What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect how well our brains work. Dementia can affect anyone, and as people get older the chances of developing dementia increase. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease – which around two-thirds of people with dementia have.
Dementia is progressive, which means that for most people the changes gradually spread through the brain and lead to the symptoms getting worse. Dementia is different for everyone – what people experience, and how quickly they are affected is unique to them. What they can do, remember and understand may change from day to day.
How many New Zealanders are living with dementia?
Dementia is one of New Zealand’s most significant and growing healthcare challenges. Almost 70,000 Kiwis have dementia and that number is expected to almost triple by 2050.
Dementia also has a significant impact on the family, whanāu and friends of people with the condition. A survey we conducted in 2017 indicated that 4 out of every 5 New Zealanders know or has known someone with dementia.
What are the early warning signs of dementia?
The early signs and symptoms of dementia can be subtle and hard to recognise. The symptoms each person experiences depends on the parts of the brain that are affected. However, the most common dementia symptoms include changes in memory, thinking, behaviour, personality and emotions. These changes affect a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks and interfere with their everyday lives.
I am worried about myself or someone else. What should I do?
If you are worried that you or someone you know is showing signs of dementia, it’s really important to talk to your GP. Many conditions, such as stroke, depression and infections, as well as normal ageing, can cause dementia-like symptoms. It’s important not to assume any changes are due to dementia.
If you do receive a diagnosis of dementia, getting this diagnosis early has lots of benefits. These include peace of mind in knowing what is going on, the opportunity to find out more about the condition, access to services and support and the ability to plan for the future. For some people, medication which might delay the progression of cognitive problems is available.
With the right support, it is possible to live well with dementia. For more information, contact your local organisation or see our website for further help.
How can I help?
Alzheimers NZ represents people living with dementia at a national level by raising awareness of dementia, providing information and resources, advocating for high quality services, and promoting research about prevention, treatment, cure and care.
We support local Alzheimers NZ organisations throughout New Zealand, each of which is a member of Alzheimers NZ.
Your support can make a big difference nationally and locally, to people with dementia and their families. It will help us to:
Provide vital, up-to-date information and resources
Educate people on living well with dementia
Raise awareness and reduce the stigma of dementia
Stand up for the rights and needs of people with dementia
Provide practical support to people with dementia, through our network of local Alzheimers organisations
Find out more on our website.