Dementia & Alzheimer's
Can dementia be prevented?
Research suggests that there are many things we can do to keep our brains, along with the rest of our body, healthy as we age.
Memory loss and ageing
Many people as they age experience problems with memory loss. For most people memory loss is frustrating but it doesn't cause major problems in daily life.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a term used to describe the symptoms of a number of conditions that cause damage to the structure and chemistry of the brain.
Dementia causes damage to the brain that leads to a progressive loss of memory, orientation, judgement and insight. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease.
Diagnosing dementia
Understandably many people who experience early signs of memory loss fear a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. This is a normal reaction. However, an early diagnosis of dementia can have many benefits.
Early signs and symptoms of dementia
Many people worry they have dementia when they start to have problems with their memory. A small degree of memory loss is normal as we age.
Dementia risk factors
Dementia is the 4th leading cause of death in ageing Australians over 65 (Alzheimer’s Australia 2008). One of the major risk factors for dementia is increasing age.
What causes dementia?
Over 100 different conditions cause dementia. These conditions cause irreversible damage to the brain.
Treatment of dementia
There is no cure for dementia and damage that has occurred to the brain cannot be reversed.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. Between 50% and 70% of all dementia cases in Australia are associated with Alzheimer's disease (Alzheimer's Australia, 2008). It mostly affects people aged over 65 but can in few cases occur in people as young as 40.
Common questions about dementia
Clinical Neuropsychologist Nicola Gates answers questions about dementia.
Disclaimer: This site is for information purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem, nor as a substitute for professional advice with a qualified health professional or doctor.
