Dementia is a collection of syndromes characterized by memory loss and declining daily functioning, often misunderstood as a normal part of aging. Common signs include memory impairment, difficulty with routine tasks, mood changes, and challenges in communication. Although there is no cure, the condition can be managed; engaging in mental exercises, regular physical activity, and a healthy diet may help slow its progression.

1. COPING WITH
DEMENTIA

2. WHAT IS DEMENTIA?
A COLLECTION OF SYNDROMES
RELATED TO FAILING BRAIN FUNCTION
LIKE LOSS OF MEMORY AND INABILITY
TO PERFORM DAILY TASKS.

3. DEMENTIA IS VERY OFTEN, AND
MISTAKENLY, ASSUMED TO BE A
NORMAL GERIATRIC CONDITION.

4. WHILST OLDER PEOPLE ARE MORE
LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED, IT CAN ALSO
STRIKE PEOPLE AS YOUNG AS 40.

5. SIGNS OF DEMENTIA
(THESE ARE SOME OF THE CLASSIC SIGNS OF DEMENTIA)

6. 1. MEMORY LOSS
IF SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS HAPPENS
OFTEN – IT COULD SIGNAL AN ONSET.

7. 2. INABILITY TO DO ROUTINE TASKS
FOR EXAMPLE - LOSING A SENSE OF DIRECTION
AND FORGETTING FAMILIAR LANDMARKS OR
FORGETTING TO COOK.

8. 3. MOOD CHANGES
THE PERSONALITY CAN CHANGE AS JUDGEMENT
WORSENS. THERE ARE ALSO EARLY SIGNS OF
DEPRESSION AND APATHY.

9. 4. COMMUNICATION & LANGUAGE
ANOTHER CLASSIC SYMPTOM IS THE INABILITY
TO FOLLOW A STORYLINE OR REMEMBER
CHARACTERS WHEN READING A BOOK
OR WATCHING A SHOW.

10. UNFORTUNATELY,
THERE IS NO CURE
FOR DEMENTIA.

11. IT IS A PROGRESSIVE
DISEASE WHICH CAN BE
MANAGED WITH THE
RIGHT SUPPORT AND
CARE FROM FAMILY AND
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS.

12. COPING WITH DEMENTIA

13. ACCORDING TO ALZHEIMERS.NET,
ANY MEASURE TAKEN TO KEEP
THE BRAIN ACTIVE CAN SLOW
DOWN THE ONSET OF DEMENTIA.

14. 1. LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE,
SKILL OR HOBBY IS A GREAT WAY
TO CHALLENGE THE BRAIN.

15. 2. BUILDING A BRAIN EXERCISE
ROUTINE.

16. 3. COMMIT TO
REGULAR EXERCISE.
SOME STUDIES HAVE
FOUND THAT RUNNING 15
MILES A WEEK CAN CUT
ALZHEIMER’S BY 40%.

17. 4. EAT A DIET RICH IN ANTI-
INFLAMMATORY FOODS.
SUCH AS STRAWBERRIES, MANGOES AND
APPLES, THAT CONTAIN THE COMPOUND FISETIN.

18. 5. EAT MORE FISH AND
MEDITERRANEAN FOOD
FOODS HIGH IN OMEGA 3 ARE KNOWN TO
IMPROVE COGNITIVE FUNCTION.

19. IF YOUR PARENT OR A LOVED ONE STARTS
TO SHOW SYMPTOMS OF DEMENTIA,
ENCOURAGE THEM TO MENTION IT TO THE
GP IN A ROUTINE CHECK-UP.

20. CALL 13 26 60
FOR EMERGENCIES CALL 000
DoctorDoctor provides bulk billed in home after hours
medical care for unexpected illness and connects
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