 Frequently Asked Questions
What is dementia?Dementia is a term that covers a number of diseases that occur as a result of physical changes in the structure of the brain. These changes are caused by specific conditions, and result in impairment of memory, thinking and skills, sometimes accompanied by altered emotional expression and sensory perception. Dementia is almost always progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. For more information on Alzheimer's disease see the What is Alzheimer's disease? section. Other common forms of dementia include: Vascular Dementia: Dementia with Lewy Bodies: Frontal Lobe Dementia (including Pick's disease): Further information:More information about these dementias and other rarer dementias including alcohol-related dementias can be found in the Dementia Information Sheet or in The Dementia Booklet. Books that may be of interest are: These books are available to be loaned from the Alzheimers New Zealand National Office library. What is Alzheimer's disease?Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting approximately 17,000 to 21,000 New Zealanders. It is a progressive disease of the brain in which cells are damaged and may die without being replaced. It results in impaired memory, thinking and behaviour. Symptoms include:
No one single factor has been identified as a cause for Alzheimer's disease, and it is likely that a combination of factors, including age, genetic inheritance and environmental factors are involved. Further information:More information can be found in the Alzheimer's Disease Information Sheet or in The Dementia Booklet. Books that may be of interest are: All these books are available to be loaned from the Alzheimers New Zealand National Office library. Do I have dementia?It is common for people of all ages to experience forgetfulness. Forgetfulness is not being able to remember something at a specific time but the memory returns at some later time in most cases. This kind of forgetfulness is not cause for alarm. Examples for normal forgetfulness:
However, there is a cause for concern when memory loss starts to affect the daily life of a person. Common signs of dementia:
If you are worried about your memory you should see your GP. There are many treatable causes of memory loss. If the memory loss is caused by dementia an early diagnosis is critical for planning and treatment. See the section How do I go about getting a diagnosis? for more information. How do I go about getting a diagnosis?A diagnosis should be sought as early as possible, as an early diagnosis will:
Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia needs to be accurately diagnosed by your doctor. There are conditions like stress and depression which have very similar symptoms to dementia, for instance forgetfulness, anxiety or confusion. Conditions such as stress or depression are often temporary, whereas dementia is generally not reversible and therefore permanent. It is important that relatives request the person with dementia be medically examined to determine if any treatable conditions are present. Your first contact for diagnosis should be your GP. This will mean undergoing a number of investigations and tests. Often your GP will refer to a hospital specialist to help rule out other conditions. Among the disorders looked for will be infections, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid gland problems, brain tumours, drug side-effects and depression. The way in which the person's problems have developed is very important and usually the doctor will have a number of questions to ask the relative about the changes that have occurred in the person. Sometimes it is not possible to immediately exclude every possibility and the diagnosis may rest on how the person changes over the following months. If your doctor is reluctant to investigate the person's problems, be persistent. Don't hesitate to get a second opinion, if you are not satisfied. It is important to distinguish between the different types of dementia because of their different causes, progression and treatment. However, an accurate diagnosis is not always possible. The diagnostic process should include one or more of the following:
I have recently been diagnosed with dementia. Where to next?Even if you have been half-expecting the diagnosis of dementia, it may come as a shock both to you and your friends and relatives. There is much that you, and those close to you, can do to ensure that you remain as independent as possible. This way you can continue to enjoy life for a long time to come. Sharing your experiences with other people in the same situation can be of enormous benefit. Alzheimers member organisations throughout the country offer meetings, where people in the early stages of Alzheimer's or a related dementia share their experiences. Look for an Alzheimers member organisation in your area. Further information:The Just for You booklet offers help and practical advice for coping with your diagnosis. The Dementia Advocacy and Support Network International (DASNI) website (www.dasninternational.org) is specifically run for and by people with dementia, and has a lot of useful information, and also allows you to contact other people with dementia from around the world. Books that may be of interest are: Can dementia be prevented?
Treatments for Alzheimer's diseaseThere is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, a number of drug treatments are available that can ameliorate some of the symptoms or hold back progression of the disease (on average, by 6-12 months) in some people. People with Alzheimer's disease have a shortage of the chemical acetylcholine in their brains. The drugs donepezil (Aricept®), rivastigmine (Exelon®) and galantamine (Reminyl®) work by boosting existing supplies of acetylcholine. These drugs are indicated for people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, and although they are available, they are not currently subsidised in New Zealand. Therefore a month's supply of these drugs may cost between $200-$260 per month depending on the pharmacy they are purchased from. Memantime (Ebixa®) is another drug that is available in New Zealand and is indicated for the treatment of people with more advanced disease. It works in a different way to the three acetylcholinesterase inhibitors mentioned above. This is also not subsidised in New Zealand. There is limited evidence for the usefulness of ginkgo biloba extract and other herbal treatments, and for high dose vitamin E. For more information, visit the Best Treatments website, hosted by the New Zealand Ministry of Health. Caring for someone with DementiaDementia doesn't simply affect the person who has it. It profoundly changes the lives of those family members and friends who are close to that person. As a carer it is important to remember that you are an individual with needs and interests of your own. Caregiving can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Acknowledge the need to look after yourself. Request all the help you can from family, friends, neighbours, health professionals and relief services. Help can be obtained by:
Some people find it helpful to enrol in a short course for
carers or join a local support group. For many involved in caregiving, a support
group is a great help. These groups can help maintain your well-being and support
you in your role as a carer. There's nothing like meeting with people who know
exactly what you are going through. There are many care alternatives when caring for somebody with dementia at home. Day-care, for instance, can be the first step when looking for alternative care. This provides motivation and socialisation for the person with dementia while providing respite for the carer. Attending a day centre may give you confidence that others can help you provide the necessary care. It may also prepare the person for their transition to residential care should the need arise in the future. Respite Care is important for the carer to get regular breaks from caring. Many hospitals and care facilities offer Respite Care. Your local Alzheimers member organisation will have information on day-care and Respite Care Facilities in your area. Further information:More information can be found in The Dementia Booklet or in the following Information Sheets: Books that may be of interest are: These books are available to be loaned from the Alzheimers New Zealand National Office library. Making life better for all people affected by dementia |
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