Loving someone with Demenia

It's fascinating how we tend to delay the complex aspects of relationships and love as we age. But love has the power to enrich our lives, instill positivity, and give us deeper purpose.

Supporting a partner who is living with someone experiencing dementia is a compassionate and challenging journey. It is a profound act of love and compassion. It's an endeavour that requires patience, understanding, and unwavering support. When your loved one is grappling with the challenges of dementia, your presence and assistance become invaluable. Your role is not just that of a partner but also a caregiver and a source of comfort. In this complex journey, you'll find that being there for your partner in every way possible, whether through daily tasks, emotional support, or simply being a comforting presence, is an incredible act of love. Your dedication to their well-being is a testament to the depth of your connection. As you navigate the unique demands of living with someone who has dementia, remember to take care of yourself as well. Seek support from professionals, friends, and support groups to ensure you can continue providing the love and assistance your partner needs. Challenge yourself to embrace a loving relationship where you can truly be yourself and be loved for it. Laugh, cry, and savour life together without jealousy or fear. Create a safe haven where you can share your fears, and hopes, and encourage each other's growth.

Embrace the challenge of a loving relationship that offers comfort in each other's presence, built on trust, honesty, and devotion. Accept your partner as a unique and ever-evolving individual, blending your lives without losing yourselves.

You'll be challenged to actively support each other's growth, becoming what your partner needs and receiving the same in return. It's an effort worth undertaking for a more vibrant, creative love. Embrace the challenge of loving with open and honest affection; it's one of the most important challenges you'll face.

Take on the challenge of sharing your innermost feelings, dreams, and successes. This give-and-take fosters mutual growth and strengthens your relationship.

When possible, enjoy the trust and acceptance you offer each other, creating a warm, secure, and contented atmosphere. Draw unlimited support and strength from your bond. With each challenge, your relationship deepens, and you learn to accept each other's differences, opening the door to more beauty and love.

Embrace the excitement of these challenges in your relationship, always defined and agreed upon by both parties. They demand trust, commitment, and complete honesty, potentially leading to a less restrictive and more fulfilling connection. Consider the possibilities before inviting someone to be part of your life.

Your commitment to standing by your loved one during this challenging time is truly admirable, and it will undoubtedly make a significant difference in their life

Dementia vs Forgeting

• It's difficult to distinguish between normal age-related changes in memory and early signs of dementia. Some common signs of age-related memory changes include:
• Difficulty remembering newly learned information or names
• Occasional forgetfulness, such as misplacing keys or forgetting a word or phrase
• Taking longer to complete tasks that require memory

We consider these changes a normal part of the aging process and understand they do not indicate dementia. So, what can we do to help ourselves or our loved ones stay focused?

• Engage in physical activity. Take a daily walk, join an exercise class, and do some yoga.
• Socialize often. Join the local senior center or book club.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Stay mentally active. Read, text your grandkids, and use the computer for brain-training games.
• Do mind stimulating activities such as crossword puzzles, playing scrabble, or sudoku (the popular number game)
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Plant a garden.
• Sign up for a class such as painting, music, or whatever you might be interested in.
• Follow a daily routine.
• Put your items, such as your wallet, keys, and purse in the same place every day.

Dementia is a term used to describe a decline in cognitive function that interferes with a person’s daily life. It can involve problems with memory, language, thinking, and judgment. Some common signs of dementia may include:

• Frequent forgetfulness, such as forgetting important events or people in one’s own life
• Difficulty with familiar tasks, such as preparing meals or paying bills
• Confusion about time, place, or person
• Changes in mood or behaviour, such as increased agitation or apathy
• Difficulty with language, such as trouble finding the right words or understanding what is being said

If you have concerns about memory changes or other cognitive issues in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and guidance on potential causes and treatment option

Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health update on Dementia

 Dementia in Canada: Cross-Country Report 

Data from the 2021 census indicates that the Canadian population is aging faster than ever with about 19% of working individuals nearing retirement. Seniors aged 85 and older are one of the fastest-growing segments of the population has increased as a group by 12% since the 2016 census. 

