Week 1: What is Dementia?

Dementia is characterized by the loss of cognitive function that is persistent and progressive. Symptoms of cognitive dysfunction may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. Patients with dementia may also experience changes in mood or behaviour. Its deficits impair daily functioning.



How is normal aging different from dementia? 

Seniors with normal aging may occasionally not be able to remember details of a conversation or event that took place a while ago. They may not remember the name of an acquaintance. They may forget things and events, and have difficulty finding the correct words occasionally. They may be worried about their memory but their relatives are not concerned.

On the other hand, patients with dementia frequently do not recall details of recent events or conversations. They may not recognize or know the names of familiar people or even family members. They may have frequent pauses in their speech, and substitutions when finding words. Their relatives are worried about their memory, but the patients are often not aware of any problems (they lack insight).

What is the natural course of dementia?

In the first stages of dementia, the signs and symptoms of the disorder may be subtle with mild cognitive impairment. These problems do not affect the person’s daily function. They may have some memory trouble and trouble finding words, but they solve everyday problems well. As dementia progresses, the symptoms first experienced in the early stages of the dementia generally worsen. The rate of decline is different for each person and can depend on the cause of the dementia. People with dementia may be severely impaired in solving problems, and their social judgment is usually also impaired. They cannot usually function outside their own home, and generally should not be left alone. They begin to require assistance for personal care and hygiene. People with late-stage dementia typically turn increasingly inward, will eventually have severe communication problems, and need assistance with most or all of their personal care. They usually need 24-hour supervision to ensure personal safety, as well as to ensure that basic needs are being met. They no longer recognize familiar people. In the terminal stages of the illness, they may become bed-bound, can no longer communicate at all, and may develop swallowing problems.

For more information, please refer to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada: http://www.alzheimer.ca/en/About-dementia/What-is-dementia/Normal-aging-vs-dementia