Page 7 - Changes and Challenges

Dementia
Changes and Challenges
Dementia is not a “disease” of aging. It is statistically more likely to develop as
we age, but there are rare forms of Dementia that have been identified in
four-year-old children. Younger Onset Dementia is a grouping of different
forms of Dementia that are diagnosed in people under the age of 65. At the
time of writing there are over 26,000 people diagnosed with Younger Onset
Dementia in Australia.

Again, at the time of writing Dementia is the second leading cause of death in
Australia (unless you are female, then it is the primary cause of death). It is
the only major cause of death that is increasing each year.

Diagnosis
For people diagnosed with Younger Onset Dementia, a diagnosis could take
several years. Eighteen months is considered pretty quick. This was near the
time my diagnosis took. The process may involve visits to Geriatricians,
Neurologists, Psychologists and other health professionals. It will no doubt
mean several of the following tests; MRI’s, PET scans, SPECT scans, Blood
Tests, and of course Neurological and Cognitive tests. Most of the testing is to
rule out other conditions.
Contrast this to a diagnosis of an elderly person. A generic diagnosis of
Dementia can be rendered in minutes. There may be no indication of the form
or type of Dementia. I question the real value of such diagnoses. That is not to
say that all diagnoses are as hurried, there are many considered and timely
diagnoses.
Two other points about Dementia Diagnosis are worth being well aware of. In
the UK it is estimated that despite aggressive diagnosis, only about 50% of
people with Dementia are diagnosed. Similar rates are expected in Australia.

The second point, not unrelated, is that the type of Dementia you are
diagnosed with might change. Over time diagnoses can be refined and new
research can often alter a past diagnosis. This though important, can confuse
the person who is diagnosed as well as those around them.

One thing we all look forward to as more timely and accurate initial diagnoses.

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