Description

Dementia is a syndrome that leads to deterioration in cognitive function beyond what might be expected from the usual consequences of biological aging. It affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, and judgment. Consciousness is not affected. The impairment in cognitive function is commonly accompanied and occasionally preceded by changes in mood, emotional control, behavior, or motivation. Dementia results from various diseases and injuries that primarily or secondarily affect the brain. Dementia has physical, psychological, social, and economic impacts on people living with dementia and their carers, families, and society at large. Signs and symptoms: The signs and symptoms linked to dementia can be understood in three stages. Early stage: the early stage of dementia is often overlooked because the onset is gradual. Common symptoms may include: 1) forgetfulness 2) losing track of time 3) becoming lost in familiar places. Middle stage: as dementia progresses to the middle stage, the signs and symptoms become clearer and may include: 1) becoming forgetful of recent events and people's names 2) becoming confused while at home 3) having increasing difficulty with communication 4) needing help with personal care Late stage: the late stage of dementia is one of near total dependence and inactivity. Memory disturbances are serious and the physical signs and symptoms become more obvious and may include: 1) becoming unaware of the time and place 2) having an increasing need for assisted self-care 3) experiencing behaviour changes that may escalate and include aggression. Impact on families and carers In 2019, informal carers spent on average 5 hours per day providing care for people living with dementia. This can be overwhelming. Physical, emotional and financial pressures can cause significant stress to families and carers, and support is required from the health, social, financial and legal systems.