Although dementia is not a normal part of aging, the risk of developing dementia increases substantially with age. For example, after age 65, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (the most common form of dementia) doubles about every five years. It is estimated that about 25% of individuals 85 years of age and older have Alzheimer’s disease. But dementia is not restricted to those over 65. The Alzheimer Society of Canada has estimated that between 2% and 8% of all dementia cases affect individuals less than 65 years of age. Currently, about 600,000 Canadians are living with dementia. It is estimated that by 2050, that number will increase to 1.7 million. 

A recent report from CanAge examines what each Canadian province and territory is currently doing to address the prevalence of dementia. Highlights from the report include the following: 

• The percentage of Canadians 65 years of age and old ranges from 4.4% in Nunavut to 23.6% in Newfoundland and Labrador. •

 The percentage of primary care physicians who have sufficient skills and experience to manage dementia ranges from 19% (in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut) to 50% in New Brunswick and 52% in Nova Scotia. 

• Four jurisdictions (PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories and Yukon) currently have a dementia strategy in place.

• Three jurisdictions (Alberta, Nova Scotia and Nunavut) publish resources for individuals (and their families) who suspect they may have dementia encouraging them to contact a health care provider for assessment. 

• Six jurisdictions (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Yukon and Northwest Territories) publish resources for caregivers of individuals with dementia.

The authors concluded “[Canada] is not adequately prepared to support the number of people with dementia now – let alone the [projected] growth in the future.” 

The CanAge report provides an opportunity to assess where Canada currently stands as well as where there is room for improvement. To read the full report, go to https://www.canage.ca/advocacy/dementiareport-2022/

Brain Habits 2

 We know that a bad diet and a perpetual indentation on the couch aren’t good for you or your brain. Work on the good habits and get rid of some of your bad habits to help your brain stay healthy.

Bad Habits to overcome:

Quality sleep is lacking. Consistency is one important marker of good quality sleep: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Shift work, changing time zones, chronic stress and too much caffeine or alcohol can all throw off your rhythm. So, too, can sleeping in a room that’s not cool or dark enough. And if you have symptoms of sleep apnea, such as snoring or daytime sleepiness, see a doctor. Getting a good night’s sleep is a good habit but we also need quality sleep to help our brain.

Turn down the Mic. If it’s bad for your ears, it could very well be bad for your brain. In a study of 639 adults ages 36 to 90, mild hearing loss was associated with a nearly twofold likelihood of dementia.  As a rule, if someone else can hear sound from your earbuds, they’re too loud so, turn them down.

Monitor your use of medicines. A wide array of drugs, including tricyclic antidepressants, some overactive bladder medications, and some over-the-counter antihistamines can block the actions of acetylcholine, a brain chemical important for learning and memory. A study found that a higher cumulative use of these drugs was associated with increased incidence of dementia. If you regularly take a number of these, it makes sense to ask your doctor about the risk of anticholinergics and to discuss whether you should explore alternate medications or other options.

You don’t have a sense of purpose. When we’re younger, it seems like everyone was relying on us. But when we get older, freedom from those responsibilities can have a darker side. Having a reason to get up in the morning, knowing that people are depending upon you, feeling that you are making important contributions can contribute to healthy aging. Researchers at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago found an association in people who scored high on a purpose-in-life assessment: They were approximately 2.4 times more likely to remain Alzheimer’s-free than those with low scores. 

If you’re feeling a distinct lack of purpose, do your brain a favor by embracing some new responsibilities. Find a new opportunity by using the time and energy not spent on child-rearing or working to get a pet, explore a passion project, volunteer, or travel.

