What is dementia?

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 Today is Day 1 of Dementia Action Week 2023 in Aus (which J only found out about on the drive to work today from ABC News Radio 8:20am), so I thought it would be good to do a series on dementia like I did w mental health last week 😊

What is dementia?

- Dementia = umbrella term used to describe a collection of signs and sx involving cognitive function decline (problem-solving, memory, planning, language etc.) 

- Single word descriptors include but not limited to:

  • Degenerative ( = worsening over time) 
  • Global ( = affects entire brain ∴ multitude of varied sx)
  • Umbrella (term = dementia is actually used to described a variety of sx & signs that are caused by disorders/ conditions of the brain)
  • Variable ( = b/c dementia is an umbrella term of signs & sx,  every individ dx w dementia is affected differently)
  • Late-onset ( = most pt are dx later in life ≧ 65yo, BUT
  • Also young-onset (~28,000 Aussie estimated to live w young-onset dementia i.e dx < 65yo, sometimes as young as dx in 30s
  • Neurological ( = organic = ie affects the actual neurons (cells of the brain) = defects can be seen on imaging (incl. but not limited to CT brain scans, MRI brain scans) 
  • Cognitive (deficits = difficulties w executive functions)
    • memory loss (often early sign) 
    • lack of self-awareness → impulsiveness → labelled as pt w “difficult” behaviours or BOC BUT MUST REMEMBER NOT INTENTIONALLY (most of the time), often result of atrophy=shrinking of cognitive centres of the brain
    • unable to cope @ home ( = multi-factorial issue: reduced mobility, memory loss leading to unsafe situations like leaving the stove on, lack of self-care, unable to effectively plan their days…)
    • ↓ planning skills
    • ↓ problem-solving 
    • poor judgement 
    • difficulty w speech, writing, or comprehension
    • issues w perception → can't tell objects and people apart, issues judging distance, depth and space
    • confusion
  • Psychological/psychiatrical 
    • acute delirium (use 4AT to assess) 
    • social withdrawal 
    • mood and personality changes 
    • "sundowner" syndrome


Why should I care? 

- According to Dementia Australia, more than 1 million people will be affected by dementia by 2058 if no significant breakthrough occurs, so almost everyone will be impacted by dementia at some point in their lives, whether directly or indirectly. 

- 80% of family, friends, and/or carers of people w dementia feel that there is discrimination w/'in the local communities (e.g. at shops and restaurants) against such people solely b/c of their dx of dementia

- 18% of surveyed Aussies feel scared/uncomfortable about interacting w people w dementia

- Dementia is a hidden disability → pt can appear "normal" at baseline when well controlled and/or not experiencing an acute episode → when they "act out", people may think it's controllable when it's not

- fear breeds hate and discrimination → Increased public awareness of dementia will improve this


What can I do about it? 

- be a DECENT HUMAN BEING → offer help when you see someone struggling w/o making them feel judged

- treat people with dementia as you would any other person 

- dementia-friendly signs → e.g. large fonts, symbols 

- remember that changes in personality and mood are not THEIR FAULT (most times) → it's part of the disease 


Additional resources

 National Dementia Helpline 24/7 service ph: 1800 100 500, interpreter services and heard of hearing services available 

Dementia Australia wide range of info on dementia and practical resources




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