What is dementia?

Dementia refers to a condition in which the brain changes due to various causes, cannot be done before, and has interfered with life. "Alzheimer's dementia", "Lewy body dementia", "frontal temporal dementia", which is caused by the effects of the brain on nerve cells, and "vascular dementia" caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain, etc. There are various types of dementia depending on the cause disease.

The brain has a role in each part. There are various parts, such as the part that plays the sensation of seeing and listening, the part that performs the exercise, and the part that carries the memory. There are various types of dementia, depending on where the brain was damaged.

As a protein called β (beta) amyloid accumulates in the brain over a long period of 20 or 30 years, the function of brain cells is gradually lost and died, the brain is atrophy, and the function is generally reduced.
The progress is slow, but the symptoms vary as the whole brain is atrophy. I have the most common dementia.

It is a dementia in which nutrients and oxygen are not distributed to nerve cells due to cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral arteriosclerosis, etc., resulting in the death of nerve cells in that part and the network of nerves is broken. There are two types: those that suddenly develop and progress step-by-step, and those that develop gently and gradually progress. Symptoms vary depending on the part of the damaged brain.

Dementia that develops when brain cells are damaged by the accumulation of a substance called Leby body in the brain. It is characterized by visionary vision and Parkinson symptoms (slower movement, trembling limbs, stiff muscles, etc.) that can be seen in reality.

It is caused by atrophy of the frontal lobe and temporal lobe of the brain, and the age of onset tends to be younger. It is characterized by an increase in anti-social behavior, such as being unable to stand still, getting angry, and taking selfish actions that do not fit on the spot (such as pick disease).

There are various causes of dementia. Vitamin deficiency caused by lack of vitamins and hypoglycemia with too low blood sugar can also cause dementia, and some dementia comes from alcoholism and drug dependence.
In addition, there are dementia that can be diagnosed early, such as chronic subdural hematoma and normal pressure hydrocephaly, and may be cured by appropriate treatment such as surgery. Some diseases, such as depression, can cause symptoms that are likely to be mistaken for dementia.
(Note) Not all people with brain disabilities have dementia.

Symptoms that occur directly due to broken brain cells are called "core symptoms." This includes memory impairment, disorientation, loss of understanding and judgment, and loss of execution functions.
　・I can't remember
　・I don't know the sense of time or place.
　・It takes a long time to think
　・I can't do various things at once.

On the other hand, factors such as the personality, environment, and human relationships of the individual may come together, causing mental symptoms and behavioral problems in daily life, and are called "behavior and psychological symptoms."
　・I can't go home because I get lost.
　・Fail in the toilet
　・I'm frustrated, shouting, rampaging, etc.

People with dementia are aware of themselves that they are gradually becoming unable to remember, and are confused and anxious.
It is the person who first notices that something is wrong. And it is the person who is more painful and sad than anyone. It is important for people around you to take that feeling and treat them so that they do not surprise, (2) do not hurry, (3) do not hurt self-esteem, and (4) do not deny.

Source: Yokohama City Version Dementia Supporter Training Course Text (Edited / Issued City of Yokohama, Health and Social Welfare Bureau Elderly Home Support Section)
　　　Step-Up Training Text-Towards community development where people with dementia can live with peace of mind-City of Yokohama, Health and Social Welfare Bureau elderly people
　　　Home Support Division