You do not floss. Do you roll your eyes when your dentist tells you to floss? A 2022 study found that poor periodontal health and tooth loss appear to increase the risk of both cognitive decline and dementia. The Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes per session, flossing daily, limiting sugary beverages and snacks, and keeping up with dentist appointments.

Cut back on the Booze. Even light to moderate drinking can cause reduced brain volume, according to a 2022 study by the University of Pennsylvania. The researchers found that half a beer per day was enough to trigger these changes — and that the link grew stronger the greater the level of alcohol consumption. So, a 50-year-old who went from one drink a day to two experienced associated changes in the brain equivalent to aging two years. And increasing from two to three drinks at that age was like aging the brain by three and a half years. Cutting back on alcohol is a smart strategy for brain health, try it.

Healthy Brain habits 1

What habits are good for the brain?

Exercise regularly. Stay physically active.  

Get plenty of sleep to help manage stress, sleep plays an important role in your brain health.

Eat a Mediterranean diet or any healthy diet.

Stay mentally active and find ways to stimulate your brain.

Remain socially involved.

Quit smoking.

Control blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

We know that a bad diet and a perpetual indentation on the couch aren’t good for you or your brain. Work on the good habits and get rid of some of your bad habits to help your brain stay healthy.

Bad Habits to overcome:

Dwelling on the negative. Pondering on hatreds, dislikes and destructive thoughts has been linked to a decline in cognition and memory in people older than 55. The study found that those who repeatedly dwelled on negative thoughts had more of the biological markers of Alzheimer’s disease.

From time to time, it is normal to engage in negative thinking, but this is a changeable behaviour. The next time you’re overtaken by negative thoughts, you do the following:

Make a list of five specific things that you are grateful for and focus on those.

Take some deep belly breaths, try a new task or change your focus to something in your environment.

When a negative thought pops up, greet it with “Hello,” 

Ignoring the science about vaccinations. It’s estimated that more than half of Americans blew off the flu shot during the 2021 flu season, and many people are hesitant about keeping up with COVID-19 boosters. But opting out of vaccinations may be a missed opportunity to keep your brain healthy.

A recent nationwide study of adults over 65 found that people who received at least one influenza vaccination were 40 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Other researchers have found that people ages 65 to 75 who had received the pneumonia vaccination had a 25 to 30 percent reduction in their chance of developing Alzheimer’s.

A sweet tooth beckons.  I love having a tall glass of orange or other sweet fruit in the morning and many of us include a tall glass of orange juice for breakfast. A 2017 study associated sugary beverage consumption with poorer episodic memory as well as lower total brain volume and hippocampal volume. And 2022 research found that sugar-sweetened beverages like soft drinks, sweetened tea, fruit drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks were all significantly linked to declined cognitive function. It may be far better to eat whole fruits, not drink their juices. 

Is Canada prepared for rising rates of Dementia Two reports

 Dementia in Canada: Summary from a report by the  Canadian Institute for Health Information. Better data. Better decisions. Healthier Canadians reflect the first report

The number of people living with dementia continues to rise. This increase is due to growth in Canada’s senior population, which is expected to rise 68% over the next 20 years. This rise will result in demands on Canada’s health care systems.

Caring for seniors with dementia presents many complex issues and challenges, which differ as the disease progresses:

• Since most seniors with dementia reside in the community, primary care doctors and unpaid caregivers need proper support to help them manage dementia care.
• In long-term care, seniors with dementia continue to experience increased use of restraints and potentially inappropriate antipsychotics, despite a policy focus that is helping to improve the trends.
• Seniors with dementia are hospitalized more frequently and for a longer time. Their longer hospital stays make them more susceptible to hospital harm, including urinary tract infections, pneumonia and falls.

This report uses data and information from a number of sources to highlight dementia’s impact on Canada’s health systems and on family members or others who provide care at home. It’s also a part of CIHI’s larger commitment to focus on issues related to seniors and aging in order to help those who make decisions about healthcare planning for future needs. The report explores access to and use of health services such as home care, long-term care or nursing homes, emergency departments, hospitals and end-of-life care. It also examines young-onset dementia, family doctor preparedness, and prevention and treatment.

