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 💯

 Frontotemporal dementia & dementia with Lewy bodies are other subtypes

 Risk factors: older age, genetics, prior health, lifestyle and cognitive issues or disability 🧓

What are the Symptoms of Dementia ❓

 Memory problems

 Difficulty understanding/learning 😖

 Disorientation with new environments/people

 Negative mood changes 😡

 Delusions/hallucinations

 Sleep issues 🛌

 Difficulty with self-care

How do you Diagnose Dementia ❓

 Patient symptoms and cognitive assessment 📋

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

 Referral for specialist assessment 🏥

 MRI scan to confirm and identify dementia type

How do you Treat Dementia ❓

 Group programmes to help cognitive function 🗣

 Medicine to reduce symptoms

 Various therapies (e.g. animal therapy) 🐕

Why should I Worry about Dementia ❓

 There is currently no cure

 High disability and dependency on others 👪

 Can lead to issues like psychosis, insomnia

 Can increase likelihood of death