What is Dementia?
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Dementia describes several types of diseases that affect cognitive functioning (how people think). Neurological disorders cause changes in cognitive functions that lead individuals to experience memory loss and confusion, as well as other symptoms. These symptoms may include:
- Difficulty finding words
- Difficulty recognizing objects, places, or people
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An individual must be experiencing more than one of these symptoms in significant severities in order to be diagnosed with dementia. Dementia is difficult to diagnose and may require many different tests in order to make an official diagnosis. A common misconception is that dementia is a normal part of ageing. Dementia can affect people at any age but is more common in older people. Other health conditions, such as an infection, can worsen symptoms of dementia. While there is no cure for dementia, some medications such as antidepressants can help manage the symptoms. Families cope differently when a loved one received a dementia diagnosis. Many family members often feel isolated and stressed and don’t know where to go for support.