HEALTH & BEAUTY
You&Your health
With expert Pharmacist Andrew Watson of Good Measure Pharmacy Dementia
As we age, memory loss can become a concern. It’s normal for memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, or certain illnesses and medications. But dementia isn’t just about memory loss. It can also affect the way you speak, think, feel and behave.
Although it is more common in older people, dementia is not a natural part of getting older. It is a disease caused by damage to the brain such as by Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common cause of dementia.
Symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is affected. Around 850,000 people are currently suffering and this figure is predicted to rise to an estimated one million by 2025.
Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. An abnormal build-up of protein in the brain forms amyloid plaques around the cells preventing the transmission of signals in the brain. This of course affects how the brain works causing firstly memory loss.
This can show itself through forgetting recent conversations, misplacing things, repeatedly asking questions or repeating a conversation, becoming anxious, agitated or confused.
‘‘physical exercise is a protective factor. Having a healthy diet and adequate sleep are also important.’’
More serious symptoms as the disease progresses include getting lost, hallucinating, becoming distrustful of family and friends, depressed and having problems with speech. At this stage help is probably required with everyday tasks such as eating, washing and dressing. It is very upsetting for a family to recognise these significant changes in their loved one.
Other types of dementia Other diseases causing dementia are vascular dementia, dementia with bodies and frontotemporal dementia. Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, which damages and eventually kills brain cells.
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It can develop as a result of strokes, narrowing or blockage of the small blood vessels inside the brain.
Early intervention can help. The patient’s GP may refer the patient to a psychiatrist or a neurologist who can prescribe medication to increase the level of communication between nerve cells in the brain. These include donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine. If these are not tolerated memantine may be prescribed by a specialist.
Also, medication to reduce aggression, hallucinations or extreme distress may be given under strict supervision. Antidepressants can help with feelings of anxiety or depression. Non medical interventions are often useful.
Can we prevent dementia? The risk factors according to Alzheimer’s Research UK are heavy drinking, smoking. genetics, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression. Whereas physical exercise is a protective factor. Having a healthy diet and adequate sleep are also important.
The Alzheimer’s Society published an excellent booklet titled “The dementia guide” which is usually given to patients on diagnosis at the memory clinic. Visit
www.alzheimers.org.uk to view it online or order via post. Alternatively call 0300 303 5933.
If you have any specific health concerns, please feel free to contact me at Good Measure or email me at
Andrew Watson
andy@thewatsons.co.uk. In future editions of Aroundtown l hope to address your concerns.
SUPPORT SERVICES
In Rotherham
Howarth House, part of the NHS, run an activity group which allows sufferers and their carers to integrate with others in a safe, friendly environment. Chair based keep fit, skittle bowling and curling are among the physical activities. Art and craft sessions are also available led by therapists. Emphasis is placed on olden times as these are the last memories to be lost.
At Davies Court in Dinnington and at Lord Hardy Court in Rawmarsh informal singing sessions take place. These can be attended by the patient and their friends, family and carers. Old familiar songs are a popular choice as well as new songs.
In Barnsley
Barnsley memory service clinic is based at Wombwell clinic and is an NHS service run by professionals.
Barnsley dementia service (BIADS) is an independent organisation run by volunteers who organise outings and friendly informal sessions at their town centre support centre. Butterflies based at King Street Community Centre hold a Friday tea dance for dementia sufferers with dancing, games and entertainment available.
Dementia friends is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative which teaches people how they can help in their local communities by forming groups led by a champion volunteer, trained with knowledge to pass onto others. Over 2.5 million people have become dementia friends. There is now lots of help and support available for problems with dementia and it is no longer just seen as a result of aging but as a recognised disease.
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