Reflections Respite Services - Information and Advice

An Overview of Dementia

Dementia is generally described as 'a brain disorder causing progressive change and degeneration in cognitive mental functions, such as memory, language, rational thinking and social skills, as well as behaviour, emotion and personality.'

There is no rhyme nor reason to who gets dementia and no miracle cure (we keep hoping). It occurs mainly in people over 65 years with nearly 2 in every 10 people over 65 diagnosed, but can also happen to people less than 65 (younger onset dementia). The progress and symptoms vary from person to person with many different types of dementia (Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy bodies etc) and many varied symptoms.

It is really important to remember that a diagnosis of dementia does not mean your life will change immediately. Dementia is a progressive decline in functioning so the person you are when diagnosed will not be different tomorrow. Some people are still going strong after 14-15 years with the illness but others may not be so lucky. Again there is no way to tell how you will progress over time .

We find that the best medicine is to continue to get plenty of stimulation via social contact, mental and physical activity and to develop memory aids and techniques that will assist with day to day living eg keeping diaries and messages.

It is important for both people with dementia and their loved ones to understand what is happening and to get practical advice and support from people who understand the disease and work with it on a daily basis. This takes away some of the fear and helps ensure that you can function at home in safety and with realistic expectations. This is where service providers such as Reflections come in.

For more indepth information on Dementia we suggest you go to the Alzheimer's Australia website at http://www.alzheimers.org.au or ring Reflections on 5476 7833 for a private discussion and written material to help you understand the illness.

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