Dementia Geriatrics “I was at the coffee shop with my father - when the drinks lady brought over our kopi, he pulled out a handful of coins and asked me to take the money and pay. I didn’t think anything of it until a few days later when we were out for lunch and I noticed he did the same thing with the stall owner when he was buying his food. Over time more cracks started to appear - he couldn’t remember where he had left things and forgot to meet some friends for lunch. Eventually he let me take him to the doctors for a check-up and he was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s Disease.”
What is it? Dementia is a brain disorder that affects a person’s memory, personality and ability to think. This can make it difficult for people with dementia to work and do daily activities such as cooking, shopping and taking the bus. Who does it affect? Dementia can happen to anyone but it is more common in people over 65 years old. The older someone gets, the higher their risk of dementia. Is Dementia the same as Alzheimer’s Disease? Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the most common types of dementia but there are other types too, such as vascular dementia.
What’s the difference?
What are the warning signs?
Alzheimer’s Disease
1. Forgetfulness that affects everyday life such as losing things very often and not remembering they need to do something.
• Nerve cells in the brain are destroyed over time causing the brain to shrink. • Dementia gets worse over time. Eventually most people with Alzheimer’s are unable to look after themselves. • The cause is not known and cannot be prevented. Vascular Dementia • Caused by blood flow problems in the brain. • Can be prevented if risk factors are reduced or well controlled: - High blood pressure - High blood cholesterol - Diabetes - History of stroke - Overweight - Smoking
2. Problems communicating, forgetting simple words or using unusual words instead, e.g. instead of toothbrush they may say the thing you use in your mouth. 3. Change of mood and behaviour such as going from calm to crying or shouting for no reason. 4. Problems with planning or problem solving, having trouble with numbers and what needs to be done, e.g. finding the right amount of change when shopping. 5. Difficulty doing everyday work, such as not knowing how to bathe and/or showering with their clothes on.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
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