Key findings

• About 1 in 4 seniors age 85+ have been diagnosed with dementia
  The population of Canadians aged 65 and older is increasing; as a result, so is the number of people living with dementia.

The prevalence of dementia more than doubles every 5 years for Canadians aged 65 and older, from less than 1% for those aged 65 to 69 to about 25% for those 85 and older. Dementia is more prevalent among women than men, and the gap increases with age.

Go to How dementia impacts Canadians  

• Seniors with dementia who live at home require support to do so comfortably
  About 261,000 seniors with dementia in Canada live outside of publicly funded long-term care or nursing homes. A larger proportion of these seniors have a severe cognitive impairment, exhibit responsive behaviours and show signs of depression than other seniors.

Go to Dementia in-home and community care  

• Use of antipsychotics and restraints declining for seniors with dementia in long-term care
  In 2015–2016, more than two-thirds of residents in long-term care or nursing homes had dementia. These residents have a higher risk of being given antipsychotics without a diagnosis of psychosis and of being restrained compared with other residents. Policy changes and educational support in this area have led to improvements in many jurisdictions that submit data to CIHI.

Go to Dementia in long-term care  

• Seniors with dementia wait longer in emergency departments, are more likely to be admitted and more prone to harm
  Because patients with dementia need complex care, they stay longer in emergency departments, have higher hospitalization rates and have longer hospital stays than other seniors. Longer stays contribute to the fact that 1.5 times as many seniors with dementia experience hospital harm as those without.

Go to Dementia in hospitals  

• Canadians diagnosed with dementia before age 65 face unique challenges
  Regardless of the type of care received, the proportion of Canadians with young-onset dementia is approximately 3%. Many of these people have rarer genetic forms of the disease. Canadians with young-onset dementia may face more stigma related to the disease and have unique challenges because they are likely still working.

Go to Young-onset dementia  

• Family doctors in Canada feel less prepared than those in other countries to manage care for seniors with dementia
  Caring for seniors with dementia can be complex. Data from the 2015 Commonwealth Fund Survey of Family Physicians shows that only 41% of Canadian doctors feel properly prepared to care for these patients. The survey, which includes international comparisons, found that doctors in countries with national dementia strategies feel the most prepared to care for and to manage care for seniors with dementia.

Go to the Family doctor preparedness  

• Rates of injuries from falls are higher for seniors who have dementia and who live in lower-income neighbourhoods
  While all seniors are susceptible to falls, hospitalization rates are 23% higher for seniors with dementia in lower-income neighbourhoods than in more affluent areas. The analysis looks at hospitalizations related to falls by 5 income levels.

Go to Dementia and falls  

• Seniors with a dementia diagnosis are less likely to receive end-of-life care
  Seniors with dementia have a higher mortality rate than other seniors but are less likely to be referred for palliative and/or end-of-life care, which includes proper pain medications and hospice care.

Go to Palliative and end-of-life care  

• Higher distress, and longer hours reported by unpaid caregivers
  Unpaid caregivers of seniors with dementia spend more time caregiving and face higher levels of distress than those caring for other seniors. CIHI data shows that unpaid caregivers of seniors with dementia spend an average of 26 hours a week caring for their loved ones, compared with 17 hours for caregivers of other seniors.

Of greater concern, almost twice as many caregivers of seniors with dementia exhibit symptoms of distress, such as anger, depression or feeling unable to continue (45% versus 26%).

This section of the report also includes the stories of 2 caregivers who spoke to us about the challenges they face in their role.

Go to Unpaid caregiver challenges and supports  

On June 17, 2019, Canada became the 30th country to launch a national dementia strategy. With the passing of Bill C-233, An Act respecting a national strategy for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, the government of Canada is working to address the scale, impact and cost of dementia. The information and data included in this report are intended to support decision-making around the issues in dementia care that are important for people living with this illness, their caregivers and their healthcare providers.

