Dementia overview
- Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning.
- It is a broad term used to describe a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning.
- There are many types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body disease.
- Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65.
- Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians and the leading cause of death of Australian women.
(Dementia Australia Annual Report 2020-2021, p 39-40)
Dementia is already difficult enough to cope with, so we pose the question “Why don’t we start to find more joy in things that people with dementia still love to do?”
(Alzheimer Report 2)
What we think is attainable is just a product of what we know currently.
(Author unknown)
I just focused on putting one foot in front of the other.
(Sir E. Hillary)
More about dementia
- Key facts
- Signs and symptoms
- Common forms
- Treatment and care
- Self-care
- Human rights
- WHO response
Frequently asked questions
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