Understanding Dementia: Tips for Better Health
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is not a specific disease but a group of conditions that affect the brain. It can cause problems with memory, thinking, behaviours, and daily tasks. Some common types of dementia include brain diseases such as:
- Alzheimer’s disease: Shrinkage of posterior parts of the brain, abnormal deposit of a protein in the brain which destroys brain cells.
- Vascular dementia: Disruption of blood flow to the brain.
- Lewy body dementia: Abnormal deposit of a type of protein in the brain.
What Are the Signs of Dementia?
Early signs of dementia can be mild and easy to miss. Look out for:
- Forgetting recent events or conversations.
- Struggling with familiar tasks, like making tea.
- Getting confused about time or place.
- Changes in mood and behaviors, like being rude, becoming more anxious or withdrawn.
- Hallucinations, in some cases.
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, see a doctor for advice.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease specifically, see the 10 warning signs here.
Who Is at Risk of Dementia?
Some factors can increase the risk, such as:
- Family history of dementia.
- Some health conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Lifestyle habits, like smoking or lack of physical activity.
- Social isolation.
Having some risk factors does not mean that you will have dementia.
Can Dementia Be Treated?
While there’s no cure for most types of dementia, treatments can help manage symptoms. These include:
- Medications to improve memory or reduce confusion.
- Therapy and activities to help with thinking and memory (ex. Puzzles, sewing, singing, storytelling).
- Support groups for social and emotional help.
Talk to a doctor about the best treatment plan for your situation.
How Can Dementia Be Prevented?
You can lower your risk by taking care of your brain and body.
Try these tips:
- Stay active: Move your body regularly, go in the bush, go snowshoeing. This will improve blood flow to the brain.
- Eat healthy: Avoid alcohol, processed food, too much sugar or fatty foods.
- Challenge your mind: Learn new skills. For example, learn how to use your left hand if you are right-handed, learn a new language or a musical instrument.
- Stay social: Spend time with family and friends.
- Sleep well: Aim for 7–9 hours of good-quality sleep each night.
Did you know?
Some studies note that social participation in middle and late adulthood can reduce dementia risk by 30% to 50%.[1]
How Can Caregivers Help Someone With Dementia?
If you care for someone with dementia:
- Be patient and understanding.
- Change your expectations towards your loved one.
- Keep a daily routine to reduce confusion and disorientation
- Use reminders
- Participate in activities that stimulate them. Get involved. For example, use photos and images for them to share about, fold clothing or listen to music together.
- Encourage them to move their body and spend time with people
- Take health breaks for yourself as well
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you notice memory problems or other signs of dementia, don’t wait. Early diagnosis can make a big difference in managing symptoms and planning for the future.
Dementia can be challenging, but with the right support and care, people with dementia and their families can live fulfilling lives. Although there is no treatment for dementia, you do not have to suffer alone.
For more resources or to speak with a healthcare professional, reach out to your local CMC.
