Dementia Action Week

23rd May 2018

“It’s crucial that people who are suffering with dementia don’t feel isolated and they know there is support out there for them.”. Dementia is a disease that affects many people in the UK, according to the Alzheimer’s society there are around 850,000 people in the UK with dementia; so here are five things that you need to know about dementia:

1. Its not a natural part of ageing: We all forget a name or a face sometimes, but dementia is different.
2. Dementia is caused by a disease of the brain: This disease and others alike cause nerve cells to die, damaging the structure and chemistry of the brain.
3. It’s not just about losing your memory: It does often start by affecting short term memory, sufferers repeat themselves and have problems recalling things that have happened recently. Can also affect the way people think, speak, perceive things, feel and behave.
4. People can still live well with dementia.
5. Alzheimer’s society is here for anyone affected by dementia.

SYMPTOMS

• Difficulty concentrating.
• Problems planning and thinking things through.
• Struggling with daily tasks.
• Issues with language and communication.
• Problems with judging distance.
• Mood changes and difficulties controlling emotions.

TREATMENTS AVAILABLE

There is no specific cure for dementia at present but there is a variation of options available to help to slow it down and maintain mental function;

• Drugs.
• Cognitive stimulation.
• Life story work (A book of memories from your life).
• Keeping as active as possible – physically, mentally and socially.

PREVENTION

1. Be physically active
2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet
3. Don’t smoke
4. Drink less alcohol
5. Exercise your mind
6. Take control of your health

GENETICS OF DEMENTIA

Genes are how characteristics are passed down through families, they are the basics of inheritance. Made up from DNA, a person’s genes provide the instructions needed to build and maintain our bodies. Although, genes are only part of the picture, whatever you inherit, most people can significantly reduce their chances of developing dementia through simple lifestyle choices.

A FINAL THOUGHT

Genes are very important in building and maintaining our bodies, but most of a person’s physical characteristics and their chances of developing particular diseases also depends a lot on their environment and their lifestyle.