‘Dementia link to sudden low blood pressure and dizziness’
October 13, 2024
As Dementia Awareness Week gets underway we bring you everything you need to know about the disease, and bust some of the biggest dementia myths.
Dementia describes different brain disorders which trigger a loss of brain function. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting 62 per cent of those diagnosed.
These conditions are all usually progressive – that is, they grow worse over time – and are eventually severe.
“The structure and chemistry of the brain become increasingly damaged over time, and so the person’s ability to remember, understand, communicate and reason gradually declines”, the Alzheimer’s Society explains.
How quickly dementia progresses depends on the individual. Each person’s experience is different.
Dementia affects everyone differently, but some things to look out for are:
– struggling to remember recent events or people’s names
– finding it hard to follow conversations or TV programmes
– repeating yourself or losing the thread of what you’re saying
– difficulty concentrating, thinking things through or following instructions
– feeling confused, even when in a well-known place
– becoming unusually anxious, depressed or agitated
Someone I know is displaying these symptoms. What should I do?
If you’re worried someone close to you may have dementia, it’s important to talk about it.
Consider whether you’re the right person to have the conversation: Would the person you’re concerned about find it easier to be open with another family member or friend about any memory problems they’re having?
Pick your moment: Find a quiet time and place when the person is relaxed and you’re unlikely to be interrupted.
Choose your words carefully: When you explain your concerns, try to be reassuring and non-judgemental. Questions which can help start a conversation include: ‘Is there anything you’ve been worried about lately?’ or ‘Have you been feeling any different?’
Try to be specific by using examples: For example, ‘I noticed you were struggling to use the TV remote control yesterday’, or ‘Last week, when you were filling in a form, you couldn’t remember our home address’.
Try to be positive: Reassure the person by explaining if it does turn out to be dementia a diagnosis will give them access to the support they need.
Don’t worry if they don’t respond well: They may refuse to accept what you’re saying because they’re frightened, confused, or simply not aware of the problems they’re having – this can be a symptom of dementia.
If this is the case you could talk to a doctor, or phone the Alzheimer’s Society Helpline for advice on 0300 222 1122. The line is open 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday and 10am–4pm, Saturday and Sunday.
Alternatively, email helpline@alzheimers.org.uk.
I’m worried about my memory. What should I do?
Talk to your GP sooner rather than later. The Alzheimer’s Society advises:
Be specific and honest: Tell the doctor what problems you’re having, how long you’ve been having them and how often they occur. Give examples.
At your appointment, the doctor might also:
– ask you to do a short memory/mental ability test
– check you out for any physical illnesses, which may be the cause of your symptoms
– take samples of blood or urine to test for other illnesses which can resemble dementia
– talk to your friends and family about any changes they have noticed in you
If the doctor thinks you might have dementia, you’ll be referred to a memory clinic or hospital to see a consultant or other specialist.
Myth 1: Dementia is a natural part of ageing
Dementia is more common among over-65s, and some of us do become more forgetful as we get older. But dementia is “a different sort of forgetfulness”, the Alzheimer’s Society explains.
Many of us may momentarily forget a friend’s name but if you have dementia you may forget you’ve ever met them before.
Myth 2: Only older people can get Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s can strike people in their 30s, 40s and even 50s. This is called younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
Myth 3: Memory loss is the only effect of dementia
Dementia starts by affecting people’s short-term memory, but it can also affect the way they think, speak and do things.
Dementia makes it difficult to plan and learn new activities, and interferes with structured tasks like writing. It also affects people’s mood and motivation levels.
Dementia can also make it harder to communicate, because someone with dementia might have trouble remembering the right word or recognising who someone is.
Myth 4: It’s impossible to live well with dementia
Dementia makes it difficult to do certain things, but many people with dementia continue to drive, socialise and work.
And as dementia progresses many continue their hobbies and enjoy friendships and relationships.
Plus, medication may help people with some types of dementia.
Source The Post Bristol