests to assess Dementia

Types of Dementia and Complications 

Causes of Dementia and Risk Factors

Managing Dementia 

 

Community
Alzheimer's and Dementia
Condition
Dementia
Changed
Thu, 08/03/2017 - 11:05

Stories

  • Dementia caregiving challenges and solutions
    Families often find themselves at wit’s end looking after a loved one with dementia. Porrselvi A.P., a cognitive and psychosocial interventions specialist, offers a case study that shows that caregiving challenges can be overcome with the right strategies.  We received a call from a very disturbed Mr. K, who was trying to find a dementia care home for his aged father, Mr. S., aged 73. Mr. K was distressed because he had never thought there would come a day when he would have to seek…
  • Image description: Black and white image shows an elderly persons hands on a lap
    Coping with Disasters and Dementia
    Disasters such as floods have an even worse impact on people with dementia. Dr Sridhar Vaitheswaran explains what precautions and coping measures can be taken A disaster is defined as an unexpected event that kills a lot of people or causes a lot of damage (Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary). During a disaster, routine life is affected to a significant extent. Individual lives are under threat and the immediate focus is on protecting lives. The capacity of organisations that generally manage…
  • Living well with Dementia in Hindi
    A excellent video in Hindi from the UK.  Covers the following aspects: What is Dementia Types of Dementia - Alzheimer's, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body, etc.. Difference between Dementia and Ageing Medication and treatment  Management of Dementia Importance of a support network so you realise you are not alone Advise to caregivers and carers: Share your worries and concerns with friends and family members Join support groups Involve the family, even children Use care services whenever…
  • Can Lifestyle Changes Prevent Dementia [INFOGRAPHIC]
    Can healthy eating, regular exercise and maintaining healthy weight prevent dementia? Find out what you can do to prevent dementia [INFOGRAPHIC]. Related reading here
  • Dementia – Drop the Negative Attitude
    Misconceptions, early warning signs and the latest reseach that offers hope… PatientsEngage interviews Dr.Jacob Roy Kuriakose, Vice President, Alzheimer’s Disease International on the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Month. 62% of people with dementia live in low- and middle-income countries. Why is this? Is it due to lifestyle, diet or lack of awareness? What can be done to lower the numbers?  With increasing life expectancy, number of people with dementia is going up.  …
  • Management of Dementia
    Managing the condition Dementia generally gets worse with age but the development of symptoms can often be slowed with drugs or other treatments. Treatment of dementia usually aims to improve memory and concentration, reduce psychiatric problems, and improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family. Read here for various treatment options: http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/dementia/treatments Improving quality of life: There are several psychological techniques to…
  • Dementia Treatment
    Dementia generally gets worse with age but the development of symptoms can often be slowed with drugs or other treatments. Treatment of dementia usually aims to improve memory and concentration, reduce psychiatric problems, and improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family. Improving memory and concentration: The memory difficulties seen in Alzheimer's disease can be relieved for a short time in some people with drugs that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain…
  • Prevention of Dementia
    Managing the following may help: Cardiovascular risk factors: Your brain is nourished by one of your body's richest networks of blood vessels. Anything that damages blood vessels anywhere in your body can damage blood vessels in your brain, depriving brain cells of vital food and oxygen.  Blood vessel changes in the brain are linked to vascular dementia. These are often present along with changes caused by other types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies…
  • Types of Dementia
    Different types of Dementia • Alzheimer’s disease: This is the most common type of dementia and is marked by protein deposits in the brain and nerve cell damage.  • Vascular (or blood vessel) dementia: This is a type of dementia that is caused by disease or injury to blood vessels in the brain. • Lewy body dementia (DLB): This is a dementia that has the primary symptoms of visual hallucinations. • Frontotemporal dementia (FTD): This is a dementia that is characterised by drastic…
  • Dementia Tests and Diagnosis
    What tests do you need to do to assess if a person has Dementia: Mini mental state examination (MMSE): This is a brief 30-point questionnaire test. It takes about 10 minutes and examines functions including arithmetic, memory and orientation.  Abbreviated mental test score (AMTS): This was introduced in 1972 to rapidly assess elderly patients for the possibility of dementia.  Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) Informant…