Dementia

What is Dementia ❓

 A progressive condition which causes deteriorating mental function 🧠

 Interferes with activities of daily living

 Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia are common types πŸ’―

 Frontotemporal dementia & dementia with Lewy bodies are other subtypes

 Risk factors: older age, genetics, prior health, lifestyle and cognitive issues or disability πŸ§“


What are the Symptoms of Dementia ❓

 Memory problems

 Difficulty understanding/learning πŸ˜–

 Disorientation with new environments/people

 Negative mood changes 😑

 Delusions/hallucinations

 Sleep issues πŸ›Œ

 Difficulty with self-care


How do you Diagnose Dementia ❓

 Patient symptoms and cognitive assessment πŸ“‹

 Exclude alternate cause (with blood/urine tests and chest scans)

 Referral for specialist assessment πŸ₯

 MRI scan to confirm and identify dementia type


How do you Treat Dementia ❓

 Group programmes to help cognitive function πŸ—£

 Medicine to reduce symptoms

 Various therapies (e.g. animal therapy) πŸ•


Why should I Worry about Dementia ❓

 There is currently no cure

 High disability and dependency on others πŸ‘ͺ

 Can lead to issues like psychosis, insomnia

 Can increase likelihood of death


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