What is it?

Dementia is a collection of diseases affecting the brain. It is often seen as a loss of memory and can affect thinking, behaviour and ability to perform tasks. This can interfere with normal social and working life, as well as emotions. It is now the third leading cause of death in Australia, and as the population ages we will see more of it.

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing.

Many people worry that they have dementia when they forget simple things, such as the name of a person or where they parked the car; however, dementia involves losing more than just short-term memory. As the brain naturally ages it becomes more difficult to learn and retain new information, but most complex skills are not lost. People suffering from dementia lose their ability to enjoy reading and following current affairs, have difficulty organising and planning, find numbers difficult to work with (e.g. banking, bills), withdraw socially and may become disorientated while driving or at night time. Friends and family often describe a change in personality and behaviour. On the surface, people suffering dementia can appear completely normal.

Who gets dementia – Is it inherited?

Dementia can happen to anybody, but is more common after the age of 65. It is important to remember that most older people do not develop dementia.

It is also important to determine the type of dementia, as each type has its own cause. Most cases of dementia are NOT inherited. Just because a parent has had dementia, it doesn’t mean that you will too.

Types of dementia

Common Forms

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the cause of 50-70 per cent of all cases of dementia. It is a progressive, degenerative illness that attacks the brain. Because it affects each area of the brain, certain functions and/or abilities are lost. Alzheimer’s disease can occur in younger people.

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia. It is a type of dementia that is associated with problems with the flow of blood to the brain. Many cases of vascular dementia are due to silent ‘ministrokes’, which are caused by high blood pressure, heart disease or smoking .

Dementia with Lewy bodies

Dementia with Lewy bodies is caused by the degeneration and death of nerve cells in the brain. This is not as common as the forms above, but can come on quite quickly and change rapidly. People with this type of dementia tend to see things (visual hallucinations), experience stiffness or shakiness (Parkinsonism).

Less Common Causes of Dementia

Medical causes

It is important to be assessed by a GP or Geriatrician for a proper diagnosis, as there are other conditions which can appear like dementia and get better with treatment. These may include depression, medication   side effects, infection or,vitamin/hormone deficiencies

Neurological causes

Other neurological diseases can also have dementia associated with them. These include Parkinson’s Disease (a progressive neurological disease), Huntington’s Chorea (an inherited disease), FrontoTemporal Lobar degeneration, Alcohol related dementia (Korsakoff’s Syndrome), AIDS related dementia and brain tumours.

What are the early signs of dementia?

The early signs of dementia are often subtle and vague. They may not be immediately obvious and can sometimes be confused for other conditions. Some common symptoms are:

• Progressive and frequent memory loss
• Confusion
• Lack of interest and withdrawal
• Change in personality
• Loss of ability to perform everyday tasks

Assessment

It can often be difficult to distinguish between signs of normal ageing, mild cognitive impairment and dementia. If you suspect the onset of dementia, then it is important that you or your loved one are properly assessed by a GP or Geriatrician. Also, symptoms may change over time, so re-assessment at a later stage may be required.

Risk factors for Dementia

The following may increase the chance of developing dementia -

• Heart disease
• Strokes
• Midlife hypertension
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Genetic disease
• Head injury

Prevention of Dementia

It is advised to adopt a ‘brain-healthy lifestyle’: This includes…

• Challenging your brain
• Having a healthy diet
• Regular physical exercise
• Regular health checks (including blood pressure, weight, sugar, cholesterol)
• A varied social life
• Decreasing smoking and drinking
• Taking care to avoid head injury

Can dementia be treated?

There is no prevention or cure for most types of dementia. Some medications have been found to reduce symptoms or delay progression of the disease. Much research is being carried out to learn more about dementia and ways to treat or prevent it.

Support is the most important aspect of managing dementia. The help of family, friends and carers can have a positive impact on managing the condition.

Further resources

Related articles

Memory and ageing – Jean Hailes Magazine, Summer 2010-11

Websites

Alzheimer’s Australia -www.alzheimers.org.au

Mind your Mind - http://abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf

Content updated 6 October 2011