Dementia Demystified by Tim England.

Many know that I like to throw in new words and phrases that are linked to dementia. In this episode you will hear and learn about Apraxia, what it is and how it impacts your loved one with dementia. Apraxia and dementia are two distinct conditions; however, they often intersect with each other and can significantly impact quality of life. Understanding possible signs and available treatment optio...

For those who have listen to other episodes hopefully you understand that dementia is a complex group of conditions that affect thinking, memory, and behaviour, and that there is over a hundred different diseases that will cause a dementia condition, and that dementia is not a normal part of ageing.  As awareness of dementia continues to grow, unfortunately so too has the spread of misinformation...

Young Onset Dementia is any form of dementia that occurs in people under the age of 65 years, and indeed people in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s do develop dementia, and it’s far more common than your community understands. People with Young Onset Dementia have different experiences and often different symptoms to older people with dementia and the impact on their lives is also significantly different...

Many do not know that early signs of dementia that could be developing in your brain, many, many years before any memory problems are noticed. According to solid research and neurologists reports, there are12 signs that may indicate physical brain changes, and neurologists take sign number 9 very seriously indeed.  It very important to understand that any of these 12 signs can appear years or even...

As the Australian population ages, the need for effective dementia care within aged care sector has been recognised as an urgent challenge. However, several issues continue to persist, which impact the quality of life and wellbeing of your loved one living with dementia. Indeed, there are several core difficulties facing aged care facilities to provide suitable dementia care. These need to be iden...

As a regular listener to Dementia Demystified you have heard me mentioned Cognitive testing and its relationship with dementia. But what in fact is cognitive testing. What role does it play for your loved one living with dementia.  Well you will review the vital role cognitive testing plays in dementia. As with everything in life there are benefits and limitations, and it’s the same with any cogni...

In a previous episode in this series, it has been discussed that dementia is recognised by the Australian government as a disability, thereby those with dementia have access to the support, legal protections, and the same human rights as everyone else. This is similar in other countries. However, many families find themselves in the position of having to actively fight for good dementia care for t...

50 years ago, if you had a loved one with Down Syndrome, they life expectancy was short. However, today it is very possible that a loved one with Down syndrome can expect to live into their 60s and 70s due to improvements in healthcare, early intervention, and community support. This is great news, however there is a caveat.  This increase in life expectancy comes with a significant risk of develo...

It’s true that many family members who care for loved ones living with dementia often face immense challenges which can be emotional, physical, and financial. However, despite the offers of help and the availability of support services, many caregivers simply decline assistance.  I’ve encountered this decline many times over the years.  Being able to understand the possible reasons behind this dec...

Here are two questions for you. “Is Dementia a recognised disability?” and “Why do people still fear and openly avoid other people who have dementia”? Well, the first answer is easy… Yes, dementia is classified as a disability in Australia and it’s the same in most other countries. Just like other disabilities, such as, hearing, vision, physical impairments, respiratory disorders, being bipolar an...

Rarely is dementia alone… As most cases of dementia occur in those over 65years of age, many people living with dementia also have one of more additional chronic health conditions.  Therefore, your loved one with dementia could also live with other chronic health conditions or co-morbidities. Co-morbidities are a very important factor in dementia and understanding the interplay between dementia an...

What Is Neuroplasticity?  Neuroplasticity, which is also known as brain plasticity, is the process by which your brain changes in response to learning, experiences, or injury. This can involve strengthening existing pathways, forming new connections, or even shifting functions from one brain region to another. Neuroplasticity is most noticeable during your childhood but continues throughout your a...

It’s very interesting that some people appear to age with their minds intact while others experience a dramatic slowdown as they age. The brain appears to have a very powerful force within it and has a lot of redundancy built-in – this is known as cognitive reserve. It’s very possible that a continued lifetime of education seems to have a protective effect on the brain and aging. It’s possible tha...

The way in which the media reports on dementia is crucial. Both globally and within Australia the media can help shape the public’s perception of dementia. The media does guide community attitudes; it can influence government policy and impact the lived experience of your loved one with dementia.  While media often provides much-needed information, support, and encouragement, there are concerns re...

If you have a loved one living with dementia you have probably experienced a lack of insight by your loved one. The lack of insight in dementia is very common and refers to the inability of your loved ones to recognise their cognitive impairments and the reality of their condition, and this often will lead to denial, family stress and challenges in care. Today we will discuss this lack of insight...

Where do you get your dementia information? Google, Facebook, or social media?  Internet articles often use eye-catching and often misleading headlines to grab your attention. This is called clickbait and this phenomenon also infiltrates some healthcare articles. Unfortunately, a lot of internet-based material is misleading, even dangerous; and that’s why it is crucial to examine the quality of he...

You probably never heard the phrase ‘Theory of Mind’, but Theory of mind is a foundational skill for navigating social situations. You have it, people around you have it, and your loved one with dementia also has it, but unfortunately their Theory of Mind will become compromised and deteriorates over time, and this has a significant impact on them and those involved with their care and support. Bu...

Dementia can develop anytime across your lifespan. Yes, that’s correct.  While it is true that dementia is more common in older adults, and that ageing is the major risk factor of developing dementia, dementia is not a normal part of ageing, and people can develop dementia at different stages of life. By understanding the age groups most affected by dementia this can help with early detection, tar...

Traditionally Parkinson's disease has been primarily considered as a movement disorder, with hallmark symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and a slowness in movement, (called bradykinesia).  However, in recent years, especially after the tragic death of the actor / comedian Robin Williams. the medical community has reconsidered Parkinson's disease as a form of dementia, reflecting new un...

It is common for your loved one with dementia to become restless in the late afternoon or early evening.  This is sometimes called “sundowning”. Other names are “restlessness” and /or “Brain Fatigue ”  Regardless of which term is used, it refers to a state of confusion and behavioural change in the afternoon / evening which may include increased anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, and pacing. Sund...

Early discussion and diagnosis can help individuals and their families plan, access support, and make informed decisions both medical and non-medical. However, it's not uncommon for doctors to hesitate or avoid discussing dementia with their clients. Understanding the reasons behind this reluctance and exploring ways to overcome these barriers can lead to better outcomes for people with demen...

While dementia is primarily neurological, evidence increasingly shows that physical activity can play a pivotal role in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for your loved one with dementia. This is where exercise physiologists come into the picture, bridging the gap between physical health and cognitive well-being. They specialise in designing and implementing exercise programs tailore...

Speech Therapy and Speech Therapists, or Speech Pathologists as they are sometimes known as, enhance communication and Quality of Life of your loved one with dementia. Speech Therapists play a vital function in supporting your loved one with dementia. The primary aim of speech therapy is not to reverse the condition—as you know dementia is a progressive condition and dementia cannot be reversed -...

Continuing our discussions of the role of  Ologists and specialists in Dementia Care, let’s look at physiotherapy and physiotherapists.  Physiotherapy is a healthcare discipline that focuses on enhancing physical function and mobility through exercise, manual therapy, and education. For your loved one with dementia, physical therapy is not merely about rehabilitation—it is about promoting their in...

Occupational therapists, or OT’s as they are known are a group of expert "ologists" and specialises that play a vital role in ensuring comprehensive care and support for your loved one with dementia. But what are Occupational therapists. Listen to what these professionals are, and how they can help you and your loved one with dementia.  About me My name is Tim England and I’m the host an...