Fight the stigma against dementia

 Act. Know what you can do to fight the stigma as advised by the Alzheimer’s Association.

1. Learn the facts about dementia

Talking about dementia lessens our fear and increases understanding. The Alzheimer Society has many resources, both online and in print, that you can use to learn more about dementia.

Once you've learned more about dementia, share your knowledge with others. If you hear something about dementia that is false or misleading, don't be afraid to challenge it.

2. Don’t make assumptions

Dementia is a progressive disease and affects each person differently. A diagnosis doesn’t mean the person will have to stop their daily routine or give up working right away.

If someone says they have been diagnosed with dementia, take them at their word. Even if a person doesn't seem "old" enough, they may have young-onset dementia. If you have a question about dementia, talk to your local Alzheimer’s Society. They can provide answers and direct you to more resources in your community. You can also send your questions to the Alzheimer Society of Canada at info@alzheimer.ca.

3. Use person-centred language

We don’t tolerate racial jokes or jokes about other diseases such as cancer. Yet dementia jokes are common. Don't punch down on people living with dementia by making jokes at their expense.

For a person to live well with dementia, it's important to reinforce their dignity, independence and personhood. Using person-centred language can help you focus on those principles when talking about dementia and the people who live with it.

4. Be a friend

People living with dementia don’t want to lose their friends nor do they want to stop doing the activities they enjoy.

Be supportive. Stay in touch and connected. Social activity helps slow the progression of the disease and lets people with dementia know you care.

5. Hear from the people who experience stigma

The Alzheimer Society works to raise awareness of the realities of dementia, and fight the effects of stigma. However, there is perhaps no better way to know what stigma is than to listen to the people who have experienced it firsthand.

Visit ilivewithdementia.ca  to read the stories of people living with dementia, families and caregivers. Let them help you understand what it's like to live with dementia and face stigma.

6. Test your attitude

Take their quiz on misinformation and stereotypes about dementia. It offers six scenarios that involve dementia and asks how you would handle each situation.

It only takes five to ten minutes. There are no right or wrong answers, but your responses may surprise you!

7. Encourage early diagnosis

People with dementia can live meaningful and productive lives for many years after an early diagnosis. Dementia diagnosed early helps both the person and family members to learn about the disease, set realistic expectations and plan for their future together.

By encouraging early diagnosis, you can help eliminate the stigma around dementia.

8. Support the caregiver

Caregivers need support, too. Knowing more about what they go through is a good start – most caregivers wish that more people understood the realities of caring for someone living with dementia.

If you know someone who is caring for a person living with dementia, it's important that you show understanding and offer help. They will appreciate it.

9. Stay informed

Follow the Alzheimer Society of Canada on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get the latest news about dementia and the stories of people who live well with the disease. Sharing these stories can increase awareness of dementia among the people in your social networks.

https://www.facebook.com/AlzheimerCanada 

 Twitter: https://twitter.com/alzcanada

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alzheimercanada/ (in English only)

They also encourage you to support their campaigns that raise awareness of the many issues that surround dementia in Canada. Initiatives like the Canadian Charterof Rights for People with Dementia, Dementia-Friendly Canada and Canada's national dementia strategy all strive to reduce stigma against people living with dementia, families and caregivers in Canada.

10. Remember the person inside

Above all, it's important to remember that people living with dementia are still people. Dementia does not change that.

What is always constant is that there are still lives to be lived, dreams to pursue and people to love.

If you have a friend or family member diagnosed with dementia, know that feelings of loss and grief are normal, and will likely grow more intense as the disease progresses.

However, it's possible for the person to live well with dementia, and maintain their quality of life for as long as possible. And you can help that person live well, too.

Check out more reports on dementia to understand the national and global impact of dementia.

