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Spotlight On Dementia: Identifying The Warning Signs That You Should Never Ignore
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and aligning with this year’s theme Cumbernauld Community Health Information Hub is shining a light on the warning signs of dementia and encouraging local people to seek out relevant information, advice and support.
Now in its 10th year, World Alzheimer’s Month is an international campaign organised by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) with a view to bringing dementia into the spotlight to help tackle stigmatisation and misinformation. Within the month, World Alzheimer’s Day took place on Tuesday 21 September 2021.
Dementia is an umbrella term for over 100 different types of diseases and symptoms that affect the brain cells so that the brain cannot work as well as it should. It is different from and much more severe than the natural decline in brain function which happens to most people as they age.
The importance of World Alzheimer’s Month is amplified by the fact that the number of people living with dementia across the world is increasing at an exponential rate. It is believed that around 50 million people worldwide have dementia today, with this expected to triple to more than 150 million by 2050.
Therefore, awareness raising and further research into treatment is crucial, particularly as two out of every three people globally believe there is little or no understanding of dementia in their country.
In Scotland, over 90,000 people are living with dementia today, in comparison with around 30,000 who were on the Scottish dementia register in 2006. Those affected are mostly aged 65 and over, although about 3.5% of those affected are younger than this. Mary McNeil, Development Manager at Cornerstone House Centre, commented:
There is no doubt that dementia is one of the biggest health and social care challenges our country faces today. With one person diagnosed every three minutes in the UK, almost everyone knows someone affected. However, too many people face the condition alone or without adequate support.
Families affected by dementia are facing an illness that’s both frightening and debilitating. As such, it’s vital to promote increased awareness around dementia in our communities, enabling more compassion and support to be offered.
Even in this day and age, it is not uncommon for carers to have to deal with rude comments or stares whilst out in public with their loved one who has dementia. There are still too many people with dementia who’ve had to listen to unpleasant jokes or thoughtless comments from those who just don’t understand the realities of their illness.
People living with dementia and their carers deserve to be treated with understanding and respect, being provided with support from all elements of society.
The need for awareness and action around dementia has undoubtedly been heightened over the last 18 months by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Given the vulnerability and age profile of individuals with dementia, it has been extremely important for those affected to follow government and healthcare advice in relation to COVID-19.
In recent years, dementia has increasingly made the news with several high profile cases documented, including well known names such as Denis Law, Barbara Windsor, Robin Williams and David Cassidy.
A fourth national dementia strategy is currently under development by Scottish Government. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also confirmed that the first Brain Health and Dementia Prevention Strategy is also underway. This is due to be published later in the year as part of the work of Brain Health Scotland.
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THE KEY FACTS ABOUT DEMENTIA AND RECOGNISING THE WARNING SIGNS
Dementia: What Exactly Is It and What Are the Symptoms?
Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. Symptoms may include memory loss, reduction in thinking speed and mental sharpness, trouble using words correctly, difficulty with understanding and judgement, changes in mood and problems doing daily activities.
Many people get confused about the difference between Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease is a type of dementia, and together with Vascular Dementia makes up the majority of cases. Other types of dementia include Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) and frontotemporal dementias.
People with dementia can lose interest in their usual activities, and may have problems managing their behaviour or emotions. They may also find social situations difficult and lose interest in relationships and socialising. Aspects of their personality may change, and they may lose empathy. In some cases, people with dementia can experience hallucinations.
As dementia affects a person’s mental abilities, they may find planning and organising difficult. Maintaining their independence may also become a problem. A person with dementia will usually need help from friends or relatives, including help with making decisions.
The symptoms of dementia usually become worse over time. In the later stage of dementia, people will not be able to take care of themselves and may lose their ability to communicate.
What Should I Do If I Recognise Potential Signs of Dementia?
It’s important to know that confusion or forgetfulness does not necessarily mean someone has dementia. Many other conditions, such as infections, depression or the side effects of medication can cause similar problems. Indeed, it can be very normal for people to forget things from time to time.
However, if you’re worried about your memory, it is advisable to make an appointment with your GP sooner rather than later. If you’re worried about someone else’s memory, encourage them to make an appointment with a GP and perhaps suggest that you or someone they trust go with them.
It is likely that the GP will ask about the symptoms being experienced and the general health of the person affected. They may perform a physical examination or other routine tests to rule out other potential causes of symptoms.
If the GP has been able to rule out other causes and believes dementia is a possibility, they’ll make a referral to a healthcare professional that specialises in diagnosing dementia. At this stage, more detailed memory and health tests will be performed.
Remember, the sooner you get checked out the better things will be, either in terms of putting your mind at rest or getting the right treatment. Ignoring symptoms or trying to self-diagnose is not recommended under any circumstances.
What Preventative Measures Can Be Taken Regarding Dementia?
It’s not fully understood what causes dementia, and medical researchers all over the world continue to work to know more and develop treatments. A number of factors are known to increase the risk of dementia, however.
Age is the most notable aspect in this respect. The risk of developing dementia increases significantly with advancing age. The vast majority of people diagnosed with dementia are aged over 60. It is possible, nonetheless, for people in their 40s or 50s, or even younger, to have dementia.
It is widely accepted that smokers are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. The risk of developing dementia may be up to 70% higher in current heavy smokers than in non-smokers, with suggestions that smoking may hasten both the onset and severity of Alzheimer’s Disease. Research has also indicated that exposure to second-hand smoke could be a risk factor in dementia.
Reduced blood flow to the brain is a known cause of Vascular Dementia. This means that people with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and stroke are at a higher risk. Hence, people can reduce their risk of developing dementia by being physically active, eating healthily, stopping smoking, drinking less alcohol, avoiding certain drugs and exercising their mind.
Research linking contact sports (such as football and rugby) to dementia has also brought Alzheimer’s Disease into the public eye in recent years.
How Is Dementia Treated?
If you do receive a dementia diagnosis, treatment will depend on the type of dementia you have, the nature and severity of symptoms and the care and assistance you have and need. Through NHS Lanarkshire, you will be assigned a health or social care professional who will coordinate and tailor different types of support according to your individual needs.
The aim of treatment is to help with symptoms and slow the rate of dementia progression. Treatment is more likely to be successful if an early diagnosis is received. With the right support and treatment, it is possible to live well with dementia.
Anyone in Scotland receiving a diagnosis of dementia is entitled to at least one year’s post-diagnostic support from a named and trained Dementia Link Worker. The Link Worker’s role is to help the person with dementia and their loved ones understand the diagnosis, learn to cope with symptoms, and have access to the right support emotionally, practically and financially.
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There are a number of excellent local and national charities which actively take up the fight against dementia, providing valuable services for families affected and coordinating medical research. These include Alzheimer Scotland, Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Age Scotland and Equals Advocacy Partnership. Individuals can lend their support by donating to or volunteering with such organisations, or signing up to become a Scottish Dementia Friend.
Further detailed information about dementia, including an online Dementia Coronavirus Information Hub, can be accessed by visiting Alzheimer Scotland’s website at www.alzscot.org.
Additionally, the organisation provides a 24-hour freephone Dementia Helpline on 0808 808 3000 for any individual with dementia or carer that needs someone to talk to. An email support service is also available through contacting helpline@alzscot.org.
Meanwhile, campaign materials and fundraising packs for World Alzheimer’s Month 2021 can be downloaded by visiting www.worldalzmonth.org.
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Click Here for Alzheimer’s Disease International’s Summary of Dementia Warning Signs
