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Dementia (Definition (Dementia - An umbrella term describing a syndrome…
Dementia
Definition
Dementia - An umbrella term describing a syndrome associated with more than 100 different diseases that impair the brain function. Usually a gradual onset, progressive in nature and irreversible. Will interfere with language, memory, perception, personality and cognitive skills. Alzheimer's Disease is the most common type of dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by the build-up of proteins both in and around brain cells. This build-up limits the ability of messages to be transmitted between the cells. As a result, brain function becomes impaired.
Vascular dementia is a form of dementia that occurs as a result of reduced blood flow to the brain. This can occur due to a stroke or series of small strokes, or other damage to blood vessels and circulation. As the amount of oxygen and nutrients to the brain is reduced, brain cells die and function is impaired.
Dementia with Lewy bodies (also known as Lewy body disease) is a common form of dementia that is caused by spherical proteins known as Lewy bodies (named after the doctor who first described them, Friedrich Lewy) inside the nerve cells of the brain. Lewy bodies cause the degeneration and death of the nerve cells.
Frontotemporal dementia may affect the frontal or temporal lobe, but often both lobes are affected. The frontal lobe is responsible for judgement and social behaviour, so people with this type of dementia can have problems maintaining appropriate behaviour in social situations.
RISK determinants
Biological determinants
age. Advancing age is the greatest risk factor for most forms of dementia, with rates increasing in those aged 65 and over. Beyond 65, the prevalence of dementia doubles approximately every six years.
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body weight. Obesity has been identified as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease although the reasons for this are not clear.
Behavioural determinants
tobacco use. Tobacco use contributes to impaired blood flow and increases the risk of vascular dementia.
alcohol consumption. Alcohol abuse can contribute to specific types of dementia including ‘alcohol dementia’, a type of dementia caused by excessive alcohol consumption over a period of time.
physical inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle contributes to the deterioration of blood vessels which, in turn, increases the risk of vascular dementia.
Social determinants
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social exclusion. Those who are less socially active than the rest of the population may experience an increased rate of dementia.
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3 indirect costs
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Paying for services - cleaners, age carers (Individual)
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Reasons why NHPA?
In 2010, dementia was the third most common cause of death, accounting for 6 per cent of all deaths nationally and contributing significantly to morbidity rates. Dementia accounts for about four per cent of the total burden of disease in Australia and is the fourth largest contributor to burden of disease overall. For those aged over 65, dementia is the second largest contributor to burden of disease behind cardiovascular disease.