Dementia

Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a group of illnesses that cause a progressive decline in a person's functioning. There are a variety of causes. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. 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 40's and 50's can also have dementia.

The most common early symptoms

The early symptoms of dementia are subtle and may not be immediately obvious. 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

Types and Causes

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 50-70% of all cases. It is a progressive, degenerative illness that attackes the brain.
• 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.
• Fronto Temporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) - this is the name given to a group of dementia where 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 may develop dementia in the late stages of the disease.
• Alcohol related dementia - is caused by too much alcohol, especially with a poor diet low in Vitabin B1 (Thiamine). It can be prevented by avoiding alcohol abuse.
• AIDS related dementia - is caused by the HIV virus, but does not affect everyone with HIV-AIDS.
• Huntington's disease - this is an inherited, degenerative brain disease that affects the mind and body. Dementia occurs in the majority of cases.

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any type of brain damage that occurs after birth. It can include damage sustained by infection, disease, lack of oxygen or a blow to the head. Around 160,000 Australians are coping with some form of acquired brain injury, with more men (2.2%) affected than women (1.6%). Most people with ABI can expect to improve with treatment and support.

How brain injury occurs

Brain injury occurs in the following ways:

• Sudden onset - caused by trauma, infection, lack of oxygen (for example near drowning)
• Insidious onset - from prolonged alcohol or substance abuse, tumours or degenerative neurological diseases.

A range of causes

The specific symptoms or losses of functioning depend on which brain areas are affected. Some of the causes include:

• Alcohol or drugs - which can poison the brain
• Disease - such as AIDS, Alzheimer's disease or cancer
• Lack of oxygen - called anoxic brain injury
• Physical injury - such as impact to the head, which may occur in car or sporting accidents, fights or falls
• Stroke - when a blood vessel inside the brain breaks or is blocked, destroying the local brain tissue

How brain injury affects a person cts

The long term effects of brain injury are difficult to predict. They will be different for each person and can range from mild to profound. It is common for many people with ABI to experience increased fatigue (mental and physical) and some slowing down in the speed with which they process information, plan and solve problems. They may experience changes to their behaviour and personality, physical and sensory abilities, or thinking and learning.

Further Information

Alzheimer's Australia: 

Acquired Brain Injury:

 

Resources & Publications

Useful Links