Dementia

Part 1
Dementia is the name for a group of illnesses that affect the brain. There are numerous types of dementia of which the most common is Alzheimer’s disease. The typical early signs of dementia are when someone becoming forgetful and confused forgetting people or family members names or how to get home. Later, people are likely to find everyday tasks, such as shopping or cooking difficult. They may also find social situations hard to manage. The symptoms of dementia grow worse over time. It is gradual, however each person experiences the changes at different speeds. There is no cure but there are treatments that help slow it down or help people cope with certain symptoms. And there are lots of ways of helping people live a full and happy life. These range from simple adaptations in their home to support from health and social care professionals, to financial help. Dementia has affected around 750.000 people in the UK.   Its mainly older people, both men and women. But it can also be found in younger people; around 16,000 people in the UK aged under 65 have dementia. Around two–thirds of people with dementia are women which is generally due to the fact that women live longer than men. The Cause is still not known, however research suggest that it is a combination of factors such as diet, lifestyle and age. Age is the biggest factor, with one in six over the age of 80 people are affected.
Alzheimer’s is progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain. It is the commonest cause of premature senility. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia and is found in more than half of people diagnosed with the illness. It starts slowly, and the decline can happen over a number of years. It usually affects short term memory first. Progressively, most everyday tasks will become more and more difficult.
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia. Vascular dementia is caused by reduced...