Dementia
It is a common perception that as we get older, our memory and thinking can deteriorate. This is not necessarily true. There are some diseases that can impact memory. Some of these are reversible, so one’s memory can improve as the underlying problem is addressed or through various interventions. Dementia is a syndrome meaning a group of diseases and is characterised by permanent changes in someone’s thinking leading to changes in how that person can function in their day to day life. Early changes may be subtle but noticeable to close friends or family members and may progress over time to more obvious impact on the person.
There are many types of dementia affecting people in different ways, such as short-term memory difficulties in Alzheimer’s dementia, personality changes in vascular dementia or speech/ word finding difficulties in ‘semantic fronto-temporal dementia’. It is important to correctly diagnose a person with dementia as the correct diagnosis influences the potential options for treatment as well as how the disease may progress in the future (known as the prognosis). Having someone to guide you on this often-complex journey is often said to be one of the most important things for people living with dementia as well as their families, and is an area we are proud to excel in at The Salus Clinic.
There are many things one can do to maintain excellent memory and brain function. There is considerable research in this area; our team keep up to date with all the latest evidence and can tailor the best advice to you with your personal and unique life story and future. Furthermore, our specialists work within University institutions meaning we are aware of and can refer you to research trials for cognitive impairment or dementia, where appropriate.
At the Salus Clinic, we carefully explore the history around concerns with memory or thinking, working out what the cause might be. We then discuss strategies which are both practical for you, your family and carers to manage or improve memory and thinking. By focusing on you, these strategies will be both practical and achievable for the benefits you are looking for.