Dementia Awareness

Dementia awareness week begins on 21 September, which is World Alzheimer’s Day. Around 447,000 Australians are living with dementia and can happen to anybody at any age. Throughout the world, there are approximately 50 million people that have dementia with nearly 10 million new cases every year.

It is not a normal part of ageing.

Dementia is the term used to describe a group of symptoms related to a decline in social abilities, memory, and everyday functions. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia; other causes include Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, brain injury, and damage to the blood supply to the brain.

Everybody’s reality of living with dementia is different. Presenting differently and the impacts felt uniquely for each person with past experiences and personality playing a factor. 

As dementia progresses, the disease affects different parts of the brain leading a person to behave differently than what you are used to or how you would expect. 

Dementia can affect many abilities, including communication, concentration, interpretation, comprehension, and processing of information—a challenge for both those caring and the person living with dementia.

There are some things to remember when engaging with someone with dementia. 

• Do not prejudge the level of understanding.
• Make eye contact and speak with clear short sentences.
• and do not rush for a response or answer.
• Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for dementia. Still, many products can help those with dementia become more independent and safer, as well as easing carer or family concerns.

WOW Mobility & Rehab stocks a variety of clocks, including a talking alarm clock that alerts users when it is time to take their medication. These types of products help to stay on a schedule which is crucial for managing health for anyone with dementia.