What is it?

Dementia is a broad term used to describe loss of memory alongside a decline in thinking ability, rationality, social skills and what would be considered normal emotional reactions.

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 nighttime. Friends and family often describe a change in personality and behaviour. On the surface people suffering dementia can appear completely normal.

Who gets dementia?

Dementia can happen to anybody, but is more common after the age of 65 years.  It is important to remember that most older people do not develop dementia. Whilst dementia can be inherited, most cases are not – just because a parent has had dementia, it doesn’t mean that you will too.

Types of dementia

There are many different types of dementia and each type has its own causes.  Some of the most common forms of dementia include:

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is by far the most common form of dementia (between 50 and 70 per cent of all cases are Alzheimer’s).  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 which is associated with problems with the flow of blood to the brain.  There are a number of different types of vascular dementia, the most common of which is multi-infarct dementia, which can be due to hypertension and/or cardiac disease. 

Dementia with Lewy bodies

Dementia with Lewy bodies is caused by the degeneration and death of nerve cells in the brain. People with this type of dementia tend to see things (visual hallucinations), experience stiffness or shakiness (parkinsonism) and their conditions seem to change quite rapidly.  Dementia with Lewy bodies is not as common; however the onset occurs more quickly than Alzheimer’s disease and Vascular dementia.

Other 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.  These may include depression, drug effects, infection or delirium.

Neurological causes

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system.  It is characterised by tremors, stiffness in limbs and joints, speech impediments and difficulty in initiating physical movements. Late in the course of the disease, people with Parkinson’s disease may develop dementia.

Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease is an inherited, degenerative brain disease that affects both mind and body. It usually appears in people between the ages of 30 and 50 and is characterised by intellectual decline and irregular, involuntary movement of the limbs or facial muscles.

Fronto Temporal Lobar Degeneration

Fronto Temporal Lobar Degeneration is the name which is given to a group of dementias when there is degeneration in either one or both of the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain.

Alcohol related dementia (Korsakoff’s syndrome)

Korsakoff’s syndrome is a preventable dementia which is caused by drinking too much alcohol. It is particularly associated with a diet lacking in Vitamin B1 and can lead to irreversible brain damage.  If drinking stops, there may be some improvement.

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.

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.

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. 

Ten Second Tips Dementia

• it is more than just forgetting where you parked the car
• it is not passed down in families
• there is no way of preventing it occurring
• make sure there isn’t something else wrong, get it checked by a doctor
• infection or medication side effects can mimic dementia
• dementia gradually gets worse
• the drugs used to treat it don’t improve it very much but are worth trying
• get help from the GP and community services
• Alzheimers Australia is a great resource

Resources

Alzheimer’s Australia   www.alzheimers.org.au

Content updated December 18, 2009