Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, or mate wareware.
Most people are impacted by or have experience of Alzheimer's, whether directly, or knowing someone who has a friend or relative with it.
In this video Clive tell us about what causes Alzheimer's, what we can do do minimise our chances of developing it, and explains his personal experience of the disease.
What is dementia/mate wareware?
Dementia is a catch-all term that describes a range of symptoms that involve our brains working less well.
The most common signs of dementia include changes in how memory works, behaviour, personality, emotions and how people think. The symptoms that people with dementia and Alzheimer's have depend a lot on which parts of their brains are affected.
Warning signs of dementia/mate wareware
It can be tricky to tell the difference between dementia and some of the symptoms associated with normal ageing, and other conditions like stroke and depression. If you think you, or someone you know might have some signs of dementia, it's important to see a GP.
Ten common warning signs of dementia are:
Recent, abnormal memory loss
Difficulty with regular, day-to-day tasks
Language issues
Time and place confusion
Poor or reduced judgement
Difficulty with abstract thinking
Misplacing things regularly
Mood and behaviour changes
Personality changes
Loos of initiative
Reducing your risk of dementia/mate wareware
The bottom line here is that anything that is good for your health generally also reduces your chances of developing dementia and Alzheimer's.
Eating healthily, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking and drinking less, avoiding head knocks and concussion, keeping your brain active and staying connected with friends and family are all good for you, and reduce the risk of dementia as you get older.
What support is available?
There is a range of support available both for people with dementia/mate wareware, and the people that care for them.
A good first stop to find out about support options is your local dementia organisation.
In Wainuiomata the local organisation is Dementia Wellington, and their website is here.
Learn more about Dementia and Alzheimer's
Alzheimers New Zealand is the best place to find out more about Alzheimer's disease and dementia/mate wareware generally, and they have a wide range of information and support options for people who have dementia and their family, friends and carers.
If you rather have a chat to someone, and ask any questions you have, feel free to come in and talk to Clive or any of our pharmacists at The Happy Chemist.
We're always happy to help you as best we can.
