Dementia is a category of brain diseases that result in memory loss and deterioration of speech, motor skills and cognitive functioning as it progresses
It is estimated that there are up to 459,000 Australians with dementia (AIHW, 2018), and impacting on a much greater number of family, friends and carers. Research shows that people who have acquired a brain injury are more likely to develop dementia in old age than the general population. Fortunately, there are a number of changes that can be made in our own lives to reduce our risk of dementia.
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a range of symptoms, the most well-known of these being a gradual loss of a person’s memory. Other symptoms can include gradual deterioration in speech, motor skills, thinking and planning, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. People with dementia can lose the ability to control their behaviour and may at times act socially inappropriate or unaware.
The disease is progressive, meaning that symptoms become worse over time. Towards the later stages of the disease, people require full-time care from family or staff, sometimes in residential aged care. Dementia is a terminal disease, and despite the best efforts of our medical researchers, there is currently no cure.
There are a number of different types of dementia, the most common being Alzheimer’s disease, and others including vascular dementia (usually related to stroke), Parkinson’s disease dementia, alcohol-related dementia, and Lewy Body Syndrome. While the risk of dementia increases with age, it is not a normal or natural part of ageing. Although rare, people in their 50s, 40s and even 30s can be diagnosed with ‘younger onset’ dementia.
Research shows that people who have had a moderate to severe brain injury are more likely to develop dementia in later life. The pattern of changes seen in the brain following a moderate to severe brain injury can appear similar to those changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers at the World Health Organisation (WHO) have found that a person is more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease if they have diabetes, high blood pressure or depression. A person is also at greater risk if they are obese, don’t exercise regularly, if they smoke, or if they have low levels of education. Other types of dementia have other risk factors: for example, heavy drinkers are more likely to develop alcohol-related dementia.
Based on these risk factors, there are five important steps that we can take to reduce our risk of dementia:
If you are concerned about your memory or that of someone close to you, it is important to speak to a doctor. A doctor will be able to listen to your concerns and investigate a range of possible causes of memory difficulties. An early diagnosis of dementia ensures that a person has access to support, information and treatment options. It also gives people the opportunity to help plan their future care, including financial and lifestyle wishes. When visiting your doctor, it is helpful to write down your concerns before the appointment and consider bringing along a close friend or family member for support.
For more information on how to maintain brain, heart and body health call us on 1800 673 074.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2018). Dementia in Australia. AIHW: Canberra. www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/dementia
Short-term memory loss is very common after a brain injury – thankfully there are plenty of coping strategies available. Typical situations include forgetting people's names, losing a train of thought, getting lost at the shops, repeating or forgetting past conversations, misplacing objects and difficulty learning new skills.
Read moreThere are a number of degenerative conditions that lead to brain injury. Dementia is a category of brain diseases that result in memory loss and deterioration of speech, motor skills and cognitive functioning as it progresses.
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