Dementia 

 

 

 

Dementia is an overall term used to describe symptoms that impact memory, the performance of daily activities, and communication abilities.

 

Dementia is a group of thinking and social symptoms that interferes with daily functioning.

 

Not a specific disease, dementia is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions such as memory loss and judgment.

 

Symptoms of dementia include; forgetfulness, limited social skills, and thinking abilities so impaired that it interferes with daily functioning.

 

Causes of dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.

In Alzheimer’s disease, an abnormal protein surrounds brain cells a d another protein damages their internal structure.

 

The 7 stages of dementia are;

1. Stage 1 – No impairment
2. Stage 2 – very mild cognitive decline
3. Stage 3 – mild cognitive decline
4. Stage 4 – moderate cognitive decline
5. Stage 5 – moderately severe cognitive decline
6. Stage 6 – severe cognitive decline
7. Stage 7 – very severe cognitive decline

 

The early signs of dementia are;

1. Memory loss
2. Difficulty planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty doing familiar tasks
4. Being confused about time or place
5. Challenges understanding visual information
6. Problems speaking or working
7. Misplacing things
8. Poor judgment or decision making
9. Changes in mood or behavior.

 

The causes of the death of a person with dementia may be caused by another condition. Their ability to cope with infection and other physical problems will be impaired due to the progress of dementia.

In many cases, death may be hastened by an acute illness such as pneumonia.

 

There is no certain way to prevent all types of dementia. Researchers are still investigating how the disease develops.

However, there’s good evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing dementia when you’re older.

 

Dementia is usually a slowly progressing disease. The average person lives four to eight years after receiving the diagnosis. Some people may live as many as 20 years after their diagnosis.

 

Alzheimer’s occurs due to physical changes in the brain, including a build-up of certain proteins and nerve damage.

 

Alzheimer’s disease progressively destroys brain cells over time, so during the early stages of dementia, many do recognize something is wrong, but not everyone is aware.

They may know they are supposed to recognize you, but they can’t.

 

Late-stage dementia or end-stage dementia is the stage in which dementia symptoms become severe to the point where a patient requires help with everyday activities. The person may also have symptoms that indicate that they are near the end of life.

 

Foods that induce memory loss are bad for dementia. Examples are; white bread, pasta, processed meats, and cheeses, all these have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Best ways to help people with dementia.

1. Connect with the person behind the dementia
2. Make surroundings dementia-friendly
3. Avoid correcting them
4. Be sure to reminisce.

 

Medbury cares.