Dementia : A growing global issue Dr Mary Tilki Associated Country Women of the World Conference 2016

Dementia : A growing global issue A growing issue for women especially Populations are ageing worldwide Increasing life span increases dementia risk Lifestyle factors also add to risk Longevity (and dementia) already present in high income societies Populations ageing faster in low and middle income countries (with rising dementia)

What is dementia ? Umbrella term for symptoms of memory and cognitive decline Causes decline in ability to do daily activities Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, mixed types Incidence increases with age(mainly over 65) Growing rates under 65, (NB migrants/Roma) Can affect behaviour, judgement, vision, mobility

Where are the people with dementia? 37% people live with dementia in high income societies 63% people live with dementia in low and middle income societies Rates will double in Europe and North America by 2050 Rates will triple in Asia by 2050 Rates will quadruple in Latin America and Africa by 2050

Dementia and women Live longer, greater risk of dementia More likely to live alone in old age Greater risk due to oestrogen loss Lack of education also increases risk More likely to care for family members More likely to be in caring professions Chains of care – women leave developing countries for care work

Dementia (un)awareness Public awareness & understanding poor No word for dementia in many languages Seen as “normal” part of ageing Fear, stigma and shame widespread Seen as hopeless, incurable, irreversible Perceive people with dementia have no capacity to make decisions Believe people with dementia need protection

Challenging misunderstanding Dementia is a disorder of brain function Dementia affects everybody differently Memory, cognition can fluctuate People retain many skills and abilities Worsened by stress, tiredness, unfamiliarity Can function well in early stages, learn to adapt, adjust and cope Memory loss can be slowed / improved People with dementia are still “people”

Benefits of early diagnosis It may not be dementia, may be treatable Drugs may help slow Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis opens doors to support, therapy Person/family can get information, learn ways of adapting, supporting Time to build support networks, care “team”, engage wider community Allow to plan for future, advanced directives, power of attorney etc.

Prevention, risk reduction The earlier the better, but never too late! Manage hypertension and diabetes Stop smoking Reduce weight Increase physical activity Expand active social engagement Challenge the brain! Use it or lose it!

Living well with dementia Remain socially active, engaged, talk about it. Retain as much continuity as possible Avoid negative language, focus on strengths Adjust expectations, adapt home, lifestyle Learn coping skills, manage risk, accept help Engage in stimulating activities e.g. volunteering Maintain or increase physical activity Dementia friendly communities, businesses, public services, places of worship, -

Useful links https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ http://www.scie.org.uk/dementia/e-learning/ http://www.irishinbritain.org/campaigns/cuimhne-irish-memory-loss-alliance http://www.cad-brent.org.uk/ http://dementiavoices.org.uk/ Contact : marytilki@hotmail.com