Dementia is a condition that afflicts the brain. The mental abilities of dementia patients decline as the illness causes brain cells to die at a faster rate than normal. These patients experience memory loss, deteriorating mental abilities, and personality changes.
There are two main types of dementia: Alzheimer’s disease and multi-infarct dementia. Alzheimer patients experience a gradual decline in their mental abilities as the illness progresses. There is no known medical cure for the disease. On the other hand, multi-infarct dementia may result from a series of strokes in the brain.
Who is at risk?
Dementia is an illness that affects elderly people In Singapore, approximately 6.2% of elderly people aged 65 years and above have dementia.
Dementia is an illness that affects elderly people In Singapore, approximately 6.2% of elderly people aged 65 years and above have dementia.
What are the Symptoms?
The disease generally progresses through three stages. Specific symptoms are associated with each stage, namely:
The disease generally progresses through three stages. Specific symptoms are associated with each stage, namely:
- Stage 1: Mild Dementia
- Forgetfulness
- Repeating himself/herself
- Odd behaviour
- Social Withdrawal
- Agitation
- Lethargy
- Difficulty with organisation of daily activities
- Stage 2: Moderate Dementia
- Obvious memory lapse
- Odd behaviour (e.g. Neglecting personal hygiene, getting lost, forgetting names of familiar people and objects)
- Stage 3: Severe Dementia
- Difficulty with performing familiar tasks (e.g. Personal care)
- Impaired speech
- Inability to comprehend conversation
- Unable to recognise family members
- Disorientation of place and time
- Poor judgement
- Difficulty with abstract thinking
- Personality change
Consult your doctor If you or your relative manifest memory loss.
It is important to recognise that caring for dementia patients is emotionally and physically challenging. Your doctor can assist you in establishing a supportive environment by putting you in touch with allied healthcare professionals who can help.
Dr Lau Tzun Hon is a resident housecall doctor at CMY Medical. He received his MBBS (Hons) from Sydney University in 2001 and has served in the both private and government restructured hospitals prior to commencing his practice in Home Care.
While in the Government Restructured Hospitals, Dr Lau served primarily in the Department of Accident & Emergency Medicine and Anaesthesia. Upon entering the Private sector, Dr Lau worked in both public and private A&E departments before venturing into Home Care.
Over the years, he has developed a strong passion to maintain and enhance the quality of life for patients under his care. A strong believer that healthcare does not need to be financially straining, Dr Lau often delivers more value beyond expectations.
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