How Canadians perceive dementia

I lost two friends to early-onset Alzheimer’s and currently have a friend who has vascular dementia, so it is a concern of mine. Many Canadians acknowledge that people living with dementia regularly experience many forms of stigma.

But there is still more work to be done to reduce stigma. Here are the results from the Alzheimer’s Association's recent Awareness Survey. Unfortunately, research shows that stigma around dementia is rampant in Canada. Here are some selected numbers from their 2017 Awareness survey:

By the numbers

The urgency

·        569,600 The number of Canadians living with dementia in 2020.

·        955,900 The number of Canadians living with dementia in 2030.

·        124,000 The number of Canadians diagnosed with dementia in 2020.

·        61.8% of those living with dementia in 2020 were women.

·        1 in 5 Canadians have experienced caring for someone living with dementia.

The costs

·        Over $10.4 billion The annual cost of dementia to the Canadian economy and healthcare system

·        $359 million The cost to bring a dementia-treating drug from the lab to market.

The stigma

·        56% of Canadians are concerned about being affected by Alzheimer’s disease.4,

·        46% of Canadians admit they would feel ashamed or embarrassed if that they had dementia.

·        87% of caregivers wish that more people understood the realities of caring for someone with dementia.

On acknowledging the existence of stigma and stigmatizing language

·        58% of Canadians believe that people living with dementia are likely to be ignored or dismissed.

·        51% of Canadians admit to using derogatory or stigmatizing language about dementia.

·        30% of Canadians admit to telling dementia-related jokes.

On how stigma can discourage support

·        2 in 3 caregivers find the experience of caring for someone with dementia to be isolating.

·        Only 39% of Canadians would offer support for family or friends who were open about their diagnosis.

·        Only 5% of Canadians admit they would learn more about dementia if someone close to them were diagnosed.

On the effects of self-imposed stigma

·        56% of Canadians are concerned about being affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Of greatest concern is their fear of being a burden to others, losing their independence and the inability to recognize family and friends.

·        50% of Canadians don't believe they could live well with dementia. In fact, 27% believe their life would be over after getting diagnosed.

·        1 in 5 Canadians would avoid seeking help for as long as possible, if they thought they had dementia, perhaps to avoid the associated stigma and embarrassment.

Three key takeaways from the survey results

·        The findings underscore the work we must still do to end stigma once and for all. There is no shame in having dementia.

·        We can’t let negative perceptions stand in the way of people living with dementia and caregivers seeking help and support.

·        Life without discrimination is a right for anyone affected by this disease.

Medical Myths Dementia

There is a wonderful series on Medical Myths put out by Medical news Today. This article tackles myths relating to both Alzheimer’s disease and dementia at large. For the Full article click on the link/

1. Dementia is inevitable with age

This statement is not true. Dementia is not a normal part of aging.

According to a report that the Alzheimer’s Association published, Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia, affects 3% of people aged 65–74 years in the U.S.

As a result of the risk increasing as we age, 17% of people aged 75–84 years and 32% of people aged 85 years and older have a dementia diagnosis.

2. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are the same thing

This is not quite correct. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia, accounting for   60–80%of all dementia cases. Other types of dementia include frontotemporal dementia (FTD), vascular dementia, mixed dementia, and Lewy body dementia.

The National Institute on Aging define dementia as “the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities.”

Although dementias share certain characteristics, each type has a distinct underlying pathology.

3. A family member has dementia, so I will get it

A common myth is that dementia is purely genetic. In other words, if a person’s family member has a dementia diagnosis, they are guaranteed to develop dementia later in life. This is not true.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s is relatively uncommon, though. It occurs in about 5.5% of all Alzheimer’s cases.

4. Dementia only affects older adults

Age is a risk factor for dementia, but dementia can affect younger adults in rare cases. Some scientists estimate that, in people aged 30–64 years, 38–260 people in 100,000 — equivalent to 0.038–0.26% — develop early-onset dementia.

