So what IS Dementia?
Dementia is an "umbrella term" used to describe a collection of symptoms caused by damage to or changes in the brain. These changes affect cognition—our ability to be aware, understand, remember, reason, make judgments, and solve problems—which can significantly interfere with daily life. There are over a hundred types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being one of the most well-known. Think of it this way: dementia is the overarching term, while each type, like Alzheimer’s, falls under this umbrella. As a very loose example, think of it a bit like 'Arthritis'. This would be the umbrella term and the various types such as Rheumatoid, Osteoarthritis etc would sit below.
Although there are some very common symptoms which will be present in many types of dementia, each type will have unique ones too. Each type could have different causes, look different in the brain, develop differently over varying lengths of time. Also, even though 2 people may have Alzheimer's disease, their journey might be similar but it won't be exactly the same as the individual has their own personality, family history, additional health issues etc.
This is only a brief overview of dementia. There are details of organisations where you can find more in-depth information on the Myths and Truths page.
The following image may help when looking at what dementia is:
Although there are some very common symptoms which will be present in many types of dementia, each type will have unique ones too. Each type could have different causes, look different in the brain, develop differently over varying lengths of time. Also, even though 2 people may have Alzheimer's disease, their journey might be similar but it won't be exactly the same as the individual has their own personality, family history, additional health issues etc.
This is only a brief overview of dementia. There are details of organisations where you can find more in-depth information on the Myths and Truths page.
The following image may help when looking at what dementia is:
Communicating
Please note, these are changes to a person's 'normal' self. NEW symptoms. Different to how the person usually is. The symptoms will not all appear at once but will take time to become apparent and not every person will experience every symptom. In some types of dementia, symptoms will occur and changes will happen more quickly than in other types.
- often repeating the same question, statement over and over, even when answered
- difficulty finding the right words
- experiencing anxiety, depression or mood swings
- changes in personality eg becoming withdrawn or losing interest in socialising, behaving 'out of character'
- unable to make or follow conversation
- difficulty with reading and writing
- loss of confidence when around other people
- forgetting where things have been put eg keys, glasses
- leaving the stove on, the tap running, the door open
- becoming lost in familiar places
- difficulty remembering people's names, even close contacts
- inability to retain new information eg learn how to work a new kitchen appliance
- forgetting bank card PIN numbers
- finding it difficult to make decisions even about basics like tea or coffee
- losing interest in things once enjoyed such as socialising, carrying out a hobby
- struggling to know what to buy and how to use money or other means to pay
- difficulty understanding where they are or what the time is; for example, getting up and dressed in the middle of the night
- difficulty with choosing what to buy and paying when shopping
- finding it hard to reason
- becoming restless, unable to sit still, pacing, wanting to go home when they are home
Please note, these are changes to a person's 'normal' self. NEW symptoms. Different to how the person usually is. The symptoms will not all appear at once but will take time to become apparent and not every person will experience every symptom. In some types of dementia, symptoms will occur and changes will happen more quickly than in other types.