dementia explained: part 1

Dementia Explained: Part 1

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Part 1: The types and causes of dementia.

Dementia Explained

We’ve done the research

for you.


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Introduction

Chapter 1: The Big Four

Chapter 2: Other Types of Dementia

Chapter 3: What Causes Dementia?

What is Unforgettable.org™?

Contents

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Hardly a day goes by without dementia being mentioned in the news. But how much do you really know about the condition which currently affects more than 850,000 people in the UK — a number expected to rise to more than a million by 2021.

Unforgettable.org™ has compiled this guide to sort the facts from the fiction. Dementia Explained provides you with all the essential information you need about the main types of dementia, how they are diagnosed, common treatments to ease symptoms, and potential future treatments and cures. We’ve also answered some of your most pressing concerns about whether dementia is hereditary, can it be prevented and possible life expectancy after diagnosis.

So whether you know someone with dementia (42 per cent of the UK population say they do), are living with it yourself or just want to be more informed about the condition, we hope this guide will help you.

Introduction


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• The general term used to describe a wide range of symptoms that occur when brain cells stop working properly. The main symptom of dementia is usually memory loss but there can be many other symptoms too, including communication and language problems and changes in personality.

• A progressive condition which means it gets worse in time though it usually progresses quite slowly — over years — rather than months depending on which form of dementia you have been diagnosed with and what caused it.

• Diagnosed via various tests which can be carried out by a doctor or dementia specialist working in a memory clinic or hospital. Although there is no cure for dementia — yet — there are many ways that may help slow down the progress of the condition including drug treatments, natural and psychological therapies and creative activities.

Dementia is…

• A normal part of ageing — occasional lapses in memory might be part of the ageing process but dementia is more serious than this. It is a condition which damages the brain.

• The same as Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia but it isn’t the only one. In fact there are around 200 different types of dementia including Vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, Frontotemporal dementia (sometimes called Pick’s disease), or a combination of more than one form called ‘mixed dementia.’

• A condition which only affects old people — younger people can get dementia too (although it is quite rare). When someone under 65 is diagnosed with a form of dementia it’s called early-onset or young-onset which can sometimes be hereditary.

• A mental illness — dementia is caused by damage to the brain, the damage can often be seen on brain scans so it isn’t ‘in the mind.’ However, a diagnosis of dementia can also cause depression which, in turn, can lead to further memory problems.

Dementia is NOT…


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10 Symptoms of Dementia

There are some very distinct early symptoms of dementia. These are the signs you should look out for:


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There are more than 200 different types of dementia but the most common forms are Alzheimer’s, Vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and Frontotemporal dementia. They’re often referred to as ‘the big four.’

Chapter 1: The Big Four

1. Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a neurological disease which causes brain cells to die. As the chemistry of the brain changes, mild memory loss and confusion often begins to occur which, in time, gets worse.

• Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. Around 60 per cent of the 850,000 people in the UK with dementia have Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is named after Alois Alzheimer, the German pathologist who first discovered it.

• Alzheimer’s is usually considered a disease of old age since the vast majority of people who get it are over 65. In fact, the likelihood of developing it doubles every five years after you reach 65. But it is not just a part of normal ageing.

• Alzheimer’s can also affect younger adults (aged 30–60) but this is rare. Only around 5 per cent of people with Alzheimer’s are thought to have the ‘early-onset’ form of the disease.

What actually happens?

Every person’s experience is different, but at first the symptoms may be so mild you hardly notice them or might put them down to something else, such as tiredness, age or depression. Gradually, the person with Alzheimer’s may find it difficult to remember recently learnt information such as the name of a new grandchild, or a doctor’s appointment.

As the disease moves to different parts of the brain, they may become disorientated, getting lost on their way to a local shop, or becoming uncharacteristically irritable or angry. The confusion slowly becomes more noticeable until eventually it impacts on daily life.

https://www.unforgettable.org/blog/what-is-alzheimers-disease/


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Could this be YOU?

