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The Dark Side of Dementia
My father, Peter, suffers from dementia brought on by Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body disease and Parkinson’s disease. He is not a well man and at the young age of 72 his ability to perform normal tasks most of us take for granted is diminishing. He often suffers from confusion and memory loss but despite that he is still a loving, gentle and intelligent man with a ‘Dad’s’ sense of humour.
Recently, due to an increasing difficulty he has with shaving, he began growing a beard. I love it. After seeing him clean shaven for most of my life I reckon it really suits him. He is quite proud of it himself – and I think he really enjoyed ‘modelling’ for photos despite the fact smiling isn’t easy for him these days.
DEMENTIA is the term used to describe the symptoms of a group of illnesses that cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning.
Common symptoms of dementia include:
•Progressive and frequent memory loss
•Confusion
•Personality changes and behaviour changes
•Apathy and withdrawal
•Loss of ability to perform everyday tasks.
There are many different types of dementia. The most common are:
Alzheimer’s disease – this is the most common form of dementia and accounts for between 50 and 70 per cent of all cases. It is a progressive, degenerative illness that attacks the brain. The Sad Truth about Alzheimer’s
Vascular dementia – this is the broad term for dementia associated with problems of circulation of blood to the brain.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies – abnormal structures called Lewy bodies develop inside nerve cells in the brain. Lewy Body Disease – It’s in your Head
Fronto Temporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) – this is the name given to a group of dementias when there is degeneration in one or both of the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain.
Parkinson’s disease – this is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system, characterised by tremors, stiffness in limbs and joints, and speech impediments. Some people with Parkinson’s disease develop dementia in the late stages of the disease.
The Frustration of Parkinson’s Disease
Huntington’s disease – this is an inherited, degenerative brain disease that affects the mind and body. Dementia occurs in the majority of cases.
DEMENTIA CAN HAPPEN TO ANYBODY
Most people with dementia are older, but it is important to remember that most older people do not get dementia. It is NOT a normal part of ageing. Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65 years. People in their 40s and 50s can also have dementia.
The Dark Side of Dementia
My father, Peter, suffers from dementia brought on by Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body disease and Parkinson’s disease. He is not a well man and at the young age of 72 his ability to perform normal tasks most of us take for granted is diminishing. He often suffers from confusion and memory loss but despite that he is still a loving, gentle and intelligent man with a ‘Dad’s’ sense of humour.
Recently, due to an increasing difficulty he has with shaving, he began growing a beard. I love it. After seeing him clean shaven for most of my life I reckon it really suits him. He is quite proud of it himself – and I think he really enjoyed ‘modelling’ for photos despite the fact smiling isn’t easy for him these days.
DEMENTIA is the term used to describe the symptoms of a group of illnesses that cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning.
Common symptoms of dementia include:
•Progressive and frequent memory loss
•Confusion
•Personality changes and behaviour changes
•Apathy and withdrawal
•Loss of ability to perform everyday tasks.
There are many different types of dementia. The most common are:
Alzheimer’s disease – this is the most common form of dementia and accounts for between 50 and 70 per cent of all cases. It is a progressive, degenerative illness that attacks the brain. The Sad Truth about Alzheimer’s
Vascular dementia – this is the broad term for dementia associated with problems of circulation of blood to the brain.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies – abnormal structures called Lewy bodies develop inside nerve cells in the brain. Lewy Body Disease – It’s in your Head
Fronto Temporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) – this is the name given to a group of dementias when there is degeneration in one or both of the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain.
Parkinson’s disease – this is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system, characterised by tremors, stiffness in limbs and joints, and speech impediments. Some people with Parkinson’s disease develop dementia in the late stages of the disease.
The Frustration of Parkinson’s Disease
Huntington’s disease – this is an inherited, degenerative brain disease that affects the mind and body. Dementia occurs in the majority of cases.
DEMENTIA CAN HAPPEN TO ANYBODY
Most people with dementia are older, but it is important to remember that most older people do not get dementia. It is NOT a normal part of ageing. Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65 years. People in their 40s and 50s can also have dementia.