Dementia refers to the global decline of brain function and other symptoms affecting memory, reasoning and social capacity which interferes with the person’s ability to live their life. Dementia usually affects older people but can occur at younger ages including childhood.
For more information about dementia click see the Dementia Australia website.
You can use one of several at home screening assessments to decide whether further follow up for assessing dementia or referral to a specialist may be warranted.
The most well known form of dementia is Alzheimer’s. Here are some resources which may interest you.
- Christine Bryden was a high level Canberra public servant in 1995 when she was diagnosed with Alzheimers in her mid 40s. She wrote a book about her diagnosis and early experiences prior to and during diagnosis. She is now a pioneering dementia advocate for Alzheimers and has spoken at numerous conferences. She continued to baffle doctors with her well being 20 years after diagnosis. This Conversations podcast details her story.
- Lisa Genova (a neuroscientist) wrote the book Still Alice detailing in fiction form the symptoms and effects of Alzheimers. It has also been screened as a movie.
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