Although no-one knows for sure what actually causes Alzheimer’s you have more chance of developing it if;

• Several members of your family have had it.

• You have a history of heart disease or depression.

• You’ve had a head injury or whiplash.

• You have Down’s Syndrome.

If you recognise yourself, or a loved one, in any of the symptoms or information here it’s definitely worth talking to your GP or confiding in someone you trust. For while it’s true that there is no cure — yet — for Alzheimer’s, there are treatments that can really help, so the earlier it’s diagnosed the better.

What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?

Alzheimer’s is a disease, dementia is the umbrella term used to describe a collection of symptoms that occur when the brain cells stop working properly. You might also hear it described as a condition. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. Of the 850,000 people in the UK who have dementia, around 500,000 of them have Alzheimer’s.


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The mini strokes cause tiny but widespread damage to the brain. At first, people with dementia may have difficulty thinking clearly, planning or remembering seemingly familiar words. But symptoms vary widely, depending on which part of the brain has been affected by the stroke. Sometimes memory loss is slight, while trouble understanding speech or ‘finding the right words’ is more apparent. However, the more strokes a person has, the worse their symptoms may become.

Who is most at risk?

Vascular dementia is age related — it’s rare in anyone aged under 65 and commonly affects those between 65–75 (more men seem to develop it than women). It’s also more common amongst those of Asian, Black and Caribbean ethnicity. You also have a higher risk of developing vascular dementia if you have:

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Sleep apnoea

• Cardiovascular disease (this includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol and being overweight)

• Or if you’ve already had a stroke

2. Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia, in the UK and it’s caused by problems with the supply of oxygen to the brain. People who have Vascular dementia will usually have suffered a series of small strokes, (known as ‘mini strokes’) often so small they’re hardly noticeable. The strokes cause damage in the brain which results in dementia.

https://www.unforgettable.org/blog/what-is-vascular-dementia/


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3. Dementia with Lewy bodies

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) was only officially recognised as a form of dementia in the mid 2000s. It’s named after Dr Frederich Lewy who first discovered it and although it shares many similarities with Alzheimer’s, people who have it tend to experience dramatic, unpredictable swings from clarity to confusion from hour to hour or day to day, rather than a slow, steady decline.

• Dementia with Lewy bodies is the third most common form of dementia, and at least five per cent of people aged over 85 are thought to have it, though it is generally under-diagnosed.

• Dementia with Lewy bodies is often associated with Parkinson’s disease and shares similar symptoms, such as muscle movement causing difficulty with balance, as well as hallucinations.

• The Lewy ‘bodies’ are abnormal bits of protein which form inside brain cells, clog them up and stop the brain working properly.


Hallucinations can be one of the first symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies, and you may see colours, shapes, animals or people that aren’t there. Some people develop a shuffling walk, tremors, stiff limbs, dizziness, fainting and falls. Confusion and memory loss may follow but aren’t usually one of the first signs of dementia with Lewy bodies. Sleep difficulties and depression are also quite common. As the disease gets worse, people who have dementia with Lewy bodies will need more help with day-to-day living.

https://www.unforgettable.org/blog/what-is-dementia-with-lewy-bodies/


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Could this be YOU?

Dementia with Lewy bodies is under diagnosed so if you recognise yourself, or someone you know, in any of this information it makes sense to get it checked out. Although there is currently no cure, some symptoms respond well to treatments in the short term at least, making it possible to live life well.

Lewy bodies are deposits of abnormal proteins inside brain cells. These deposits (or ‘bodies’) build up in areas of the brain responsible for things such as memory and muscle movement and disrupt the brain’s normal functions by interfering with chemical signals transmitted from one brain cell to another.

• Research is ongoing but there is some evidence that a drug called Rivastigmine, which is routinely prescribed for Alzheimer’s, can also help with DLB. Although it isn’t licensed yet to treat dementia with Lewy bodies, it could still be worth talking to your GP about it.

