5 important messages you need to know about dementia
Not just forgotten
Forgetfulness is not the only symptom of dementia
In addition to memory impairment, dementia manifests itself in impairment of many functions: language, perception of space and time, judgment, interpersonal communication, motor skills, and more, and as a result, daily functioning is impaired. In addition to decreased cognitive ability, emotional symptoms may also appear, manifested as anxiety, depression, restlessness, irritability, mood swings, and apathy. At the beginning of the disease, symptoms of forgetfulness are short-term, and as the disease worsens, they can develop into a decline in long-term memory as well.
Dementia is not a natural phenomenon of aging.
Dementia is not a natural phenomenon of aging.
Not every old person develops dementia, not everyone who develops dementia is old, today we know of young people living with dementia. Research data: The chance of developing dementia over the age of 65 ranges from 10-12%. There are also cases of dementia at a younger age, usually due to genetics, their prevalence is between 1-2%.
Dementia results from processes that occur in the brain.
Processes that occur in the brain cause dementia
Dementia diseases progress gradually, with each person's deterioration occurring at a different rate and in a different way. You can read more about the disease and methods of treatment and prevention on the EMDA Association website and the Ministry of Health website. There are various treatment methods such as: cognitive training, physical activity, emotional activity and sensory activity that can improve the quality of life of the person living with dementia. By adopting a balanced and healthy lifestyle that includes adhering to a sensible diet, physical activity, cultivating a social and leisure life, and avoiding smoking and alcohol, you can reduce the risk factors for the disease.
Not just a symptom
A person is more than the collection of symptoms of their illness.
A person with dementia is first and foremost a human being and it is important to see them as more than just the collection of symptoms of their illness. Example story: In a nursing home, there was a woman who used to drum with her fingers everywhere. This irritated the staff and residents, who were unable to understand the reason for this. When the staff learned about the woman's history, it turned out that during the war she had helped crack Morse code, so perhaps the drumming now had meaning for her. From then on, the attitude towards the woman changed, and they suddenly saw her as a hero.
The importance of community support
It's easier to cope with dementia with community support
Community support can enable people living with dementia to live a good, safe, and meaningful life, and can even reduce their loneliness. Community support can also help improve their quality of life and that of their families.
Facts about dementia
What is the Dementia Friends Program?
- An international program that works to raise awareness of dementia among all of us.
- With your help, as volunteers, we can make a real difference and become a friendlier community for people living with dementia.
- A dementia friend undergoes brief training on dementia and living with dementia and then turns that understanding into action.
- Anyone of any age can be a dementia friend.
- Every action, small or large, counts.
- The program is operated by the EMDA Association in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Israel-Eshel Joint Venture.
What is an ambassador?
- Ambassadors are volunteers who encourage others to make positive changes for those living with dementia in the community, by sharing information about dementia and ideas on what can be done to help.
- Anyone can be an ambassador and no prior knowledge or training is required. The ambassadors are professionally supported by the EMDA Association in Israel, and are partners as part of a large international community of volunteers in Israel and around the world, who want to create a more friendly community for people living with dementia.
How can organizations and authorities join?
Many organizations around the world, small and large, private and public, take part in the international program.
As part of the activities of Dementia Friends in organizations and authorities in Israel, we offer an enrichment lecture on the topic that includes:
# A brief explanation of dementia.
# Introduction to the symptoms of a disease.
#5 Messages from dementia friends.
# Knowledge of the tools available in the community to assist people living with dementia.
# Reducing risk factors – Introduction to a variety of preventive measures.
Dementia Friends Organizations and Authorities in Israel: MDA, Ministry of Health, National Service Women - "Vahedrat", Bezeq Pensioners, Clalit Health Insurance Fund - Haifa, Yad Sara, Tel Aviv Municipality, Holon Municipality, Kfar Yona, Osfiya, Tirat Carmel, Afula, Jerusalem, Sakhnin, Ariel College and Mizrahi Bank.
For details and to join, please contact us by email: dementia.israel@gmail.com