According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, 25 million people in the UK have a family member with dementia. When a loved-one is diagnosed with dementia, one of the first steps in coping is to get informed about the illness, its symptoms and its known causes.
Known Causes: Dementia Symptoms: The Mayo Clinic lists the following as symptoms of dementia: • • • • • • • • • •
Memory loss Trouble communicating Trouble planning/organising Trouble with coordination, motor functions Inability to reason Changes in personality Paranoia Increased agitation Hallucinations Inappropriate behaviour
Dementia refers to a set of symptoms, which can occur for a number of reasons. According to the Alzheimer's Society, there are several different types of dementia, including vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and Fronto-temporal dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia. Vascular dementia is the result of a lack in the brain’s blood supply. Risk factors include diabetes and obesity. Dementia with Lewy bodies refers to dementia caused by circular lumps of protein – known as Lewy bodies - forming on the inside of the brain. Fronto-temporal dementia occurs when the temporal lobe and the frontal lobe incur damage and shrinking. Around half of Fronto-temporal dementia cases are the result of an inherited genetic mutation.
Information/Support: • • •
More information on dementia care The Alzheimer’s Society National Helpline Information on Carers Trust local support groups for carers in the UK
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