• On good days, people with dementia with Lewy bodies can be very alert and have less difficultiesmoving around...so make the most of them with interesting activities or pastimes.

• Hallucinations are somethimes very frightening for the person experiencing them and for anyone who happens to be with them.


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4. Frontotemporal dementia (Pick’s Disease)

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is rare, affecting around 16,000 people in the UK, however it’s one of the main causes of dementia in younger people. Unlike other forms of dementia, it usually doesn’t cause memory problems at first so it can be difficult to diagnose. It also tends to run in families much more than other types of dementia.

• Around 15 per cent of people with FTD have a strong family history of it.

• FTD is most often diagnosed between the ages of 45–65 though it can affect older people, too.

• Around 10–20 per cent of those living with FTD will also be affected by a motor disorder, such as motor neuron disease.

Frontotemporal dementia used to be called Picks disease, named after the German scientist Dr Arnold Pick who first described the disease (in 1892) and its abnormal proteins in the brain (the ‘Pick bodies’).

https://www.unforgettable.org/blog/what-is-frontotemporal-dementia-picks-disease/


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Frontotemporal dementia attacks a different part of the brain to Alzheimer’s and therefore causes different symptoms. Behaviour and personality changes are often the first, most notable, symptom and for this reason it can often be mistaken for depression at first. For example, the person affected may seem distant, lost or cold, they may have severe mood swings, lose their inhibitions, become obsessional or crave sweet, fatty food. But sometimes difficulties with language (slow, hesitant speech) or vocabulary (trouble remembering everyday words) are the first signs that something is wrong. As the disease progresses all of these symptoms become more blurred.

Frontotemporal dementia damages two lobes in the brain, called the frontal lobe and the temporal lobe. The frontal lobe controls behaviour and emotions, and the temporal lobe controls the understanding of words. The damage itself is thought to be caused by clumps of abnormal proteins called ‘Pick bodies’ which clog up and kill nerve cells in these lobes, leading to shrinkage in the brain issue.

Scientists are currently researching new ways to treat frontotemporal dementia. Find out how to get on a clinical trial in Chapter 5.


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Alongside the ‘big four’ dementias are several others you may have heard about.

Chapter 2: Other Types of Dementia

1. Mixed Dementia

A diagnosis of mixed dementia means that you have more than one type of dementia. The most likely combination is of the two most common forms; Alzheimer’s and Vascular dementia. However, mixed dementia can involve other types too, such as dementia with Lewy bodies.

• At least 10 per cent of people with dementia are diagnosed with mixed dementia, although scientists now believe it may affect far more than this.

• Mixed dementia may become more common with age.

• Mixed dementia is difficult to diagnose. In fact, a diagnosis of mixed dementia is more likely to come during a brain autopsy, than during life.


Many people with mixed dementia might not know they have it as the numerous brain changes it involves are so difficult to detect. Instead, they will probably be diagnosed with the type of dementia that most matches their symptoms, which is often Alzheimer’s.

The most common form of mixed dementia (Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia) will involve brain changes associated with the abnormal protein deposits of Alzheimer’s (amyloid plaques) as well as the typical blood clots of vascular dementia. If dementia with Lewy bodies is also part of the diagnosis its key characteristics (ie the abnormal ‘Lewy body’ protein deposits) will also be present.

Sadly, the true extent of the damage caused by mixed dementia in the brain can currently only be revealed during autopsy, but research is ongoing.

https://www.unforgettable.org/blog/what-is-mixed-dementia/


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2. Young Onset Dementia

Dementia mainly affects older people, but it can occasionally affect those under 65. Although very distressing and difficult to accept, most people with young onset dementia find that a diagnosis can make life easier in the long term because it means they can begin to access the right treatment and support.

• Of the 850,000 people in the UK currently living with dementia, only around five per cent are under 65.

• One third of those with young onset dementia have Alzheimer’s, and around 20 per cent have Vascular dementia. A further 20 per cent have a rarer form, such as one associated with Parkinson’s disease or Huntington’s disease.

