Ronald Reagan, the 40th US president, had it and so did actress Rita Hayworth and boxer Sugar Ray Robinson. They suffered from a mental condition called Alzheimer’s Disease.
This is the most common form of dementia, a degenerative brain disorder that can seriously impact your ability to carry out daily activities. It is a slow and progressive disease that worsens over time and is often seen in those aged 65 and above, with the risk increasing as one ages. However, Alzheimer’s Disease is not considered a normal part of ageing. Although there is no cure, there are medications, therapies and specific programmes available to delay the progression of the disease and ease certain symptoms.
Another form of dementia, which is less common than Alzheimer’s Disease, is Vascular Dementia, which is caused by blockages in the brain’s blood supply which leads to strokes. Some ways you can reduce your risk of getting Vascular Dementia include not smoking, exercising regularly and keeping to a healthy diet (less alcohol, salt and saturated fat).
Dementia can affect your memory, your ability to learn, reason, make judgments and communicate. As the condition progresses, you also may experience changes in personality and behaviour such as anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation.
In the very early stages of Dementia, it is possible to still maintain a fairly independent life by taking necessary steps to cope with and manage the condition. However, as the symptoms of the disease become more obvious, it may be necessary to have full-time care.
Read On:
Videos
Going HomeWatch this prize-winning video produced by Vinn Bay and Tee Boon Leng for a video competition organised by Alzheimer’s Disease Association (Singapore) as part of the Alzheimer's Disease International conference in March 2009.
7 SecondsProduced by Liew Shixiong and Kwek Zeming for a video competition by Alzheimer’s Disease Association (Singapore) as part of the Alzheimer's Disease International conference in March 2009.
The Health Promotion Board would like to thank the Alzheimer's Disease Association (ADA) for granting permission to screen this video on our website. This video is the property of the ADA. You may view its contents for personal and non-commercial purposes only. Its contents may not be re-produced, distributed, transmitted, published, displayed, broadcast,stored, adapted, licensed, altered, hyperlinked or otherwise used in any manner or means without ADA's prior written consent.
Events
Learn more about dementia! Attend a touching play on dementia, "Don't Forget to Remember Me", at community venues!
Resources
Click here to download this booklet