Memory loss and dementia
goodtoknow says: Dementia is a disease of old age that affects your brain and causes severe memory loss. It can be very distressing to discover a loved one has dementia, but it doesn't mean they will suddenly forget who you are. The disease often progresses very gradually and new medications, such as Aricept may slow it down even further. In the early stages, people with dementia often live relatively normal lives, with just a little extra support. There are more than 100 types of dementia, the vast majority aren't hereditary, and the most common is Alzheimers.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of dementia from patient.co.uk, read on.
Many people find that they become more forgetful as they become older - this is common and is often not due to dementia. Illnesses such as depression and an underactive thyroid can also cause memory problems. Dementia is the most serious form of memory problem. It causes a loss of mental ability and other related symptoms. Symptoms of dementia develop gradually and typically become worse over a number of years. The most important part of treatment for dementia is good quality support and care for the person with dementia, and for their carers.
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Brett Purlee, about 1 year
I know this might seem harsh but it isn't intended to be. The piece below is only meant to convey the isolation of sufferers at a special time of year for most other people. That very "un-knowing" of special occasions such as Christmas, once so meaningful; in a way, paradoxically shared by the majority in their unawareness of the reality (as a thing in itself) of this loss of knowledge. Closing the Alzheimer's Advent Calendar Opening the card, the meagre ration inside. Of someone, somewhere, bare touches on the mind. It is the use of all that others can long with or divide. Missing and unremitting in its slow seeping by and by. Covering the heart, the eager passion that died. Of no-one, nowhere, fair rushes on the sky. This kissed recluse forlorn looks up at, unknowing in his eyes. The mission of the living sins, their glow fleeing by and by. And in the corner of this place, a blur of tinselly light. A snowman through the window grins and makes him cry. And another white wraps his dressing-gown around and dabs him dry. This, his Christmas, of the unforgiving sin of being born to die. by Peter B.
Report this commentmaureen reason, over 2 years
I found the article helpful and important to people with concerns about Alzheimers..My Gt.grandmother, grandmother and mother all suffered from Dementia in some form and my memory is worse than it should be, I' 68yrs old. I have high cholestral, but have been refused statins, even though I feel I'm at risk. My doctor says my family have a history of Alzheimers because they all lived until their 80s.but I'm not convinced, I'm afraid.Thank you for reading this and for your interest.
Report this commentnataleen grant, over 2 years
This article is very useful piece of evidence because am a student nurse and am doing an assignment on dementia. I would like to know if you got any article on the factors influencing the health and wellbeing of the client
Report this commentMalcolm Gregory, over 2 years
I am going fof a Scan and a memory test can you tell me more
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Tracey, about 1 year
I am looking for a book that Tony Robinson ( of Blackadder & Time Team fame) was talking about this morning on BBC new 24 - I think it was called "take time before you think" ( not entirely sure that is correct ) does anyone know where I can obtain a copy
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