The word Dementia is used to describe a set of symptoms that affect the way the brain works.
These symptoms may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. Dementia can affect anyone, and as people get older the chances of developing dementia increase.
The most common form of dementia is Alzheimers disease – which around two-thirds of people with dementia have. Alzheimers Northland cares and supports people with all types of dementia.
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 persons ability to perform everyday tasks and interfere with their everyday lives.
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.
Everyones story is different. Every family is affected in different ways.
Alzheimers New Zealand has a huge range of resources to help us to understand dementia.
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Become a Dementia Friend and you'll be joining a growing community of people helping to make New Zealand a more supportive, inclusive and understanding place for people living with dementia.
Becoming a Dementia Friend is simple, just click the link below and work through the quick online programme.
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