THE term dementia refers to a number of conditions that affect the brain. It can range from becoming a little forgetful and finding complex tasks and concentrating more difficult, to being severely and progressively debilitating. At the far end of the scale it requires specialist care, treatment and support for the patient and their family.

There are many forms of dementia, the most common of which is Alzheimers, where the brain develops small plaques that make it difficult for the normal signals and messages to move around. Another type of dementia called vascular dementia happens because of lots of microscopic mini-strokes.

When the brain cannot send messages around as it normally does, we lose concentration, can’t recall memories or even find it difficult to recognise friends and family. When severe we can become confused and even experience hallucinations or delusions.

While dementia is most common in people over 65, it can affect people decades younger. Your GP or practice nurse can screen for the condition using a simple questionnaire that picks up the signs of dementia at an early stage. If your doctor is concerned, they can also do blood tests to look for physical causes that may be treatable.

We can’t cure dementia, but there are drugs that can treat it and other things you can do to prevent it or slow it down. High blood pressure, lack of exercise, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking all increase your risk of developing dementia, as they can damage the small vessels that carry blood to your brain.

Keeping yourself fit by doing regular exercise and eating a balanced diet is a great way to look after yourself, as well as getting your regular check-up from your doctor.

Keeping your mind active and healthy is just as important though, so if you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, challenge yourself to do something new. Your brain needs exercise too and learning new skills, socialising regularly, reading or doing puzzles can really help to keep you mentally agile.

Staying independent and getting the support you need is so important and there is a lot of help out there for both patients and their families.

If you need help or are concerned about someone, contact Andover Mind Dementia Advice on 01264 423 829, or get involved with one of the memory clubs in Viables or Overton.

Dr Jeff Stoker is a local GP at the Bermuda and Marlowe Practice in Basingstoke, with over 20 years’ experience in the NHS.

Useful Links:

Alzheimers Society:

www.alzheimers.org.uk

North Hampshire CCG, Older People’s Mental Health and Dementia Directory:

https://bit.ly/2DUKqRa