5. Using aluminum pans causes Alzheimer’s

In the 1960s, scientists injected rabbits with high levels of aluminum. They found that the animals developed neurological lesions similar to those that form in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.

Additionally, some studies have identified aluminum within the plaques associated with Alzheimer’s. However, aluminum also appears in the healthy brain, and researchers have not established a causal link between this element and the disease.

However, since those early experiments, scientists have not found a clear association between Alzheimer’s and using aluminum pots and pans.

6. Dementia signals the end of a meaningful life

Thankfully, this is not the case. Many people with a dementia diagnosis lead active, meaningful lives.

It is true that these adjustments may come in time as the condition progresses, but in mild cases of dementia, no changes may be necessary. As dementia worsens, changes to the way an individual leads their life are likely, but that does not mean that the person cannot lead a fulfilling life.

7. Memory loss always signifies dementia

Although memory loss can be an early symptom of dementia, it does not necessarily signify the start of this condition. Human memory can be unpredictable, and we all forget things occasionally. However, if memory loss is interfering with everyday life, it is best to speak with a doctor.

8. Dementia is always preventable

This, unfortunately, is untrue. Importantly, though, certain factors can either reduce the risk of certain types of dementia developing or delay their onset.

For instance, the Lancet Commission’s 2020 report on dementia prevention, intervention, and care lists 12 factors that increase the risk of dementia:

·        less education

·        hypertension

·        hearing impairment

·        smoking

·        obesity

·        depression

·        physical inactivity

·        diabetes

·        low levels of social contact

·        alcohol consumption

·        traumatic brain injury

·        air pollution

Some of these factors are more difficult to modify than others, but working on changing any of them might help reduce the risk of developing dementia.

9. Vitamins and supplements can prevent dementia

Linked to the section above, this is also false. To date, there is no strong evidence that any vitamin or mineral supplements can reduce the risk of dementia.

10. All people with dementia become aggressive

In some cases, people with dementia might find it increasingly hard to make sense of the world around them. This confusion can be frustrating, and some individuals might respond to the emotions in an angry manner. However, this is not the case for everyone.

11. Dementia is never fatal

Unfortunately, dementia can be fatal. According to a 2020 study among adults aged 70-99 years, dementia may be a more common cause of death than experts have traditionally thought. The authors “found that approximately 13.6% of deaths were attributable to dementia over the period 2000–2009.”

What exactly is Dementia

 Dementia, a group of disorders characterized by a decline from a previously attained cognitive level that affects activities of daily living (ADL) and social functioning, poses one of the greatest global challenges for health and social care in the 21st century.

In 2015, dementia affected 50 million people worldwide (or roughly 5% of the world’s elderly population, i.e. those above the age of 60 years). The number of people with dementia is expected to increase to 82 million in 2030 and 152 million by 2050 with the estimated proportion of the population aged 60 and over with dementia at a given time between 5 to 8% 1 because dementia rises exponentially during old age and the world’s population is ageing. These projections assume constant age- and sex-specific prevalence of dementia over time, and, accordingly, the steepest rises are expected especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where the demographic changes will be more marked.

Dementia is a major cause of disability and dependency among older people worldwide, and it has a significant impact not only on individuals but also on carers, families, communities and societies. Dementia accounts for 11.9% of the years lived with disability due to a noncommunicable disease (NCD) worldwide. Dementia leads to increased costs for governments, communities, families and individuals, and to loss in productivity for economies. The annual global cost of dementia is estimated to be US$ 818 billion (OECD, 2015; WHO, 2017b). Nearly 85% of costs are related to family and social, rather than medical, care (GBD 2015 Neurological Disorders Collaborator Group, 2017). Most health systems are ill-equipped and under-resourced to respond to the current needs associated with dementia. Thus, societal ageing and the associated increases in dementia prevalence will likely have major health-service implications for the care of people with dementia and support for affected families.

