Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a group of symptoms caused by various conditions that affects memory, thinking, and social abilities.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. It affects memory, thinking, and social abilities. Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a group of symptoms caused by various conditions, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common cause.
Lewy body dementia (LBD), Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are related but distinct conditions:
- Lewy body dementia (LBD) is an umbrella term that includes both Parkinson’s disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. It is characterised by the presence of Lewy bodies, which are abnormal protein deposits in the brain.
- Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) occurs in people with Parkinson’s disease. It typically develops many years after the initial Parkinson’s diagnosis, with motor symptoms appearing first, followed by cognitive decline.
- Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is similar to PDD but differs in the timing of symptoms. In DLB, cognitive symptoms such as memory loss and confusion appear first or within a year of motor symptoms.
In Australia, there are several treatments and support options available for people living with dementia and their carers. Always seek professional medical advice before starting any treatments.
Treatments
- Medications: While there is no cure for dementia, certain medications can help manage symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine) and memantine are commonly prescribed to improve cognitive function and slow the progression of symptoms (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023).
- Non-Pharmacological Therapies: These include cognitive stimulation therapy, reminiscence therapy, and physical exercise programmes, which can help improve quality of life and cognitive function (Dementia Australia, 2023).
- Management of Coexisting Conditions: Proper management of other health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and depression, is crucial as they can impact the progression and severity of dementia (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023).
Support Services
- National Dementia Helpline: A free and confidential service providing information, advice, and support 24/7. The helpline can be reached at 1800 100 500 (Dementia Australia, 2023).
- Counselling Services: Dementia Australia offers free, professional counselling for people, families, and carers at all stages of the dementia journey (Dementia Australia, 2023).
- Living with Dementia Program: This programme provides an overview of dementia, coping strategies, and planning for the future. It includes sessions on relationships, communication, and staying healthy (Dementia Australia, 2023).
- Peer Support: The Connecting Peers programme connects people with someone who has experienced similar challenges, providing emotional support and practical advice (Dementia Australia, 2023).
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): For people under 65 diagnosed with dementia, the NDIS provides support and services to help them live independently (Dementia Australia, 2023).
How do I access support?
Accessing services can make a significant difference in managing the symptoms of dementia, improving quality of life and maintaining independence.
It’s advisable to explore all available pathways to find the support that best suits your individual needs. Look to:
- getting a GP referral to allied health professionals with Parkinson‘s experience
- your state-based Parkinson’s organisation for advice on services to access
- private health to see what is covered in relation to consultations and expenses
- NDIS or My Aged Care plan supports
- Dementia Australia
- Palliative Care Australia.
Infosheet under review
Dementia Australia is the national peak body for people living with dementia, their families, and carers in Australia. They provide a wide range of services and support, including:
1. Offering resources about dementia, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
2. Providing counselling, support groups, and helplines for individuals and families affected by dementia.
3. Working to influence policy and raise awareness about dementia at a national level.
4. Funding and supporting research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of dementia.
5. Running initiatives to create dementia-friendly communities and improve the quality of life for those living with dementia.
Their web address is www.dementia.org.au
References:
- Definition of Dementia:
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease Dementia, and Dementia with Lewy Bodies:
- Sperling, S. A., Geneser, A. C., & Manning, C. A. (2015). Parkinson’s disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. In P. A. Lichtenberg, B. T. Mast, B. D. Carpenter, & J. Loebach Wetherell (Eds.), APA handbook of clinical geropsychology, Vol. 2. Assessment, treatment, and issues of later life (pp. 227–245). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/14459-009
- Facts and Statistics about Dementia:
- World Health Organization. (2020). Dementia. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia
- Alzheimer’s Society. (2020). Dementia UK: Update. Retrieved from https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/news-and-media/facts-media
- Dementia in Australia:
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Dementia in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dementia/dementia-in-aus/contents/summary
- Dementia Australia. (2023). Treatment and management of dementia. Retrieved from https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/treatment-and-management-dementia.
Dementia Australia. (2023). Get support. Retrieved from https://www.dementia.org.au/get-support.
