Understanding Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term used to categorize symptoms that affect different areas of the brain. Each case of dementia is as unique as the person affected. Predicting symptoms, when they will develop, and how quickly they will progress is challenging.
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Most people are uncomfortable approaching the person they suspect may have dementia. This attitude needs to change. Getting a diagnosis and the support needed as early as possible can improve quality of life for those living with the disease and their caregivers.
If you suspect that you or someone you love has dementia, please speak to a doctor immediately.
Below is a short overview of the two most prevalent types of dementia.
Alzheimer Disease
Alzheimer disease is the most common type of dementia and is responsible for about 60 – 80% of all cases. It causes changes in areas of the brain and affects cognition, emotions, and behaviour. The disease is chronic, progressive, and fatal. Those in late stages of the disease are unable to speak or care for themselves. Less than 5% of Alzheimer Disease cases are genetic. There is no cure at this time, but some medications can help some people with symptoms such as memory decline, changes in language, thinking abilities and motor skills.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia and accounts for about 15 – 25% of cases, after Alzheimer's disease. The disease can impair decision making, reduce planning and organization skills, affect balance, gait, and the ability to walk. These challenges arise when cells in the brain die due to blockages, disease, or bleeding which reduces blood supply and deprives the brain of oxygen. Impairment tends to come in stages that include rapid decline followed by stable phases then even further decline. There is no cure and no remedies to reverse brain damage. Two common types of vascular dementia are subcortical dementia (occurring when small vessels in the brain become stiff and twisted thereby reducing blood supply) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (occurring when amyloid forms plaques which impair brain function). Diagnosis is based on a series of physical and cognitive tests. Known risk factors for vascular dementia include smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, high blood pressure (hypertension) and cholesterol, sleep apnea, diabetes, inactivity, and unhealthy weight and diet. Stroke is also a risk factor that can contribute to symptoms such as muscle weakness in arms and legs, slurred speech, behavioural/emotional changes, memory loss. Controlling high blood pressure, being physically active, maintaining a healthy diet, and consistently taking prescribed medication as directed can all help reduce the risk of developing, delay or slow the progress of vascular dementia.
10 Warning Signs of Dementia
If you, or someone you care about is experiencing one or more of the following 10 most common warning signs of dementia, it is important to seek medical care in order to get an early diagnosis and support. Full descriptions of each sign are available at Alzheimer Society of Canada.
More details here.
Protect Your Future | 12 Actions for a Healthy Brain
While there is no cure for dementia at this time, there are actions you can take to help protect your brain. The Alzheimer Society of Canada has created 12 actions that we can all take today to improve overall brain health and help reduce the risk of developing dementia in the future.
More info here.