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What's the difference between the signs of ageing and dementia? Express's chosen charity for 2021, Dementia Jersey, explores the distinction between the two.
The charity - formerly known as the Jersey Alzheimer's Association - has undergone a significant transformation this year, changing its name to 'Dementia Jersey'.
The decision came from the charity after discussions with members and clients made them realise they wanted to be clear that the charity supports anyone affected by Dementia, and living with Dementia, not just Alzheimer’s.
With dementia now affecting 50 million people worldwide - 1,600 of which are living in Jersey - Express has decided that its chosen charity this year will be Dementia Jersey.
In this article, Dementia Jersey's new Fundraising & Engagement Co-ordinator Stacey Baxter gives Express readers the top five signs of Dementia versus the normal signs of ageing...
Pictured: "Imagine forgetting where you are and how you got there, then imagine the confusion and the fear of not knowing those around you?"
"A common misconception of people living with Dementia is that it is “just old age”, that the person's memory is just getting worse because they are getting old. True to some yes, but not always the case.
Let’s begin with the normal signs of ageing.
Whilst we can make light of the ageing situation with humour, for some, the ageing process isn’t as honourable. We can easily bypass memory loss with a joke, or a “oops I forgot” but for some the forgetfulness is more severe and can become frightening.
Imagine forgetting where you are and how you got there, then imagine the confusion and the fear of not knowing those around you? An upsetting thought for anyone. So as much as we start to forget things as we age, it is important to both understand and recognise the difference of more severe signs which could be early warning signs of dementia.
Pictured: "Alzheimer’s is the most common disease making up approx. 60% of the dementia population and is caused by a build up proteins in the brain and is characterised mainly by progression of memory loss."
Before I explain the top 5 signs to look out for, it is also important to understand that there are different types of Dementia.
Alzheimer’s is the most common disease making up approx. 60% of the dementia population and is caused by a build up proteins in the brain and is characterised mainly by progression of memory loss.
The second largest is Vascular Dementia caused by a loss of blood flow to the brain, often as a result of a stroke, characterised by a difficulty to concentrate, memory loss and changes in behaviour.
Pictured: Stacey Baxter took over as Fundraising & Engagement Co-ordinator for Dementia Jersey in January.
There are multiple signs depending on the type of Dementia, but the top 5 signs to look out for are.
It can be quite worrying to think this could happen to any of us, but there are ways to try and slow down the onset of dementia by living a healthy lifestyle – keeping active, eating healthy, challenging your brain and keeping up your social activity.
Pictured: " there are ways to try and slow down the onset of dementia by living a healthy lifestyle – keeping active, eating healthy, challenging your brain and keeping up your social activity."
Covid has made the social aspect much harder and has certainly been challenging on all our mental health, but even trying to get your steps in or video calling can really help. Especially if you are supporting someone living with Dementia, not only for you as the carer to give you respite, but also trying to make life as normal as possible.
Living with Dementia does not mean no longer enjoying the things you used to do. Try to stay active, keep encouraging the activities they love whether it be washing a car to baking a cake; it is the little things that help and avoid that person feeling isolated.
Dementia Jersey offer a range of activities to help encourage those living with Dementia and provide a well-deserved break to their carers. We may not be able to offer all our services right now due to the restrictions of the pandemic, but we are still offering many sessions through zoom to keep you active but physically and mentally. Our counsellors are also still available for support whenever you need it.
Pictured: "Try to stay active, keep encouraging the activities they love whether it be washing a car to baking a cake; it is the little things that help and avoid that person feeling isolated."
Did you know Dementia Jersey also offer a Dementia Friends service, dedicated to educating individuals and businesses, to help with our aim to make Jersey a more Dementia Friendly island? If you would like to learn more, please email us here.
Be sure to check out (click here) our Detox for Dementia event kicking off 15th March – 3 weeks of events covering fitness, nutrition and wellbeing, all together helping lead a healthy lifestyle which slows down the onset of Dementia. All proceeds raised will go back into the charity to help us continue growing, spreading awareness and supporting all those affected by Dementia in Jersey.
Stay safe."
