Dementia Facts To Raise Awareness For Dementia

Each year, thousands of individuals and their family caregivers are impacted by a dementia diagnosis. Dementia may affect memory, attention, and other cognitive functions, which can have a real impact on everyday life. Understanding dementia can help communities approach dementia with compassion, understanding, and support. In the case of a dementia diagnosis, educating yourself on the condition and exploring dementia facts can equip you to support loved ones and practice self-care. 

In this article, we’ll discuss some important facts about dementia and ways you can raise awareness of this condition. 

Understanding dementia, risk factors, and health

Dementia is an umbrella term that refers to the symptoms associated with cognitive decline. It affects thousands of people around the globe, their families, and their caregivers. There are different types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia, each impacting cognitive function in a variety of ways. Some of the symptoms that an individual diagnosed with dementia may experience include memory loss, challenges with reasoning, and changes in personality and behavior. Dementia symptoms also tend to be progressive, with symptoms becoming more severe over time.

Benefits of dementia facts and awareness

Raising awareness of dementia may have positive implications for individuals diagnosed with the condition, their families, and surrounding communities. If we understand the nature of dementia, we can offer care, support, and compassion for any individuals who are affected. Increasing awareness for dementia can also help with early detection and prevention. By understanding the risk factors associated with dementia, people can make healthy, informed choices to reduce their chances of developing dementia. Also, if people can recognize early signs of dementia, they may be able to manage symptoms more effectively with the support of compassionate healthcare professionals. 

Facts about dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and memory loss

1. Anybody can be affected by dementia and memory loss, but there are risk factors.

Most people living with dementia are over the age of 65, since the risk of developing dementia increases as people get older. However, there are various factors that contribute to risk factors for dementia, such as hypertension, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the presence of these conditions can increase a person’s risk before they reach the age of 65. 

When someone is diagnosed with dementia under the age of 65, it is known as early onset dementia. Some of the risk factors for early onset dementia include excessive use of alcohol, problems with blood flow to the brain (usually from a medical condition or traumatic injury), and cardiovascular diseases. However, engaging in healthy lifestyle activities can be a preventative measure for early onset dementia in young people.

2. Alzheimer’s disease is a cause of dementia.

More research is needed to determine the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. However, scientists believe it is linked to the buildup of proteins in and around brain cells. Some of the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s include memory loss, confusion with time and location, poor judgment, and changes in mood. All of these symptoms can impact everyday life for patients and their family members. While the strongest known risk factor for developing this disease is age, young people around the world are also impacted.

3. There isn’t a mental health cure for dementia, yet.

Research has yet to find a cure for dementia. However, there is ongoing research that aims to understand the root causes of dementia, provide effective treatments to slow down disease progression, and improve the quality of life for individuals living with dementia. Also, various organizations, individuals, and communities continue to support dementia research, whether they are participating in fundraising events, working to create optimal dementia care facilities, or finding new and innovative ways to alleviate symptoms. 

Detecting dementia early can help individuals create support systems, plan for the future, and begin managing symptoms. A trusted friend, family member, or caregiver may be able to assist with early detection, as they may be able to tell if you’re acting differently or having difficulties with everyday tasks. 

4. Causes of the dementias are treatable.

While researchers are still working toward a cure for dementia, many of the risk factors associated with dementia are treatable. For example, cardiovascular disease (a risk factor for developing dementia) can be treated in a variety of ways, such as medications and lifestyle change.

Also, research shows that maintaining a healthy lifestyle reduces a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia for individuals of all ages. A healthy lifestyle may also help people living with dementia to preserve cognitive function for longer. Healthy lifestyle choices may include reducing alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, sleeping appropriate amounts, or eating nutritious foods. 

5. You can stay active while living with dementia.

After a person is diagnosed with dementia, they can still live an active and fulfilling life. Since cognitive engagement is related to better memory, it may be beneficial for people living with dementia to maintain everyday activities and hobbies. Whether it’s through completing sudoku puzzles, getting creative with arts and crafts, or meeting new people, keeping mentally, physically, and socially active may be important for a person’s overall well-being and cognitive functioning. 

If symptoms have progressed, there are various healthcare facilities that allow a person to receive care in a compassionate and supportive environment. With the support of caregivers and loved ones, a person living with dementia can stay active after being diagnosed with a form of dementia. 

6. There’s still a lot to be done.

Researchers continue to explore the causes of dementia, ways to treat and delay symptom progression, and prevent the onset of dementia worldwide. Funding will remain a key component to expediting the research process, so it may help to support fundraising efforts and awareness campaigns. 

In addition to supporting awareness campaigns, individuals can educate themselves about signs and symptoms of dementia. In being able to identify early signs of dementia, they can benefit from the early detection and management of symptoms. Also, individuals living with dementia may be able to sign up for clinical trials, which may be instrumental to breakthroughs in research. 

With an improved public health response to dementia, more money can be distributed to health care facilities that take care of dementia patients. This ensures that people living with dementia receive compassionate, high-quality care during each stage of their condition.

Online therapy for family members of people living with dementia

It’s important that family members and caregivers receive the care they need after a loved one receives a diagnosis of dementia, since this can be a challenging time, both mentally and emotionally. For those who can’t take time away from their loved one to attend therapy sessions in person, online therapy can be a valuable resource that enables them to work through difficult times with a therapist as the disease progresses. Online therapy allows for communication via phone, video, or live chat at a time that works for caregivers’ busy schedules. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

Research shows that online therapy can be effective for family caregivers of individuals living with dementia. One study from 2022 suggests that online acceptance and commitment therapy can reduce depression, anxiety, and stress for the family caregivers of those affected by dementia. When caregivers and loved ones prioritize their own mental and emotional health, they may be able to provide better support for those living with dementia, whether they are experiencing vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease.