Dementia Medical Myths 10-11

 10. All people with dementia become aggressive

In some cases, people with dementia might find it increasingly hard to make sense of the world around them. This confusion can be frustrating, and some individuals might respond to the emotions in an angry manner. However, this is not the case for everyone.

In a study involving 215 people with dementia, 41% of the participants developed aggression during the 2-year study. When they looked at factors that increased the risk of developing aggression, the researchers identified two of the primary factors physical pain and a low-quality relationship between the person and their caregiver.

11. Dementia is never fatal

Unfortunately, dementia can be fatal. According to a 2020 study among adults aged 70-99 years, dementia may be a more common cause of death than experts have traditionally thought. The authors “found that approximately 13.6% of deaths were attributable to dementia over the period 2000–2009.”

Dementia worries people, especially as they age, and this is justifiable in many ways. However, it is important to counter misinformation that might enhance concerns and stigma. For now, researchers are working tirelessly to develop better ways to treat and prevent dementia. In the future, hopefully, science will reduce the impact of dementia and, therefore, the fear associated with the condition.

Dementia describes various symptoms of cognitive declines, such as forgetfulness. It is a symptom of several underlying conditions and brain disorders.

 Summary

Dementia is a term that describes symptoms affecting remembering, thinking, and behaviour. It is a part of Alzheimer’s disease and can occur with some movement disorders, such as Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

The symptoms usually worsen over time, and there is currently no cure. Some drugs may help manage the symptoms, but the person may eventually need full-time help.