Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of conditions that affect how well the brain functions. A few decades ago, only a few medical specialists would have heard of Alzheimers Disease. 'Senility' was considered inevitable for anyone who lived long enough. As understanding of the brain has grown, science has been able to identify and differentiate many causes of dementia. Alzheimers is the most common type of dementia, but other brain disorders can and do frequently cause dementia.
Four prevalent types of dementia are : Alzheimers Disease, involving memory loss, confusion, difficulty communicating, anxiousness and paranoia. Vascular Dementia ( post-stroke dementia) involving memory loss, impaired judgement, decreased ability to plan and loss of motivation. Lewy Body Dementia, the third most commonly diagnosed form of dementia, involves diificulty sleeping, memory loss, hallucinations and frequent swings in levels of alertness. Frontotemporal Dementia, which is unlike other forms of dementia and impacts on behavioural and emotional changes rather than memory loss, the main symptoms are decreased inhibition ( often leading to inappropriate behaviour) apathy and loss of motivation, decreased empathy, repetitive compulsive behaviour, anxiety and depression.
Other conditions that cause damage to the brain: Parkinsons disease, Huntingtons disease, and alcholism can lead to irreversible cognitive impairment ( damage) to the brain.
Recently statistical data has been collated to look for evidence of the lasting effects of concussion, via sports injuries and road trauma. New rules around the re-admission of rugby players back onto the playing field following a head injury have been enforced in the hope of reducing the incidence of dementia in rugby players. High risk boxing participants have also had new safety rules around how they engage in their sport.
Alzheimers Eastern Bay of Plenty is the beneficiary of an endowment fund seeded by Sally Shaw to ensure those in our region living with dementia ( including family and whanau) are able to access the support and advocacy required to see them through a difficult and often lengthy illness.
The advancing years of the baby boomer generation within the Eastern Bay of Plenty has lead to a huge spike of referrals. Growing this fund, will enable more support and a better range of wrap-around services to cope with the increase in demand.
This fund accepts one off donations, or regular contributions in order to continue the support of those with dementia.