LIFESTYLE NEWS - Dementia is the umbrella term used to describe more than 100 conditions that impairs memory, behaviour and thinking.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and is a degenerative di-sease that attacks the brain, resulting in impaired functioning.
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving
- problems
- Difficulty in completing familiar tasks at
- home or work
- Confusion with time and place
- Trouble understanding visual images New problems with words in speaking
- and writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability
- to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgement
- Withdrawal from work and social
- activities
- Changes in mood and personality, including depression
Janet Hart, chairman of the George Alzheimer's Support Group, said the first step is to get a diagnosis. "This will enable you, and your loved ones, to take charge of your life and start planning the road ahead, as you will lose your ability to make sound judgements in the later stages of the disease. It is imperative you make decisions on how you want to be cared for, and by whom," said Hart.
The George Alzheimer's Support Group offers support in a kind, positive, confidential and gentle way to persons with Alzheimer's and the family, friends and caregivers. The group gathers every third Thursday of the month at Tuiniqua at 14:30 and is free of charge, but donations are welcome.
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