Dementia
When it comes to dementia, this is a condition that may weigh on your mind. You might be fearful that you or your loved ones could one day be affected by this condition. Keep reading for a few facts pertaining to dementia, so you can feel more informed on this disease.
Dementia is not just when you start to lose your memory. This disorder also affects your cognition and thinking. You may not be able to do things you were able to do before. You can find out more about dementia from BetterHelp, which also includes advice on treatment.
Many People Experience It
There are over 50 million people in the world that are experiencing dementia. It is a condition that doesn’t discriminate when it comes to who it affects. However, there are more women than men that have been diagnosed with it, and you may see more people affected in populations that are not considered wealthy.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia are not the Same
While you hear of the disorder Alzheimer’s used in conjunction with dementia frequently, they are not the same thing. However, Alzheimer’s may be the cause of a person’s dementia. It can also be a symptom that they are experiencing dementia. Other symptoms that may be present are behaving differently, differences in thinking, and having no concept of time. Elderly that are dealing with Alzheimers usually end up needing specialized care at assisted living care centres like the ones that Clover Group operate very well.
There is No Cure
There isn’t a cure for dementia, but this doesn’t mean that it can’t be treated. If a loved one has been diagnosed with this illness, they likely need to be monitored regularly by a doctor and will usually be unable to live by themselves. You will have to adjust care options as the condition gets worse. There are special medical facilities that offer care for those with dementia. This may be an option for someone you love when they need more support than you can provide.
You Won’t Get it Simply Because you are Older
There’s no guarantee you will have dementia as you age. In other words, it does not occur due to your age. It can be caused by a number of medical conditions, if you have head or brain trauma, or if there is someone in your family that has been affected by dementia, you may be more likely to have it yourself.
Many People May Have it and Not Know
While many people experience dementia, everyone that has the symptoms may not know that they are acting a certain way. Dementia affects each person differently and at a varying rate, so one person may simply be forgetting things at first, while one will not be able to live on their own. It is up to you to note changes in behavior of a loved one, so you can look into treatment and care for them, for their safety.
There Are Ways to Lower Your Risk
There are a few routes to take if you intend to lower your risk of developing dementia. These include balancing your diet, exercising regularly, getting the sleep you need, seeking medical and mental health care when it’s needed, and making sure that you don’t isolate yourself. It is necessary to be around those that care about you, so you have people to lean on and talk to.
There’s a Lot That is Still Unknown
Even with all that is known about this condition, there is still a lot that isn’t known. Researchers and scientists will continue to investigate this illness to learn more. This may be the key to understanding what the causes are and improving treatment plans.
Conclusion
Dementia is something you have likely heard of, but you may not have been apprised of specifics related to it. Consider these facts when you are trying to determine if a person you love is experiencing dementia. If you are fearful that they are, think about having them checked out by a doctor, so you’ll know for sure.
Author: Marie Miguel
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
