It affects nearly a million people in the UK. But exactly what is dementia? Firstly, dementia is not actually a disease itself. Rather dementia is a collection of symptoms that result from degenerate brain cells and/or damage in the brain. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, although a number of other conditions also cause dementia. Although not solely limited to the elderly, the vast majority of people with dementia are over 65. (Out of 815,827 people with dementia in 2013, the Alzheimer’s Society recorded 773,502 were over 65.)
Dementia in men
Approximately 850,000 people have dementia in the UK. By 2025 this figure will have risen to a million. However only a third of people with dementia are men. This is because women tend to live longer than men and dementia becomes increasingly common with age. indeed research suggests more men experience symptoms of early or pre-dementia.
Lifestyle may play a factor. Dementia is the third most common cause of male death in England and Wales, after coronary heart disease and lung cancer. 15,262 men died due to dementia and Alzheimer’s in 2013. Lifestyles that can lead to the first two conditions – such as high-fat diets, little exercise, being overweight, excess drinking and smoking – can also increase the risk of dementia. The pre-dementia symptoms could be a result of an unhealthy lifestyle that ultimately results in heart disease or lung cancer.
Additionally, dementia is the leading cause of female death in England and Wales. 31,850 women died due to dementia and Alzheimer’s in 2013.
Dementia is itself a collection of symptoms – whether or not someone has dementia depends entirely on whether they display many of these symptoms and to what extent. Common symptoms of dementia include:
- Memory loss, especially short-term memory
- Decreased ability to organise and plan
- Difficulty completing simple tasks
- Confusion, especially in unfamiliar environments
- Difficulty finding the right words
- Difficulty with numbers
- Changes in personality and mood
Early symptoms of dementia are usually mild. A person may start repeating the occasional question or miscounting their money in the shops. Most early symptoms of dementia can easily be attributed to absent-mindedness or having a forgetful day. As dementia predominantly afflicts the aging and elderly, these early symptoms can easily be mistaken for a so-called ‘senior moment’. Therefore dementia can often have reached quite an advanced stage before it is finally diagnosed.
Unfortunately most types of dementia can’t be cured. Alzheimer’s disease is incurable, although certain medication can improve some symptoms and slow down development of the condition – albeit in a very small percentage of cases. Dementia is progressive, meaning the symptoms worsen and develop over time. The speed at which symptoms worsen and nature of their development will vary depending on the individual and their circumstances. Some people deteriorate very rapidly, others remain relatively independent for many years. A strong support network is very important.
There is no certain way to prevent dementia. However a good lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life. Try and pursue the following:
- Healthy diet: Preferably low-fat, high-fibre with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Excess cholesterol and salt levels may put you at risk.
- Regular exercise: Exercising regularly is wonderful for your health. The benefits include reducing cholesterol, balancing blood pressure and improving the circulatory system. Try and average at least 30 minutes a day.
- Healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can raise your blood pressure, which increases the risk of certain dementias. Following the above two steps should help bring about a healthy weight. W eight loss tablets such as Xenical are available from our online doctor service.
- Limit the alcohol: Excessive alcohol raises your blood pressure and cholesterol. Stick to the recommended daily intake: (3-4 units for men, 2-3 units for women.)
- No smoking: Increased dementia-risk is just one of many reasons to avoid or quit smoking. High blood pressure, lung cancer, heart disease are a few of the many damaging conditions smoking can lead to. For help quitting, visit our online Stop Smoking clinic.
Helping your partner with dementia
The person with dementia isn’t the only person affected by the condition. Their friends and family will be increasingly required to provide support, and may experience a range of practical, social, psychological and emotional issues, especially in their relationship with the affected person. The partner of a person with dementia is normally the most affected of all. Don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance in caring for someone with dementia.
What can I do?
Maybe you know somebody with dementia or maybe you just want to help out. There are numerous ways to raise awareness of dementia and contribute to the fight against it. Here are a few ideas:
- Donate. Numerous charities help care for people with dementia. While some are government funded, others run solely on donations.
- Get sponsored. Running a marathon or climbing a mountain are just two of many ways to raise money and awareness.
- Join a support group. You can directly help people with dementia by joining a support group, or volunteering at a care home.
- Promote a healthy lifestyle. Keep fit, keep healthy, and encourage your friends and family to do the same.