When memory loss is something more. Do you know the signs of dementia?

11 June 2024

11 Jun 2024

We often hear the word ‘dementia’ used when it comes to describing those who are older, or perhaps live in a nursing home, or aged care residence. But what is dementia, and who can be affected by it? Here’s the some helpful information that might help you, or a loved one.

About dementia:

VMCH offers memory support units within our aged care residences for older people living with dementia. (LINK to RACS)
Dementia is a catch-all term for a large group of cognitive illnesses and conditions. You can have one or more types of dementia.
Dementia affects Australians in many different ways.
Most people with dementia are older, but it is important to remember that not all older people get dementia. It is not a normal part of ageing.
There are many different forms of dementia and each has its own causes.
As of 2019, approximately 27,247 Australians were living with younger onset dementia.
It is essential that a medical diagnosis is obtained at an early stage when symptoms first appear.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a catch-all term for a large group of cognitive illnesses and conditions. You can have one or more types of dementia.

Dementia describes a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. It is not one specific disease. Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Brain function is affected enough to interfere with the person’s normal social or working life.

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Who gets dementia?

Play around with the edit, filter and crop tools.
Use the self-timer to set up a photo at a distance. Most of the camera apps have a self timer for when you want to step away from the button. You can set photos to take up to 10 seconds later so that you can get into position.
Explore the video function within the camera app. You can have a lot of fun with grandchildren, pets and friends here. Your microphone works at the same time so you’ll be able to capture short films.
Check your lighting. When taking a photo or video, aim for natural lighting as much as possible and avoid the direct light source. For example, if you are outside, move around or have the subject move around if it is a person to see if you can get the best light without getting the sun rays in shot. If you are inside on a video call, ensure the sunlight is not too bright directly behind you as you will appear in shadow. Move to face the light.
Check your background. Always take a look at the background to check if there is rubbish, other people or anything you don’t wish in your shot. Generally tapping on the image with the subject in the middle will focus on the person, animal or plant.

Age is no barrier to living life alongside VMCH

Our range of flexible services and support options keeps everyone excited to live every day to its fullest. Learn about our in-home, residential care or disability services today.

What are the early signs of dementia?

The early signs of dementia are very subtle and vague and may not be immediately obvious. Some common symptoms may include:

• Progressive and frequent memory loss
• Confusion
• Personality change
• Apathy and withdrawal
• Loss of ability to perform everyday tasks.

Most people with dementia are older, but it is important to remember that not all older people get dementia. It is not a normal part of ageing.

Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65 years. People in their 40s and 50s can also have dementia. This is called younger onset dementia, also known as early onset dementia, which is any form of dementia in people under the age of 65.

Although dementia is much less common in people under 65, as of 2019, approximately 27,247 Australians were living with younger onset dementia.

Find your photos on your camera roll:

All photos will be saved automatically in your camera roll. It may be called Gallery, Photos, Images or Camera Roll depending on which device you have.
Your camera is much more than a camera. You can use it to remind yourself of things like gift ideas, medication bottles, product labels, to-do lists – just take a picture and you’ll have that pic as a reminder on your camera roll to call upon when needed. Your camera app can also read QR codes which has become commonplace for checking into public settings during COVID-19.
With video calling becoming so important, the camera is an essential part of that experience. We know that by getting comfortable with all these settings you will have more fun when using FaceTime or video calling.

Good luck and enjoy creating those memories.

Find your photos on your camera roll:

All photos will be saved automatically in your camera roll. It may be called Gallery, Photos, Images or Camera Roll depending on which device you have.
Your camera is much more than a camera. You can use it to remind yourself of things like gift ideas, medication bottles, product labels, to-do lists – just take a picture and you’ll have that pic as a reminder on your camera roll to call upon when needed. Your camera app can also read QR codes which has become commonplace for checking into public settings during COVID-19.
With video calling becoming so important, the camera is an essential part of that experience. We know that by getting comfortable with all these settings you will have more fun when using FaceTime or video calling.

Good luck and enjoy creating those memories.

These handy hints were developed by our friends in seniors technology, YourLink, who work with older people every day, teaching them how to get the most out of technology.

We hope they’re useful if you’re starting out on your smart device journey, or if you’re looking for something to share to help a loved one.

Written by VMCH – November 4 2020 – View a range of our articles here.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.