7 things you might not know about dementia

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Experts explain some lesser-known facts about the condition dementia.

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, which aims to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia.First off, Caroline Scates, deputy director of Admiral Nurse development at Dementia UK, points out that Alzheimer’s and dementia are not the same thing.“Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of conditions affecting the brain, which get gradually worse over time,” Scates explains – with symptoms commonly including problems with memory, thinking and communication, leading to a reduction in skills required for everyday living.“There are over 200 different sub-types. Alzheimer’s disease is one of these and it is the most common form of dementia, caused by a build-up of proteins called amyloid and tau in the brain, which result in the death of brain cells.”

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Here, experts talk us through seven other common misconceptions about dementia…1. Dementia can affect people at any age“Frontotemporal dementia is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 45 to 65, though people can get it earlier or later in life,” says Fran Vandelli, a dementia lead for Bupa Care Services. “There are broadly two types of frontotemporal dementia, which usually start with changes to behaviour and emotional control, and/or problems with language.”2. It’s not always hereditary“Developing dementia isn’t inevitable, and there are so many factors that play a part in health and mental wellbeing that it makes more sense to focus on living well and staving off decline of all kinds,” says Vandelli.“There are some rare types of dementia that can be inherited, but with these the disease tends to develop earlier in life, and in rare cases people can start showing the signs in their 30s.”3. Diet and dementia are linked“Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure are both linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia,” Vandelli says.Generally speaking, being overweight can mean we’re more likely to develop conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which is why a healthy diet may help reduce your risk.4. Staying active can help prevent dementiaIn addition to a healthy diet, exercise and movement – it doesn’t have to be a strenuous workout – can help reduce your risk of dementia.5. A person can continue to live positively following a diagnosis“Many people are able to continue working, driving and living full and productive lives after a diagnosis of dementia,” says Scates. “Although there is no cure for dementia, there is specialist care.”6. You shouldn’t always correct someone with dementia“People with dementia can become confused and disorientated, leading them to believe things that are not true – known as ‘false beliefs’ or ‘delusions’,” Scates says.While it may be tempting for friends or family to try and correct them, that’s not always the best approach. “In these instances, it’s better to try and explain in a calm and reassuring way what’s happening without challenging or correcting them, to ease distress.”7. Contrasting colours can help dementia patients navigateGetting around the home can be tricky for those experiencing issues with depth and distance perception.“Using contrasting colours can help people with dementia navigate their homes and other environments,” says Vandelli.