Startling facts tell us someone in the world develops dementia every 3 seconds. There are over 57 million people worldwide living with dementia in 2021. This number will almost double every 20 years, reaching 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.
Therefore, it is so important that we are aware of the early signs as there are solutions that can slow the disease down to give a better quality of life if identified early enough.
What is dementia?
Dementia describes a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain, it is not one specific disease. Dementia affects thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday tasks
Who gets dementia?
Most people with dementia are older, but it is important to remember that not all older people get dementia. It is not a normal part of ageing.
Dementia can happen to anybody, and whilst it is more common after the age of 65 years it can also affect people in their 40s and 50s.
The Dementia process is broken down into three main categories, early onset, mid stage and late stage.
Early Onset: the early stage of dementia is often overlooked because the onset is gradual. Common symptoms may include:
- forgetfulness
- losing track of the time
- becoming lost in familiar places.
Middle stage: as dementia progresses to the middle stage, the signs and symptoms become clearer and may include:
- becoming forgetful of recent events and people's names
- becoming confused while at home
- having increasing difficulty with communication
- needing help with personal care
- experiencing behaviour changes, including wandering and repeated questioning
Late stage: the late stage of dementia is one of near total dependence and inactivity. Memory disturbances are serious, and the physical signs and symptoms become more obvious and may include:
- becoming unaware of the time and place
- having difficulty recognizing relatives and friends
- having an increasing need for assisted self-care
- having difficulty walking
- experiencing behaviour changes that may escalate and include aggression.
What can be done to help?
At present there is no prevention or cure for most forms of dementia. However, some medications have been found to reduce some symptoms. Support is vital for people with dementia. The help of families, friends and carers can make a positive difference to managing the condition.
At Algarve Care Services, we have a team of professional English-speaking carers that can help and assist you, if you are worried about showing signs of Dementia or are concerned for someone else, don’t waste any time, Dementia is serious but with the right support in place, you can still live a meaningful happy life.
Get in touch with us TODAY for a no obligation chat. Call us on +351 920 419 239 or email enquiries@algarvecare.com. You can also visit our website at www.algarvecare.com