Dementia: information for young people
What is dementia?
Dementia is the name used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in the way a person functions.
People with dementia have memory loss and difficulty communicating. They also have problems with thinking, recognising people and will sometimes forget what things are used for.
For a long time the person may look healthy on the outside, but on the inside, their brain is not working properly.
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?
Many different conditions cause dementia. We hear more about Alzheimer’s disease because it is the most common cause of dementia.
Is dementia a mental illness?
No, it is a condition of the brain. Our brain is our control centre and it controls everything we do and say and think. When the brain is sick we have problems with all our actions, including remembering, speaking, understanding and learning new skills.
Is dementia something all older people get?
No. We all forget things from time to time, especially if we get stressed. Someone who does not have dementia may forget where they have put the car keys. A person with dementia may forget what the keys are used for.
As people get older the chances of developing dementia are higher. The prevalence rate for dementia rises with age. For females aged 65 to 69 years dementia affects 1 person in 80 compared to 1 person in 60 for males. For both males and females aged 85 and over the rate is approximately 1 person in 4.
Can younger people get dementia too?
Sometimes people in their 30s, 40s and 50s can get dementia, but this is not very common.
What problems do people with dementia have?
Dementia affects everybody differently. Some things that can happen are:
- Increasing forgetfulness
- Not able to learn new information or follow directions
- Repeating the same story over and over and asking the same question many times
- Difficulty finding the right words or completing a sentence
- Jumbling words and phrases and not making sense
- Losing, hiding possessions or blaming others for stealing them
- Confusion about the time of day, where they are, or who other people are
- Fear, nervousness, sadness, anger and depression
- Crying a lot
- Forgetting how to do everyday things like cooking a meal, driving a car or taking a bath
How do doctors know someone has dementia?
There is not just one test. Several tests must be done as well as collecting information from people who know the person well. There are some illnesses which might seem like dementia, but are treatable. If these are ruled out the doctor may then be able to say that the person has a particular type of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.
How long does it last?
Some people can live up to 20 years after they show signs of dementia. But on average, they live from 10 to 14 years with dementia.
What causes dementia?
There is a lot of research happening throughout the world. We now know that dementia causes changes to a person’s brain that results in cell death. The death of cells is responsible for the gradual loss of a person’s abilities.
Is there a cure?
At the moment there is no treatment that can cure dementia. There are some medications that may help the person with dementia to think more clearly, but they do not cure the person.
How will dementia affect me?
If someone in your family has dementia, you and your family may be impacted even if you don’t live in the same house as the person with dementia. It can be very upsetting and stressful. You may experience some confusing feelings and not want to believe that this is happening. This is very normal.
You may feel upset that your relative with dementia, whom you love very much, has become like a different person.
If your relative with dementia lives in your house, it may mean that you miss out on some attention or that you may be asked to take on other jobs and responsibilities. You may no longer feel like a normal family. You may feel angry and resentful that people in your family are busier and no longer have as much time for you.
Caring for someone with dementia is very stressful and can make people tired and worried. Sometimes that can make them cranky or short-tempered with you. Try to understand what your parents are feeling too.
You may not want to have friends over to your house any more because you are embarrassed by the behaviour of the person with dementia. If you are able to learn more about the condition you can explain it to your friends.
Are there any things that kids can do to help people with dementia?
Yes. Safe, simple and quiet activities that involve repetition are best. Many people with dementia can remember things from long ago, but not things from a few minutes ago. You might look at a family photo album with them or play music that they might remember. A person with dementia may have trouble understanding you. Keep sentences short, be patient and try not to argue.
A person with dementia may only be able to concentrate for a short time. Stop or change what you’re doing if they become anxious or distracted. Even though they might not recognise you, your love and understanding can be a great comfort. Give them a cuddle, a kiss or stroke their arm. The best help you can give is reassurance and letting them know that you care about them. Some things you can do to make life easier for the person with dementia include:
- Learn all you can about the illness
- Help your friends understand about dementia
- Be calm and patient
- Be loving
- Be involved
- Be understanding
- Treat the person with dementia with dignity
- Don’t correct what they are saying, even if it is wrong or mixed up
- Help around the house
What about my feelings?
Remember that all feelings you have are normal and okay. It is very hard to watch someone you love, and who loves you, forget who you are and lose their independence. You must remember that even if the person becomes angry, cries a lot or does strange things, they have a brain condition and cannot help what they are doing. Don’t blame them, and don’t blame yourself for their behaviour.
Support for families, carers and kids
Any family member can ring the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 to obtain practical information and emotional support. An appointment can also be arranged with a counsellor for any family member, including children.
Alzheimer’s Australia in each State and Territory has an extensive collection of books and videos for loan, including some specifically for children.
For further information and to view other Help Sheets visit our web site at www.alzheimers.org.au
Last Reviewed: 01 July 2005
