What is dementia?
Dementia is a progressive intellectual disability. It is caused by the brain being damaged by diseases that get worse over time, and which cannot be treated. The most common type is Alzheimer’s Disease.
Early signs of dementia
Find out how people can be affected by dementia
Struggling to remember what you've just done or what you were about to do
Getting lost in familiar places
Forgetting the names of your friends, whānau or everyday objects
Difficulty following conversations
Not being able to find the right words
Struggling to make sense of your thoughts
Dementia myths vs facts
There are a lot of myths about dementia. Debunking myths and misconceptions about dementia helps reduce stigma and empowers people with accurate understanding.
How many of these have you heard before??
[Select each one to see what it’s really like to live with dementia.]
Do you know how many people are estimated to be living with dementia worldwide?
60 million
What is dementia like for me?
"I think about how eventually my memories will be switched off – like lights going out in a building.
Those at the top go out first – my memories from yesterday, or last week.
Then it's the floors further down. My last holiday, or my son's wedding – and eventually even the memory of having a son at all.
In the end it's just the ground floor left. Only my oldest memories: my childhood, my parents."
Residents' stories
Aged care testimonial
Sharon's story
Bupa was a natural choice for Sharon’s mother-in-law Kamal and husband Suresh, with peace of mind for the family that Kamal’s care needs are met, alongside continued retirement living for Suresh.
Aged care testimonial
Dianne's story
Bupa’s person first, dementia second philosophy was essential in Dianne’s decision to move her husband Billy to a care home. She and Bupa have worked together to ensure Billy gets the care he needs.
Residents' stories
Hear from our residents and their families about life at Bupa.
How does dementia affect the brain?
Each part of the brain is responsible for a different purpose.
When a person is affected by dementia, it can become very difficult to do the everyday things we take for granted. Dementia stops their brain from working properly.
-
The frontal lobe
If dementia affects this area of your brain, it can be harder to make plans and decisions. You may also find it difficult to control your emotions.
-
The parietal lobe
If dementia affects this part of your brain, you'll find it difficult to remember how to do routine things, as well as more complicated activities like writing and cooking.
-
The occipital lobe
If dementia affects this area of your brain, it makes it harder for you to make sense of the world, leading to confusion and fear.
-
The cerebellum
If you're affected by dementia in this part of the brain you will have problems with movement, posture and balance.
-
The brain stem
This part of the brain controls vital life functions. If you're affected by dementia in this area, you could have issues with swallowing, breathing and heart problems.
-
The temporal lobe
This area of your brain controls language and memory. If dementia affects this area, you will struggle with communicating and remembering things.
Types of dementia
There are many types of dementia. Some are more common than others.
Alzheimer’s disease
"I have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Some of my abilities are beginning to decline. Recently I found that I forget things and have problems finding the right words. It’s hard to remember people’s names and last week I got lost while out shopping."
Vascular dementia
"I have vascular dementia caused by many tiny strokes. At the moment I have no problems with language, memory, thinking or making decisions. But I am finding that writing is becoming increasingly difficult. Recently I had to give up my painting hobby because I can no longer control my hand movements."
Dementia with Lewy bodies
"I have Dementia with Lewy bodies. My memory is pretty good. But I have started having hallucinations where I see children. I have trouble sleeping at night which makes me drowsy during the day. I am often asleep when my family try to visit."
Mixed dementia
"I have been diagnosed with mixed dementia. This means I have symptoms of more than one type of dementia."
Top five tips when talking to a person with dementia.
- Reduce background noise
Try to remove distractions such as TV or radio when you are trying to communicate. One-to-one conversations will be easier, but if you can't avoid a group situation, try to ensure only one person speaks at a time. - Speak slowly and distinctly
Use clear and simple words and be patient. If the person pauses, count slowly to 10 in your head before breaking the silence. - Stick to closed questions
Make sure that all questions have a direct ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. For example, instead of asking ‘What would you like for lunch?’ ask ‘Would you like a cheese sandwich?’ - Never say ‘I've told you this before’
If the person asks you something that you’ve already spoken about, be patient. Carefully explain it to them again. - Think about your body language
Face the person and use their name. Eye contact shows you're listening and a gentle tone of voice is reassuring. A smile can be infectious!
Read our guide on how to communicate and connect with someone living with dementia.
Noticing the signs and responding with care
Recognising when someone may be struggling with dementia helps us respond with empathy and connect with them in a way that feels supportive. Below are examples of scenarios where a person may be showing signs of dementia.
Reducing your risks
There are many things we're still learning about dementia and its causes.
Reducing your risks