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
The most common symptoms of Dementia are:
• Memory loss, especially of more recent events
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Confusion
• Balance problems
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and acting out dreams — physically moving limbs, sleep talking, screaming, hitting or even getting up and engaging in daytime activities.
• Difficulty finding their way around, especially in new or unfamiliar surroundings
• Problems finding the correct words
• Poor concentration
• Problems learning new ideas or skills
• Psychological problems such as becoming irritable, saying or doing inappropriate things and becoming depressed or aggressive
• Severe mental and physical problems, including loss of speech, immobility, incontinence and frailty
• Difficulty planning, organising, or following instructions
• Laughing or crying inappropriately
Changed
26/Jul/2017
Community
Condition
