Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term referring to a group of neurodegenerative diseases. Dementia affects memory, thinking skills, language and behaviour. While dementia is progressive and there is presently no cure for it, it can be prevented.

Did You Know?

In Singapore, 1 in 10 Singaporeans above 60 suffer from dementia and this number is expected to increase by almost twice by 2030.

Signs and Symptoms

Forgetfulness that affects ability to perform daily activities
Difficulty planning or solving problems
Confusion of time and place
Poor or decreased judgment
Difficulties doing familiar tasks
Changes in personality
Problems in communicating
Misplacing things
Withdrawal from work and/or social activities
Changes in mood and behaviour
Paranoia, agitation and hallucinations

Risk Factors

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes
Obesity
Poor diet/inactive lifestyle
Other traumatic brain injury
Family history
Age
Vitamin deficits
Excessive alcohol use

Common Type of Dementia

Alzheimer's Diseases

Theorised to be caused by the buildup of proteins around the brain cells
Causes the brain to shrink and die

Frontotemporal Dementia

Caused by damage to the front and sides of the brain, specifically the frontal lobe and temporal lobe
Affects behaviour and language

Vascular Dementia

Caused by impaired blood flow to the brain
Usually occurs after a stroke BUT does not always happen after a stroke

Dementia with BPSD (Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia)

Caused by a multitude of factors (unmet needs, other medical conditions, etc.)

Includes non-neurological symptoms of dementia such as agitation, psychosis, depression, apathy

Preventing Dementia

Stay physically active
Ensure a well-balanced and healthy diet
Keep mentally active
Be socially engaged
Manage pre-existing chronic illnesses

Click here to download guide

Written by: Xavierlyn Tan | Designed by: Ng Shu En Lydia | Edited by: Jonathan Kuek