Memory Loss

Forgetfulness is a condition which tends to be associated with ageing and it is true that as we age our short term memory may lose its edge. We may sometimes forget small things that happened yesterday. However, our long term memory can become more vivid. More serious is the development of conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia.

In the May-June 2002 issue of the Age Concern newspaper "Positive Living" the article titled 'Don't Forget Those Who Can't Remember' looks at the topic of dementia. Dementia is dubbed the 'silent epidemic', with our ageing population the number of people with Dementia is increasing. Whilst the number of people with Dementia increase in the older age group, an increase has been seen in people in their 40s and 50s with the illness. An estimated 38,000 New Zealanders have Alzheimer's Disease or a related dementia. It is calculated that for everyone person with Dementia, four others will be directly affected - family, friends, caregivers.

'Dementia is an umbrella term which describes the syndrome of intellectual deterioration affecting memory, other cognitive functions and personality. It leads to confusion, memory loss and the inability to cope with daily living. In the terminal phase people are completely dependent upon other for basic care.' (Positive Living 2002)

Elizabeth Chesterman, National Director for Alzheimers NZ explains 'that it is referred to as the silent epidemic because of the general ignorance about the disease, and because so many deny the antisocial behaviour aspects of it, and because of the loneliness and isolation people with dementia and their carers have to cope with.'

What are the symptoms of Dementia?

gradual loss of memory
decline in ability to perform routine tasks
impaired judgement
disorientation to time and place
personality changes
changes in mood or behaviour
loss of language skills
misplacing objects

These symptoms could also be described as the forgetfulness that is often associated with being depressed, under stress, anxious or bereaved, however people with dementia may experience these symptoms more severely. It is normal to forget something momentarily, however someone with Dementia may for example get lost in their own street, not know where they are or how to get home.

Some symptoms of Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease may be as a result of treatable conditions. Before the diagnosis of Dementia is made, these treatable conditions must be ruled out. Conditions may include, drug reactions, metabolic changes, depression, nutritional deficiences, head injuries and thyroid problems. It is very important to seek help early and have a thorough examination and assessment. See your doctor for assistance and possible referral to a specialist.

You can also contact organisations such as the Alzheimer's Society, ADARDS Society or your local community health or healthcare centre for assistance for the person affected, and also their family and friends. It is a particularly tragic disease which may profoundly change the lives of those close to the person with Dementia. Support for all concerned is available and can include practical help in the home, carer relief and daycare for social interaction for the person with Dementia.

Unfortunately many people are still unaware of Dementia and its far reaching effects - Alzheimer's NZ hopes to raise awareness and change society's views about the disease.

For the full article on 'Don't Forget Those Who Can't Remember' pick up your copy of Positive Living from your local Age Concern Council, library, CAB or contact ACNZ.

The Alzheimers NZ site has very useful information on this topic and a list of links to other similar organisations.

The Alzheimers Auckland covers the Auckland, Waitakere, North Shore and Rodney areas. They hold informative sessions for carers of people with dementia. If you would like to know more contact the Alzheimers Auckland They also publish a newsletter and in the September 2002 (source Alzheimers Society Otago Issue 69) an interesting article featured a study conducted by US researchers. They suggest that taking part in a lot of leisure activities, such as visiting friends or relatives can reduce a person's risk of developing the condition by as much as 38%. Reading a book or magazine, seeing a movie or going for a walk are also activities that may help.

The team monitored 1772 people over 65 who were assessed to have no signs of Alzheimers. Over seven years the researchers looked at how often they participated in 13 common leisure acitivities. The participants were awarded a point for each activity and people scoring less than 6 points were defined as having low leisure activity. Comparing those who developed dementia with those who did not showed that those people who had high leisure activities were 38% less likely to develop dementia. The participants neurological and physical health were also evaluated. Of the 1772 people who were monitored, 207 developed dementia.

For further details of this interesting study, conclusions, and comments on the research contact Alzheimers Auckland .

Alzheimers New Zealand has two new publications available:

New Zealand 2008 Dementia Manifesto
Economic impact of Dementia in New Zealand 2008: executive summary

They can be downloaded from their website www.alzheimers.org.nz or Freephone 0800 004 001.

Articles of Interest

Websites of Interest

Alzheimers NZ
Alzheimers Foundation
The Everybody website has a helpful fact sheet on Memory Loss and Dementia
The Dementia Research Group based at the National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery is one of the UK's leading centres for clinical research into dementia, and the hospital is the lead centre for trialling new drugs to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease (which causes the majority of dementias). Over 4,000 patients, with their carers, have already participated in studies and the Dementia Research Group has made some breakthrough progress - including collaborative work leading to identifying the first Alzheimer's disease gene; identifying pre-symptomatic cognitive and imaging changes in Alzheimer's; and pioneering MR imaging techniques to improve diagnosis and track progression of Alzheimer's disease
Caregiver Network Dementia Forum - This is a Canadian website link of resources for caregivers for people with dementia, recommended by caregivers. It covers a variety of topics including ways of caring, challenging behaviours, long-term care.
Dementia Services Development Centre is an Australian website that aims to improve the quality of life of people with dementia by supporting their services through the provision of:- advice on management, advice on environmental design, educational and training programmes, access to information and contacts, and by engaging in research that helps to define best practice in dementia care.
Communication Strategies is an article by Anna Ortegara, RN, MS, Director, Residential Care Services, Rush Alzheimers Disease Center, Chicago. She looks at communicating with people with dementia and ways in which to assist and facilitate this.
Alzheimer Europe is a European website promoting information sharing. Amongst its aims are to improve the exchange of information between Alzheimer help associations and
Alzheimers Society is the UK’s leading care and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers.
Dementia Care Australia is an Australian website with a wealth of services and resources to help caring for a person with dementia
Healthopedia is an American website who's mission statement is to be the Internet’s most trusted and extensive information resource for health and medical content. They have extensive information on Alzheimers and Dementia.

HRT Associated with Dementia - excerpt from the British Medical Journal

Postmenopausal women who take combined oestrogen and progestogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) face twice the risk of developing dementia than women who do not, a new study says (JAMA 2203;289:2651-62).

The finding deals a fresh blow to the practice of routine hormonal supplementation in postmenopausal women and contradicts previous observational and epidemiological studies that indicated that oestrogen replacement therapy could protect against Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementias (JAMA 2002;288:2123-9, 2170-1).

As reported in last week’s BMJ (31 May, p 1161) the drug company Wyeth, which funded the study, has admitted that it secretly briefed a number of medical societies in advance of the study’s publication, knowing it was going to be potentially damaging for the company.

For the full article link to the BMJ

Please Note Age Concern North Shore has tried to ensure that all information on this website is correct. However, Age Concern North Shore does not accept liability for any statements or advice contained on, or omissions from, nor endorse any suggested site on this website. Other websites referred to on this website are here for reference only. The information on this website should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice and we do suggest that you consult with your health, legal or financial professional.

Website last updated 04/12/2008