There are many different causes and types of dementia. Primary dementias include dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia (in which the decline in cognitive abilities itself is mostly due to an underlying neurodegenerative process and not directly caused by other etiologies). Alzheimer's disease is the most common, followed by vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. Mixed dementia with features of more than one type is also common, especially in older adults, while frontotemporal dementia is a less common form but relatively more frequent before old age.

Secondary dementias are those caused by, or closely related to, some other recognizable disease, such as HIV, head injury, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disorders or vitamin B12 deficiency. In these secondary dementias, cognitive impairment is typically accompanied by symptoms and signs in other organ systems and the treatment focuses on the management of the underlying disease.

Dementia Medical Myths 10-11

 10. All people with dementia become aggressive

In some cases, people with dementia might find it increasingly hard to make sense of the world around them. This confusion can be frustrating, and some individuals might respond to the emotions in an angry manner. However, this is not the case for everyone.

In a study involving 215 people with dementia, 41% of the participants developed aggression during the 2-year study. When they looked at factors that increased the risk of developing aggression, the researchers identified two of the primary factors as physical pain and a low-quality relationship between the person and their caregiver.

11. Dementia is never fatal

Unfortunately, dementia can be fatal. According to a 2020 study among adults aged 70-99 years, dementia may be a more common cause of death than experts have traditionally thought. The authors “found that approximately 13.6% of deaths were attributable to dementia over the period 2000–2009.”

Dementia worries people, especially as they age, and this is justifiable in many ways. However, it is important to counter misinformation that might enhance concerns and stigma. For now, researchers are working tirelessly to develop better ways to treat and prevent dementia. In the future, hopefully, science will reduce the impact of dementia and, therefore, the fear associated with the condition.

Dementia describes various symptoms of cognitive declines, such as forgetfulness. It is a symptom of several underlying conditions and brain disorders.

 Summary

Dementia is a term that describes symptoms affecting remembering, thinking, and behaviour. It is a part of Alzheimer’s disease and can occur with some movement disorders, such as Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

The symptoms usually worsen over time, and there is currently no cure. Some drugs may help manage the symptoms, but the person may eventually need full-time help.

Dementia Medical Myths 7-9

 7. Memory loss always signifies dementia

Although memory loss can be an early symptom of dementia, it does not necessarily signify the start of this condition. Human memory can be unpredictable, and we all forget things occasionally. However, if memory loss is interfering with everyday life, it is best to speak with a doctor.

Although memory issues tend to be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, that is not the case for other forms of dementia.

8. Dementia is always preventable

This, unfortunately, is untrue. Importantly, though, certain factors can either reduce the risk of certain types of dementia developing or delay their onset.

For instance, the Lancet Commission’s 2020 report on dementia prevention, intervention, and care list 12 factors that increase the risk of dementia:

·        less education

·        hypertension

·        hearing impairment

·        smoking

·        obesity

·        depression

·        physical inactivity

·        diabetes

·        low levels of social contact

·        alcohol consumption

·        traumatic brain injury

·        air pollution

Some of these factors are more difficult to modify than others, but working on changing any of them might help reduce the risk of developing dementia. The authors of the report explain: “Together, the 12 modifiable risk factors account for around 40% of worldwide dementias, which consequently could theoretically be prevented or delayed, “Reducing your risk requires starting these lifestyle changes from the get-go, not waiting until you’re 70.”

9. Vitamins and supplements can prevent dementia

Linked to the section above, this is also false. To date, there is no strong evidence that any vitamin or mineral supplements can reduce the risk of dementia. In 2018, the Cochrane Library conducted a review with the aim of answering this question.

Their analysis included data from more than 83,000 participants across the 28 included studies. Although the authors report “some general limitations of the evidence,” they conclude: “We did not find evidence that any vitamin or mineral supplementation strategy for cognitively healthy adults in mid or late life has a meaningful effect on cognitive decline or dementia, although the evidence does not permit definitive conclusions.”