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According to the World Health Organization, Dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses several diseases affecting memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily activities. Globally, it is the seventh leading cause of death and it ranks as one of the major causes of disability and dependency amongst people over the age of 65. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer disease, which is estimated to contribute to 60–70% of new cases each year.
The World Health Organization states,
"Dementia is a syndrome that can be caused by a number of diseases which over time destroy nerve cells and damage the brain, typically leading to deterioration in cognitive function (i.e. the ability to process thought) beyond what might be expected from the usual consequences of biological ageing."
While dementia primarily affects older individuals, not all people develop it as they age. Risk factors for dementia include, but are not limited to, high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood sugar (diabetes), being overweight or obese, smoking, being socially isolated, and depression. Notably, the cognitive impairment associated with dementia can lead to changes in mood and can inhibit emotional regulation.
People living with dementia-- and those who care for them and/or love them-- face daily struggles, stigmatization, challenges, and sometimes even triumphs. Due to the lack of awareness about dementia, there are subsequentially barriers to diagnosis and care. This LibGuide serves to raise awareness and dismantle the stigmatization that those suffering from dementia-related illnesses face. Moreover, this LibGuide serves as a resource for caregivers and loved ones of those suffering. Help, support, and information are out there...and there will continue to be more resources as our understandings of dementia grow in subsequent years.
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