Understanding dementia

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.

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

Myths

There are a lot of myths about dementia. How many of these have you heard before?

[Select each one to see what it’s really like to live with dementia.]

Myth: "Dementia is just a part of ageing"

Dementia isn't a normal part of getting older – it's the result of diseases in the brain.

Myth: "Only really old people get it."

Dementia can actually affect people as young as 40, no matter their background or lifestyle. It's important to get a diagnosis of dementia as early as possible.

Myth: "Dementia destroys the person, leaving an empty shell behind."

Dementia does not destroy the person, but the changes happening in their brain can affect their memory and skills. The person still has their own views, reactions and feelings, even if it is difficult for you to understand them.

Myth: "Dementia is just when you become forgetful."

Losing your ability to remember is one symptom of dementia, but there are many others.

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."

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.

Types of dementia

There are many types of dementia. Some are more common than others.

[Use the right and left arrows to select and learn about four types of dementia.]

How can you help to build a more dementia inclusive New Zealand?

By understanding dementia and seeing the person first, and their dementia second, we can help build a dementia inclusive New Zealand.

Everyone is unique – and by respecting a person's experiences and feelings we can help them, their families and whānau to live well with dementia.

Take Alzheimers New Zealand's simple 15 minute questionnaire and become a ‘Dementia friend’ today.

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!

"I'm scared to go out on my own, The other day I went to go round to a neighbour down the road and I found myself in the wrong street."

Memory problems can include getting lost, not remembering recent experiences and forgetting who friends and family are.

"We went out food shopping and my wife asked me what shall we have for dinner. I couldn’t decide. I got myself into a real muddle and became really angry. I find myself wanting my wife to organise everything for me, to make my life easier."

Thinking problems can include difficulty planning activities and making decisions.

"My daughter took me to my granddaughter’s party. I got inside the house and just panicked. It didn’t feel like her house. I wanted to go home. I know it must be tough for my daughter to see me this way."

Place and time problems, as well as forgetting the day and time, are common. People may not recognise their surroundings as familiar, and may want to leave due to it feeling strange.

"I get worried about leaving my familiar environment.When I get past the end of the driveway, I grip my wife’s hand tightly and my breathing gets faster. But I know I can’t stay in all the time."

Changes to emotions – becoming upset, angry and anxious can be a result of living with the insecurities and uncertainties caused by dementia.

"I always loved to cook seafood. But now when I go to the fish shop, I can’t seem to find the right words. The shop keeper tries to help by suggesting words, but I just get angry."

Communication problems include difficulties finding the right words and understanding what people are saying.

"Once at the hospital, I accidentally wet myself, I was nervous and couldn’t find the toilet in time because all the signs looked the same. I was so ashamed. Luckily the nurses understood and told me not to worry."

Social difficulties can include avoiding people and conversations and inappropriate behaviour and language.

Dementia friends

Learn simple ways to help a person living with dementia and receive a free badge or wristband and certificate.

Become a Dementia friend

Reducing your risks

There are many things we're still learning about dementia and its causes.

Reducing your risks