The document defines dementia and identifies its main causes. It discusses the early symptoms and warning signs of dementia. It explains that occasional memory loss is normal with age but more serious signs could develop 20 years before an official diagnosis. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which accounts for 50-70% of cases. Other potential causes include Parkinson's disease, strokes, infections and head injuries.

1. Looking after someone with Dementia

2. Page 1 Welcome to this demonstration unit This unit will define the term dementia and identify its main causes. This course is useful to anyone who is new to or will soon be involved in looking after someone with dementia either within a social care setting or at home.

4. Page 3 QUIZ There are several myths surrounding dementia. Decide whether the statements below are myths or facts by selecting the relevant option for each statement. No medication exists to cure Alzheimer’s Dementia doesn’t always run in families Nothing can be done about the condition once diagnosed Occasional memory loss is a key indicator of dementia Dementia is an inevitable part of getting older False True

5. Page 4 Definition and Causes Dementia is a broad term meaning loss of memory and other mental abilities in a way that is severe enough to affect a person’s ability to cope with everyday life. Dementia can result from a range of conditions that cause physical changes to the brain. The most common cause of Alzheimer’s disease (50-70% of cases). Others include Parkinson’s disease, strokes, infections and head injuries. In all there are in excess of one hundred different dementias

6. Page 5 Early Symptoms and Warning Signs As we get older, many of us become more forgetful – for example we might misplace out keys occasionally or find it difficult to find the right word to describe something. This is normal and isn’t a cause for concern. It is important to be able to differentiate between these changes and the early warning signs of a more serious condition. These early signs can start to develop as much as twenty years before a diagnosis is made. Research carried out at Stanford University in the USA suggests that a newly developed blood test can identify people most at risk from developing Alzheimer’s disease up to six years before the symptoms become apparent. The test measures the levels of a number of proteins in the blood associated with Alzheimer’s.

7. Page 6 Identifying Early Warning Signs Here are three examples of changes in behaviour which we might notice in someone we know well. Which type (s) of behaviour would cause you concern? Click on the ones you think might cause you concern. Laura bumped into her father at the end of their road the other day on the way home. he was very anxious and couldn’t remember how he had got there. John explained to his Mum that she had an appointment at the dentist last Friday but had to remind her at least four times. Mary is 85. She complains that occasionally she has gone into a room or upstairs and then forgotten why.