【Demystifying Dementia/Alzheimer's】
"Dementia" is not a stand-alone disease, but a general term that encompasses a range of symptoms, such as memory loss, cognitive confusion, and personality changes. It originates from a variety of lesions in the brain, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common, and other causes include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and dementia in the frontotemporal lobe.
[Dementia≠ the inevitable product of aging]
Although most people with dementia are over the age of 65 and the risk increases with age, this does not mean that getting older will necessarily lead to dementia.
[Dementia, not just memory loss, may also have mental illness]
Dementia is often equated with memory loss, but in reality, the condition manifests itself in many different forms. In addition to memory problems, symptoms of dementia may include changes in behavior, disorientation, delusional hallucinations, communication difficulties, impaired judgment of speed and distance, and even impaired balance and movement. Everyone's experience is unique.
[Diagnosing dementia is crucial]
It is important to accurately diagnose dementia and its types so that patients can access the right support and treatment options, plan for their future and develop strategies to better cope with the challenges of dementia. From trying out a new hobby, joining a support group, to participating in a research project, can be one of the ways to cope with dementia.
Dementia is the leading cause of death in many countries.
Alarmingly, in many countries, dementia has become the leading cause of death for both men and women, yet only about half of the public recognises that dementia can be fatal. Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia now account for more than 12% of all deaths.
[There is a way to reduce the risk of dementia]
Studies have shown that up to one-third of dementia cases may be associated with manageable risk factors. However, only a third of people believe they can reduce their risk of developing dementia, which is much lower than the 81% who believe they can reduce their risk of diabetes.
Dementia knows no borders
Dementia is a global health problem. It is expected that in the next 20 years, the incidence rate in developing countries, especially China and India, will increase significantly. Globally, dementia affects the lives of 50 million people today.
[In developed countries, the number of new cases of dementia has declined, but the overall number of cases is still rising]
Over the past 30 years, the incidence of dementia (the number of new cases by age group) in Europe and North America has declined by 15% per decade. Studies have shown that this trend is due to improved cardiovascular health in men and a decrease in the number of smokers. Of course, some people believe that it is caused by too many elderly people who have died in the new crown.
Despite this, the overall number of people living with dementia is increasing due to increased life expectancy. As public awareness and social bias decrease, more and more people are actively seeking help when they develop dementia symptoms.
[Dementia research investment needs to be strengthened urgently]
Investment in dementia research remains low compared to other major health problems. As a research organisation dedicated to tackling dementia, the British Association for Alzheimer's Disease Research continues to increase its investment in dementia research year over year, with the hope of one day achieving a world free of the fear, hurt and heartbreak of dementia.