• One in 10 people with a learning disability develop young onset Alzheimer’s or dementia.

• Although there’s no specific treatment for mixed dementia, scientific studies have shown that it responds well to the same medications as those given for Alzheimer’s disease.

• As research continues to grow, it’s likely that mixed dementia will be increasingly diagnosed – and treated – during life.

https://www.unforgettable.org/blog/what-is-youngerearly-onset-alzheimers-dementia/


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This largely depends on which form of dementia a young person has, but symptoms usually begin with memory loss, difficulty concentrating on simple tasks they used to find easy (such as following a recipe or paying a bill), problems with driving or joining in a conversation. But because dementia is so rare in younger people, it’s often mistaken for something else at first, such as stress or depression. GPs often don’t feel confident about making a diagnosis themselves and may refer you to a specialist for tests and assessments.

Frontotemporal dementia used to be called Picks disease, named after the German scientist Dr Arnold Pick who first described the disease (in 1892) and its abnormal proteins in the brain (the ‘Pick bodies’).

We still don’t know why young people get dementia, though young onset Alzheimer’s does seem to run in families and have a genetic link. Scientists believe that a genetic mutation in one of three genes the APP, PSEN 1 or PSEN 2 may mean you are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s before the age of 65.

• Although it may seem a scary prospect, diagnosis could actually take away a lot of stress and uncertainty and allow you to get the right treatment and support, while taking control of your own future. You could also get on a clinical trial.

• Life doesn’t stop when dementia starts. Many younger people continue to work after they’ve been diagnosed and remain a vibrant, essential part of their family and community.


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3. Korsakoff syndrome

Korsakoff syndrome is a dementia-like condition usually associated with a chronic misuse of alcohol. Although Korsakoff syndrome does lead to memory loss it can be treated very successfully and in some cases a full recovery is possible.

• Korsakoff syndrome accounts for 10 per cent of dementia in younger people aged 45–65, and affects more men than women.

• Korsakoff syndrome is caused by a chronic lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine) which affects the brain and nervous system.

• Although alcohol misuse is the most common cause, weight disorders such as anorexia nervosa, can also cause Korsakoff syndrome since they also deplete the body of important vitamins.


Heavy drinking depletes the body of essential vitamins, including vitamin B1 (thiamine), which is necessary for a healthy brain and nervous system. Eventually, the brain and nervous system can’t work properly, resulting in memory loss and other symptoms such as poor balance, jerky eye movements and changes in personality. If these symptoms appear gradually they can be difficult to spot and treat. However, if they come on suddenly and are correctly diagnosed, a quickly administered high dose injection of thiamine can have remarkable results, sometimes leading to a full recovery.

Korsakoff syndrome is named after the Russian neuropsychiatrist Sergei Korsakoff who discovered it in the 19th Century.

Alcohol can cause widespread damage to nerve cells and blood vessels leading to damage and shrinkage of the brain. However Korsakoff syndrome and other so-called ‘alcohol-related dementias’ do not always result in a slow, steady decline, since vitamin injections, improved diet, support and abstinence can halt further deterioration and even result in improvements. For this reason, scientists now prefer to call Korsakoff syndrome and other similar conditions ‘alcohol-related brain damage’ rather than dementia.

https://www.unforgettable.org/blog/what-is-korsakoff-syndrome/


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4. What is Posterior Cortical Atrophy

Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) was only discovered in 1988 and remains relatively rare. PCA usually affects people aged 50–65 and often starts by causing complex visual problems, rather than confusion or memory loss. Scientists aren’t sure if Posterior Cortical Atrophy is a form of Alzheimer’s or a unique disease. Research is ongoing.

• Posterior Cortical Atrophy is the form of dementia which author Sir Terry Pratchett was diagnosed with, aged 59.

• PCA is often misdiagnosed because it’s so rare. So while studies suggest around five percent of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease have PCA, some experts believe it could be as many as 15 per cent.

• Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA), is also known as Benson’s syndrome, after Dr Frank Benson who first described it in 1988.

Korsakoff syndrome isn’t only treatable, it’s also preventable by cutting right down on alcohol and improving your diet to include lots of foods rich in vitamin B1.

https://www.unforgettable.org/blog/what-is-posterior-cortical-atrophy/


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People who have Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) normally experience changes in vision, they’re often unable to see objects that they know are in front of them, or can see details but not the bigger picture — they’re able to see ‘the tree but not the forest.’ This gradually impacts on daily life, affecting driving, reading, writing, and numeracy (which are controlled by the back part of the brain). Memory loss and confusion only tend to happen later on in the journey — perhaps after a few years.

PCA is a neurodegenerative disease which damages the back (posterior) of the brain known as the occipital lobe. This part of the brain is responsible for vision. The amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer’s disease are thought to cause the damage, which is why PCA is often considered to be a variant of Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers are still trying to establish a standard definition and diagnostic criteria for Posterior Cortical Atrophy.


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What are neurodegenerative diseases?

The term ‘neurodegenerative disease’ covers a whole range of conditions all resulting in the loss of nerve cells and the gradual decline in the brain’s ability to keep going.

• Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, Motor Neuron disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are all classed as neurodegenerative diseases but Alzheimer’s is the most common, accounting for around 60–70 percent of cases.

• There are hundreds of other lesser known neurodegenerative diseases, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) which is the most common form of motor neuron disease. However, research so far has been focused on three; Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s.

• There is no specific medical treatment for Posterior Cortical Atrophy, but drugs for Alzheimer’s disease can be helpful.

• Since memory remains intact for quite some time, many people with Posterior Cortical Atrophy retain personality and insight, and can talk as fluently and coherently as they always have, which can be some comfort to them and their loved ones. For this reason, PCA is sometimes considered one of the ‘better’ forms of Alzheimer’s or dementia to be diagnosed with.


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Neurodegenerative diseases lead to progressive brain damage, which affects many of the body’s activities, such as moving, talking and memory. Each of the diseases has its own medications and treatments — which are improving rapidly — designed to relieve pain and improve quality of life.

Is there a link between dementia and motor neuron disease?

Motor neuron disease is a rare, devastating condition which damages the nervous system and leads to paralysis. A small number of people who have motor neuron disease are also diagnosed with a specific type of dementia called frontotemporal dementia which tends to affects personality and behaviour.

• Both motor neuron disease (MND) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are neurodegenerative diseases and are thought to be caused by a faulty gene.

• Around 15 per cent of people with frontotemporal dementia will also develop motor neuron disease.

• There are several forms of MND, the most common is called ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). However in the USA they use ALS to mean MND, which can cause confusion!

Neurodegenerative diseases are caused by abnormally shaped proteins in the brain which stick together in clumps and fibres. When enough of these proteins build up, they can trigger a reaction which results in the death of nerve cells.

• Scientists are currently investigating the possibility of treating several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, with the same drug. Although the research is still in its infancy, tests on animals have been encouraging.

• There’s always reason to hope. When world renowned scientist Professor Stephen Hawking was given the devastating diagnosis of ALS as a young man he was given two years to live...that was 52 years ago!


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If someone with motor neuron disease is going to develop dementia it usually happens fairly early on. At first, symptoms may be so mild that they’re hardly noticeable, for example, they might lose concentration when reading the newspaper. Sadly, symptoms do usually become more obvious quite rapidly, and can include changes in behaviour. Feeling restless, binging on sweet food, or acting impulsively, are some of the most common symptoms.

Many people with motor neuron disease do not develop dementia, while some may experience very mild changes in thinking and memory which aren’t related to dementia.

Toxic protein fragments that damage and destroy brain cells are thought to be the main culprits in both frontotemporal dementia and motor neuron disease. Scientists have recently discovered that an unusual genetic mutation in the C9orf72 gene could be responsible for causing both diseases.


