Let’s talk about Dementia
World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on 21st September every year to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and Dementia. It is the focus of World’s Alzheimer’s Month during the month of September to raise awareness and highlight issues faced by people affected by dementia. It is an opportunity for people and organizations to demonstrate how we can overcome these issues and help people live well with dementia.
This World Alzheimer's Month, the world is highlighting the importance of talking about dementia. We want to raise awareness of how it impacts the daily lives of people affected by the condition.
We know that receiving a dementia diagnosis can leave a person feeling very alone. But you are not alone —Let's talk about dementia and highlight how taking the time to inform people can have a huge impact for those affected by it.
History Of World Alzheimer’s Day
World Alzheimer’s Month is the international campaign to challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. September 2020 will mark the 9th World Alzheimer’s Month. The campaign was launched in 2012. This year’s theme is “Let’s Talk About Dementia”.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease
It is a disease that destroys memory and other major mental functions. The Brain cell connections and the cells themselves deteriorate and die, finally destroying memory and other mental functions. Memory loss and confusion are the main symptoms.
No cure exists, but medication and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms.
7 Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Stage 1: No Impairment.
Stage 2: Very Mild Decline.
Stage 3: Mild Decline.
Stage 4: Moderate Decline.
Stage 5: Moderately Severe Decline.
Stage 6: Severe Decline.
Stages 7: Very Severe Decline.
What is Dementia
Dementia is a degenerative brain condition that affects over 50 million people internationally and causes deterioration in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform daily activities. Dementia is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and judgment. Symptoms include forgetfulness, limited social skills, and thinking abilities so impaired that it interferes with daily functioning. As per Medical Science, Dementia mainly affects older people, it is not a normal part of aging. Medication and therapies may help manage symptoms.
How is Dementia Diagnosed?
Early detection of symptoms is important, as some causes can be treated. In many cases, the specific type of dementia a person has may not be confirmed until after the person has died and the brain is examined.
A medical assessment for dementia generally includes:
Medical history. Typical questions about a person's medical and family history
Physical exam. Measuring blood pressure and other vital signs may help physicians detect conditions that might cause or occur with dementia. Some conditions may be treatable.
Neurological tests. Assessing sensory response, reflexes, and other cognitive functions helps identify conditions that may affect the diagnosis or are treatable with drugs.
Who Can Diagnose Dementia?
A family doctor is often the first step for people who are experiencing changes in thinking, movement, or behavior. However, neurologists—doctors who specialize in disorders of the brain and nervous system—generally have the expertise needed to diagnose dementia. Geriatric psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, and geriatricians may also be skilled in diagnosing the condition.
If a specialist cannot be found in your community, ask the neurology department of the nearest medical school for a referral. A hospital affiliated with a medical school may also have a dementia or movement disorders clinic that provides expert evaluation.
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: What is the Difference?
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: What is the Difference?
Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s is a specific disease. Dementia is not.
Dementia overview
Dementia describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, reasoning or other thinking skills. Many different types if dementia exist, and many conditions cause it. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases.
Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It is caused by damage to brain cells that affects their ability to communicate, which can affect thinking, behavior and feelings.
Alzheimer’s overview
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease. It leads to dementia symptoms that gradually worsen over time. The most common early symptom is trouble remembering new information because the disease typically impacts the part of the brain associated with learning first.
As Alzheimer’s advances, symptoms get more severe and include disorientation, confusion and behavior changes. Eventually, speaking, swallowing and walking become difficult. There is no way to prevent, cure or even slow Alzheimer’s disease.
Though the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s is increasing age, the disease is not a normal part of aging.
For More Information About Dementia and Alzheimer’s
NIA Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
800-438-4380 (toll-free)
adear@nia.nih.gov
www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
Alzheimer's Association
800-272-3900 (toll-free)
866-403-3073 (TTY/toll-free)
info@alz.org
www.alz.org
