now where have i put my glasses? a discussion around dementia dr marion overton u3a science 19th...
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NOW WHERE HAVE I PUT MY GLASSES? A DISCUSSION AROUND DEMENTIA
Dr Marion Overton
U3A SCIENCE 19TH JUNE 2015
Possible reasons for misplacing glasses
Poor vision “Usual place” not there Preoccupation Disorientation
Including “Toxic confusional state” Any other disturbance of brain function
Eg depression, stroke
What is Dementia?
“Loss of recent memory” Brain cells die more quickly than in normal
ageing Permanent Cognitive ability no longer adequate to
cope with one’s environment
How common is it?
>800,000 people with dementia in UK Estimate > 1 million in 2021 17,000 aged under 65 In Derbyshire, 11 new diagnoses / day Cost: £26.2 billion per year
Family & friend carers save £11 billion/year
Types of Memory Working memory -short term (7 items) Episodic
past events & emotions Semantic
words & factsfamiliar faces & objects
Prospective - future events Procedural - learnt activities
(see “The Memory Handbook”)
Brain Structure
Causes of Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s Disease
Causes of Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease Vascular Lewy Body
Lewy Body dementia
Causes of Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease Vascular Lewy Body Rarer causes, some treatable, eg
AlcoholLow vitamin B12Low thyroid hormone
How do I spot it in others?
Recent memory Other brain function involvement eg
Movement and CoordinationSwallowing and speechPersonality
Challenging behaviour
How is dementia diagnosed?
Not by GPs! Memory testing eg MMSE Psychiatric assessment Review of medication Blood tests Brain scan
How can it be treated?
Cholinesterase inhibitors (MMSE 20-10) Aricept (Donezepil hydrochloride) Exelon (Rivastigmine) Reminyl (Galantamine)
Occupational therapy, speech and language, community psychiatric nurses
(National Dementia Strategy 2009)
How can we help someone with dementia?
“24-hour wraparound care for lifelong well-being”
Contented Dementia by Oliver JamesISBN 978-0-09-190180-6
1. No questions
2. Learn where your friend’s mind is now
3. Don’t contradict
Practical care
Research dementia care homes Lasting Power of Attorney, and a Will Claim benefits Lots of reassurance! But safety issues Get help with Challenging Behaviour Care for the Carers Become a Dementia Friend
How can I avoid getting dementia?
Genetic forms Vascular Delaying the onset
“reinforcement of your cognitive reserve”“better recruitment of your neuronal network”
Current Research areas
Genetics –Alzheimer’s disease and Vascular dementia
Early Diagnosis –abnormal proteins eg amyloid-beta
Clinical tests for different types of dementia New drug treatments Immunotherapy –antibodies against rogue
proteins
Thank you
Literature
Alzheimer’s Society 0300 222 1122 [email protected], Help the Aged, Age Concern
Friends www.dementiafriends.org.uk Carers 01773 743355 www.derbyshirecarers.co.uk Elder Abuse response line 080 8808 8141