If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

OVERVIEW

What is dementia?

Dementia isn’t a disease. It’s a group of symptoms that can be caused by brain damage. Dementia often occurs in older people. However, it’s not related to normal aging. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.

Dementia makes it hard for people to remember, learn, and communicate. It may cause changes in mood and personality, such as depression. Early on, memory lapses and foggy thinking may bother someone who has dementia. Later, disruptive behavior and other problems can create a burden for caregivers and family. Over time, these changes make it hard for people who have dementia to care for themselves.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of dementia may appear over time or all at once. Sometimes you may notice the symptoms in yourself. Sometimes those around you may notice them first. Either way, if you have two or more of the symptoms listed below, contact your healthcare provider.

• Recent memory loss. It’s common to forget things for a while and then remember them later. People who have dementia often forget things, but they never remember them. They may cook a meal but forget to serve it. They might even forget that they cooked it.
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks. People who have dementia may struggle with simple things, like getting dressed. They may wake up and get dressed, then hours later get dressed again. They may forget how to tie their shoes or that milk needs to be refrigerated.
• Problems with language. People who have dementia may forget simple words or use the wrong words. This makes it hard to understand what they need.
• Time and place. People who have dementia may get lost on their own street. They may forget how they got to a certain place and how to get back home.
• Being absent-minded. Everyone gets distracted at times.  People who have dementia can forget simple things. Examples are not putting on a coat before going outside when it’s cold or not using an umbrella when it rains.
• Problems with abstract thinking. Anybody might have trouble balancing a chequebook. People who have dementia may forget what the numbers are and what to do with them.
• Misplacing things. People who have dementia may put things in the wrong places. They might put an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl. When they can’t find the things, they may get upset or accuse others of stealing.
• Changes in mood. Everyone is moody at times, but people who have dementia may have sudden mood swings. They may go from calm to tears to anger in a few minutes.
• Personality changes. People who have dementia may have drastic changes in personality. They might become irritable, suspicious, or depressed.
• Loss of initiative. People who have dementia may become passive. They might not want to go places or see other people.

CAUSES

Dementia is caused by the damage of brain cells. A brain disease, such as Alzheimer’s, could trigger dementia. A brain tumor, head injury, or stroke could cause dementia.

Dementia isn’t the same as normal aging. As you get older, it becomes harder to recall information. Your short- and long-term and remote memories are less affected by aging. Your recent memory is more affected. For example, you may forget what you ate for breakfast or where you set your keys. These are normal changes.

A memory problem is serious when it affects your daily life. Memory problems that aren’t part of normal aging include:

• Forgetting things more often than you used to.
• Forgetting how to do things you’ve done many times before.
• Trouble learning new things.
• Repeating phrases or stories in the same conversation.
• Trouble making choices or handling money.
• Not being able to keep track of what happens each day.

Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have. They can decide if a medicine or condition may be affecting your memory.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How is dementia diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may do a physical exam and review your symptoms.  They can do tests to find out if dementia is the cause of your symptoms. The sooner you do this, the sooner you can talk about treatment options.

If your family member is showing some of the signs of dementia, try to get them to go see a healthcare provider. You may want to go to the visit with them. You can tell them how your loved one is acting and learn about treatment options.

PREVENTION

Can dementia be prevented or avoided?

There is little you can do to prevent or avoid dementia. If you have a head injury or brain tumor, ask your healthcare provider if there are lifestyle changes you can make. You’ll want to take precautions to avoid additional head trauma or concussions. If you’re at risk of stroke, talk to your healthcare provider about possible preventions.

TREATMENT

How is dementia treated?

Some causes of dementia can be treated. However, once brain cells have been destroyed, they cannot be replaced.

Treatment may slow or stop the more brain cell damage. When the cause of dementia can’t be treated, the focus of care is on helping the person with their daily activities and reducing symptoms. Some medicines can help people who have dementia. Your family healthcare provider will talk with you about treatment options.

Living with dementia

There is no cure for dementia. People who have dementia should learn how to manage symptoms. Dementia is hard for the people who have it, as well as the people who love them. It’s important for family to learn about the condition and help their loved one. This may include visiting more, helping out, hiring medical care, or switching residences.

People who have dementia may become agitated for various reasons. Examples are frustrating or stressful situations, or a sudden change in surroundings. Simple things such as getting dressed or not remembering can lead to frustration. It’s possible that a person who is irritable may try to hurt themselves or others. Try to avoid things or places in which your loved one might become frustrated. Try to make your loved one’s tasks less difficult. You also can try to limit the number of difficult situations your loved one must face. For example, if taking a daily bath or shower causes problems, have them take one every other day. Or schedule difficult tasks for a time of day when your loved one tends to be less agitated. It’s helpful to give frequent reassurance and avoid challenging them.

Some people who have dementia may have hallucinations. These can be scary or upsetting. Try to distract the person by involving them in a pleasant activity. It’s best not to argue or fight with them when they’re hallucinating. You don’t want to agitate them more.

Try one or more of the following if your loved one is having trouble sleeping:

• Try to make the person more aware of what time of day it is. Place clocks where they can easily see them.
• Keep curtains or blinds open so that they can tell when it is daytime and when it is nighttime.
• Limit the amount of caffeine they consume.
• Try to help your loved one get some exercise every day.
• Don’t let them take too many naps during the day.
• Make your loved one’s bedroom peaceful. It is easier to sleep in a quiet room.
• At night, provide a night light or leave a dim light on. Total darkness can add to confusion.
• Ask the healthcare provider about medicine to treat pain, such as for arthritis. Some conditions can interrupt a person’s sleep.

If your loved one is prone to wandering, try these solutions:

• Allow them to wander in a safe place, such as a fenced yard.
• Tell them not to leave the house by themselves. You can put a large stop sign on the door as a reminder.
• Install an alarm system that will sound when the door opens. You can set it so you’re alerted when this happens.
• Place special locks on the doors. Don’t use this method if your loved one is left home alone.
• Get a medical bracelet for them to wear. Include their name, address, medical conditions, and your phone number.
• Check in with them frequently by telephone and/or in person

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Alzheimer Society of Canada
www.alzheimer.ca
Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia
Tel: 902-422-7961 or toll free within Nova Scotia 1-800-611-6345
Email: [email protected]

Alzheimer Society of PEI
902-628-2257
Email: [email protected]

Caregivers Nova Scotia
Toll-free:  1.877.488.7390
http://caregiversns.org/

Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/dementia.html