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Why do some people get dementia while others don’t? A great deal of progress has been made in dementia research, but unfortunately all the causes of dementia are still not fully understood. This chapter explains some of the known and suspected reasons why people get dementia.

Chapter 3: What Causes Dementia?

The Main Causes of Dementia

Dementia is caused by damage in the brain, which makes the brain cells degenerate and die more quickly than they would normally. This damage can lead to problems with memory, changes in personality and general difficulties with everyday living.

• The most common cause of the brain damage that leads to dementia are neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia.

• A restriction in blood supply to the brain can also cause the brain damage that leads to dementia. This is called vascular dementia.

• There are other less common causes of dementia or dementia-like symptoms too, such as head injuries, alcohol misuse, lack of vitamin B, and depression (though some of these are treatable and can even be reversed).

https://www.unforgettable.org/blog/what-causes-dementia/


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Exactly how dementia progresses will differ from person to person and can depend largely on the type of dementia you are diagnosed with. The most notable symptom of many types of dementia — particularly Alzheimer’s — is memory loss, however this isn’t always the case. For example, a person with frontotemporal dementia may not have too much difficulty remembering things but may seem cold and withdrawn or behave in a way that seems out of character. In most cases dementia symptoms will get worse but don’t panic because this can take a long time — and there are lots of ways to manage the symptoms and continue to live well.

The Good News

Research into what is happening in the brains and nerve cells of people with dementia is growing rapidly. Scientists are confident that a drug to significantly slow the progress of the most common types of dementia — or even cure them — will be available within ten years.

A build-up of abnormal proteins in the brain is to blame for most types of neurodegenerative dementia (such as Alzheimer’s and dementia with Lewy bodies). In Alzheimer’s these proteins are called ‘plaques and tangles.’ In dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia (Pick’s disease) the proteins are called ‘Lewy bodies’ and ‘Pick bodies’ after the scientists who first discovered them.

Vascular dementia however is caused, not by abnormal proteins, but by a restriction in blood flow to the brain, usually in the form of a stroke.


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What are the risk factors for dementia?

No-one can predict with certainty whether they’ll get dementia, though research suggests some people are more likely to develop it than others. While increasing age is the most common risk factor (and there’s nothing you can do about getting older!) there are plenty of other risk factors you can do something about. Follow the advice below and you could cut your risk of developing dementia quite considerably.

• By the age of 80, one in six people will have dementia.

• A family history of dementia can make you more prone to developing it in later life, but your chance of inheriting a ‘dementia gene’ is extremely rare.

• Medical conditions such as strokes, heart disease, high blood pressure, head injuries, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, HIV, chronic kidney disease and Parkinson’s can also increase your risk of developing dementia.

Some research has suggested that people who suffer from depression or who are underweight could also be at higher risk, but this research isn’t conclusive and more evidence is needed.


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Your 5-Step Plan

A large UK study has revealed some fascinating insights into the effects of ageing on the brain. The study, by researchers at Edinburgh University, followed 1000 men for 30 years (from their 40s to their 70s) and found that those who followed these five simple lifestyle choices reduced their risk of developing dementia by as much as 36 per cent.

• Give up smoking.

• Take regular exercise (this could mean a 30 minute brisk walk 3–5 times a week).

• Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink (heavy drinking can lead to a loss of brain tissue).

• Follow a Mediterranean type diet containing oily fish, nuts seeds and olive oil.

• Reduce your risk of diabetes (which is also associated with dementia) by losing weight if you need to and by following all the other advice above.

Don’t panic

If you smoke, drink heavily, rarely take any exercise or eat lots of junk food there’s plenty you can do to help yourself now — it’s not too late.

• Since head injuries can also be linked to dementia (especially if you’ve had more than one), you should always wear protective gear (including safety helmets) while taking part in sport.

• Research suggests that people who read regularly, or do crosswords or puzzles, are less likely to develop dementia than those who don’t.


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Can strokes cause dementia?

Strokes and dementia are both diseases of the brain and while evidence suggests strokes can cause dementia it’s still unclear whether dementia can increase the risk of strokes.

• Having a stroke doubles your risk of developing dementia.

• 30 per cent of people who have a stroke then develop dementia.

• After a stroke people can develop vascular dementia, mixed dementia or a combination of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s.


A stroke interrupts the blood supply to the brain. Many people who’ve had a stroke may feel confused and disorientated for weeks or months afterwards, but this is often temporary. However, if the symptoms continue for at least three months after the stroke happened it’s more likely that they have also developed dementia.

Could this be YOU?

The risk factors for stroke and dementia are the same, they include having:

• Diabetes

• Epilepsy

• An irregular heartbeat

• Or if you’ve had a heart attack or a stroke in the past


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For decades, stroke and dementia were treated as entirely separate conditions, but scientists now understand they are often woven together. Research in this area is happening now, as what experts describe as ‘the tangled knot of stroke and dementia’ begin to untie.

You can help yourself. Giving up smoking, eating a healthy diet, taking exercise and cutting down on alcohol can reduce your risk of having a stroke and of developing dementia.


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Can Parkinson’s cause dementia?

Parkinson’s disease alone does not cause dementia but it can increase your chances of getting it. Dementia is more common in people who have Parkinson’s than those who don’t, although it is also influenced by age. Dementia rarely affects young people who have Parkinson’s, but those over 70 are at a higher risk.

• About half of people with Parkinson’s disease develop dementia at some point.

• There are two types of dementia associated with Parkinson’s, they’re called Parkinson’s dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies.

• A slow shuffling walk is one of the three classic symptoms of Parkinson’s (alongside tremors and stiff rigid muscles). Recent research suggests that those who develop this walk may be more likely to also develop dementia.


Dementia in Parkinson’s disease can bring different challenges to other types of dementia. Memory problems are still present but usually less severe than in people with Alzheimer’s disease. People who have Parkinson’s and dementia can become more passive, find it difficult to concentrate, develop false, fixed ideas and have sleep problems.

Many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s dementia are similar to depression, so don’t jump to conclusions too quickly if a loved one seems to have any of these symptoms. Do confide in someone if you’re concerned because there are a range of treatments and medications designed to help you both.

Enjoyed this? You can download the whole Dementia Explained e-book from Unforgettable.org in Spring 2016.


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We are the world’s best marketplace of products and services for dementia and memory loss.

Whatever the stages and whatever the challenge you are facing, we are here to help. We’ll do this by:

1. Highlighting products that you didn’t even know existed which can make life easier every day.

2. Becoming informed about dementia through helpful articles and expert advice.

3. Finding reassurance in a friendly community or keeping up to date with all the latest dementia and memory loss news.

What is Unforgettable.org?™

https://www.unforgettable.org/

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www.unforgettable.org is a social business, which means we are committed to using business as a force for good. There are many ways that turn this into action, but part of it is donating at least 10 per cent of our profits (or a minimum of £10,000 per year) to the Unforgettable Foundation. It funds education and research into dementia and gives grants to related charities and educational institutions in the UK.


https://www.unforgettable.org/foundation/

http://www.unforgettable.org

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Dementia is the UK’s most feared illness – more than two thirds of people over 50 are scared of developing it. But fear can often be a result of ignorance. Dementia Explained separates the facts from the fiction and answers some of your most pressing concerns, including;

• Will I get dementia?

• How long can you live with dementia?

• When will there be a cure?

So whether you’re newly diagnosed, caring for a loved one or just want to know more about the condition which currently affects more than 850, 000 people in the UK, this is the book for you. Dementia Explained has been compiled by memory and dementia specialists Unforgettable.org.

Other eBooks in the series coming soon!

A Carers Guide to Dementia

A Guide to the Dementia Journey Your Dementia Home

www.unforgettable.org

0203 322 9070

[email protected]

Unforgettable 6-8 Bonhill Street

London EC2A 4BX

United Kingdom

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dementia explained: part 1

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