21 September was World Alzheimer's Day

There are many types of dementia and the most common is Alzheimer’s disease.

What is dementia?

Dementia is an illness that affects the brain, making it harder to remember things or think as clearly as before. It can affect every area of human thinking, feeling and behaviour, but each person with dementia is different: how the illness affects someone depends on which area of their brain is damaged.

The word dementia describes a group of symptoms that may include memory loss, difficulties with planning, problem-solving or language and sometimes changes in mood or behaviour.

What causes dementia?

Dementia occurs when the brain is damaged by disease. Alzheimer’s disease changes the chemistry and structure of the brain, causing brain cells to die, the disease tends to start slowly, the first sign is usually short-term memory loss which people may mistake for the ageing process however as the disease becomes progressively worse the individual will suffer more severe memory loss, decision making and personal care abilities will decline. 

Everyone’s dementia is different

Whatever type of dementia a person has, everyone will experience the condition in their own way. How it affects a person over time is also unique to the individual: their own attitude, relationships with others, other health conditions, and their environment will all have an impact.

Diagnosis

As changes become more noticeable it is vital to get early diagnosis to enable future planning and support for the individual and their carers.

What support is available?

Alzheimer Scotland provides a wide range of specialist services for people with dementia and their carers. Legal advice, including support on obtaining Power of Attorney / Guardianship is available. Alzheimer’s Scotland have a 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline and branches throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire provide community activities, peer support and information.