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WHAT IS Dementia? Dementia is the name given to a group of symptoms that arise from deterioration in the brain. These symptoms include memory loss, confusion, disorientation and lessening of intellectual functioning. There are several illnesses that gradually result in dementia the most common is Alzheimers Disease, which accounts for 70% of all dementia cases. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DEMENTIA? Forgetting things more often and not remembering them later. Forgetting or jumbling words and thus not making sense. Disorientation forgetting where one lives or where one is (even in your own street) Wearing odd combinations of clothes - loss of judgement Abstract thinking problems e.g. forgetting all about numbers Misplacing things hiding things or putting them in odd places. Mood swings rapid changes for no apparent reason. Change in personality becoming fearful or depressed, sad or angry. Not being able to learn new information. Repeating the same story over again or asking the same question over again IS THERE A CAUSE? IS THERE A CURE for Dementia? Dementia can occur as a result of mini strokes or blood clots in the brain known as Vascular dementia. Other dementias include Picks disease, Lewy Body disease and frontal lobe dementia. Dementia can also occur from excessive intake of alcohol over many years, thyroid disease, brain tumours or AIDS. Some dementias have a cause that can be treated, so it is important to see a doctor regarding the symptoms. For most dementias, including Alzheimers Disease, however, there is no known cure. Five percent of people over 65 have dementia and almost 50% of those over 85 have some form of dementia. Alzheimers affects more females than males. SOME RECENT RESEARCH The Alzheimers Disease Research Group (including researchers from The Mental Health Research Institute in Victoria) are investigating the protein deposits that accumulate in plaques and tangles within the brain of people who are found to have Alzheimers Disease. A particular protein - BA4 - crystallises in an unusual way making it difficult to metabolise so it builds up leading to deterioration of the brain. Researchers are hoping to discover why this protein changes its behaviour and they are exploring the environmental effects of things such as heavy metal exposure, stress and head injury. The research is aimed at delaying the onset or eliminating completely the crystallisation of the BA4 protein deposits in the brains of those who would otherwise develop Alzheimers Disease. For more information on this and other Alzheimer research contact the Mental Health Research Institute in Victoria on the number below. AIDS DEMENTIA COMPLEX (ADC) What is it? It is a type of dementia that can occur at any time during the progression of HIV/AIDS. It is important to get a diagnosis to rule out other possible causes. Head injury, infection or other psychiatric illness may be mistaken for early signs of dementia. Signs and symptoms of ADC Forgetfulness Poor concentration Apathy Problems with tasks which have to follow a series of steps Physical unsteadiness Disinhibition. Getting help Many people find it difficult to ask for help. However, it might be a good idea to contact services earl and ask what help they offer. This way you are prepared and know where to go if you need help. There are support groups and respite services available, contact AIDS Council of NSW (ACON), 9 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010. Telephone: (02) 9206 2000 to find out more. Dealing with ADC There are ways of managing some of the behaviour and problems associated with ADC. Physiotherapy can help with physical problems like walking and balanceOccupational therapy can help adapt the home to make it safer.Counselling in the early stages may be of benefit.It is important to try a range of strategies( what works one day may not work on the next) ADC is a progressive illness but AZT (used to slow down the development of the AIDS virus) may also slow down the progression of the dementia. Anti-depressants can also be useful in some cases. For further advice on management and treatment contact ADAHPT- 301 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010. Telephone: 9339 2078 WHERE DO I GO FOR HELP AND SUPPORT? Make an appointment to see your GP for a complete examination. You may be referred to an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or a specialist for a further examination. For support, help and referral you can call the Alzheimer's Association National Helpline. Other places that can help are Home and Community Care Programs and Residential Respite Care. WHAT HAPPENS IN AN ASSESSMENT? An assessment tells you: What the illness is. Whether the illness can be reversed or treated. The type and extent of the disability. The areas in which the person can still function well. The changes you can expect in the future. Where to get support, assistance and help. CARER SUPPORT Caring for someone with Dementia can be physically and emotionally exhausting. A person with a gradual dementing illness will eventually require 24-hour care. Services to support carers are available through Aged Care Assessment Teams and the Alzheimers Association in all States. The services offered for carers by the Alzheimers Association include nationwide respite care, support groups, information, education and counselling. Contact Alzheimers Association via their toll free number from anywhere in Australia. CONTACTS Alzheimers Association Australia wide Toll free number 1800 639 331, or visit www.alznsw.asn.au Mental Health Information Service (02) 9816 5688 / 1800 674 200 Local Community Health Centre } Aged Care Assessment Team } Consult your White Pages Local GP } Home and Community Care } References: Mental Health Research Institute Alzheimers Research internet site www.mhri.edu.auAlzheimers Association NSW brochure Is it Dementia? 1996Alzheimers Association NSW brochure Dementia Answers to common questions about memory loss and confusion 1997Alzheimers Association on the Internet www.alznsw.asn.auAids Dementia Complex. A Guide To Management & Care At Home 1997 DisclaimerThe information provided is to be used for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional care in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Information may be reproduced with an acknowledgement to the Mental Health Association NSW. This, and other fact sheets are available for download from www.mentalhealth.asn.au. This fact sheet was last updated in Autumn, 2002
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