Dementia

By: Jillian Snell Period 1

What is Dementia?
Dementia is a general term used to group conditions characterized by loss of memory,
attention, thinking abilities and logical reasoning. Since dementia is a general term,
there are many different forms of dementia, with Alzheimer's being the most common.

Symptoms include:
The Different
1. Memory Loss Types of Dementia
2. Difficulty reasoning/problem solving
3. Difficulty communicating
4. Difficulty handling simple or complex tasks
5. Frequent confusion/disorientation
 Causes and Treatments

● Most types of dementia

● Dementia is caused by
damage to the brain cells
called neurons. When neurons
get damaged, they eventually
die off, which stops the
communication between the
cells. When the cells cannot
communicate efficiently then
memory, behavior and thinking
can be affected.
cannot be cured. Treatment
depends on the stage, but it
consists of different therapies
and medications to help
manage symptoms. Some tips
to help prevent dementia are
exercise, good diet and
managing existing health
problems.
 Statistics Myths
● Alzheimer's disease is the most
● Myth #1 Dementia is inevitable with
common form of dementia. It
age.
contributes to 60-70% of cases
worldwide. ○ Increasing age is a risk factor,
but not everyone who grows old
● More than 50 million people have will get dementia. It is not certain
dementia worldwide, with millions of and not a normal part of aging.
more cases popping up each year.
● Myth #2 Dementia only affects older
● Dementia is the 7th leading cause of people.
death.
○ Studies show that dementia can
indeed affect young adults in
rare cases
Current Event
● Recent studies shows that this
simple test that anyone can take at
home can help detect dementia
earlier than other screening tools.
The test is dubbed SAGE, Self
Administered Gerocognitive
Examination. The test allows the
reader to demonstrate how good
their memory and basic problem
solving skills are. There is also a
questionnaire in the beginning asking
the reader about any changes to
themselves that they have noticed,
such as changes with memory,
balance, or personality.
 Sources Cited
● https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia

● https://www.today.com/health/aging/detect-subtle-signs-dementia-simple-home-test-rcna7798

● https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/brain-and-nerves/dementia/prevention.html

● https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013?utm_s
ource=Google&utm_medium=abstract&utm_content=Dementia&utm_campaign=Knowledge-panel

● https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-dementia#3.-A-family-mem
ber-has-dementia,-so-I-will-get-it

● https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia