Dementia

Dementia

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Dementia affects the brain, making it harder to remember things or think as clearly as before. It’s an umbrella term for over 100 different types of illnesses and disease symptoms. Symptoms of dementia may include memory loss and difficulties with day to day tasks, language and problem-solving.

Dementia is not a natural part of the ageing process. It’s caused by illnesses that affect the brain. We do not yet know exactly what causes dementia. Medical researchers all over the world are working to find causes and develop treatments.

Dementia can affect every area of human thinking, feeling and behaviour, but each person with dementia is different – how the illness affects someone depends on which area of their brain is damaged.

In Scotland, over 90,000 people have dementia. It is most common in older people but can affect people in their 40s and 50s or even younger.

Types of dementia

There are many conditions which cause dementia – these are some of the most common. It is also possible to have more than one type of dementia at the same time.

  • Alzheimer’s disease: Gradually destroys brain cells and their connections. This affects how the person copes with everyday tasks.
  • Vascular dementia: Is caused by problems with the blood supply to brain cells. It can involve tiny strokes which damage small areas of the brain.
  • Dementia with Lewy bodies: It isn’t as easy to identify as some other types of dementia, so it can be hard to diagnose. It can include hallucinations and symptoms that are similar to Parkinson’s disease.
  • Frontotemporal dementia: Affects the parts of the brain responsible for decision-making, control of behaviour as well as emotion and language.

How technology can help to support dementia sufferers

Now technology is available to enhance the wellbeing, support and independence of people living with dementia.

You’ll be pleased to know that Social Care Alba is working in partnership with Edinburgh Smart Home, whereby we can contact a Digital Dementia Advisor by submitting a referral form to arrange an assessment of your needs and to identify technologies (such as smart speakers, GPS devices) that can help your carer/family to a better support. Also helping you find technology products matched to your needs.

You will receive unbiased, trusted recommendations from the dementia community and from a team of experts. This is a free service funded by Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Government.

All of these products have been tried and tested by families living with dementia and the Digital Team at Alzheimer Scotland, using the Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Circle testing protocols, which give us insight to their potential usefulness for other families in similar circumstances.

We don’t sell anything, but all the products are available from retailers or on the high street.