Although dementia and brain shrinkage has always been common, it has become even more common among the elderly in recent history. It is not clear if this increased frequency reflects a greater awareness of the symptoms or if people simply are living longer and thus are more likely to develop dementia and brain shrinkage in their older age.
Dementia caused by neurological degenerative disease, especially Alzheimer’s disease, is increasing in frequency more than most other types of dementia. Some researchers suspect that as many as half of all people over 85 years old develop Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia associated with AIDS, which appeared to be increasing in frequency in the 1990s is now much less commonly seen, since the development of highly effect anti-retroviral therapy.
2. How long does a person live with dementia and brain atrophy?
If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, you may be interested in figuring out how long does a person live with dementia and brain shrinkage. Unfortunately, it is not that easy to answer, as many factors come into play. This is because there are several types of them, and the longevity of the person will depend on this, his or her overall health and how long the person has been suffering from the disorder.
If a person has Alzheimer’s disease along with dementia and he or she is at an advanced stage of the disease, then the person may hardly live for a few months. On the other hand, a person diagnosed with early stage dementia can live for anywhere from 4 years to 4.5 years. At the same time, it has been seen the longevity after diagnosis of dementia differs amongst men and women. For instance, on an average, men live for up to 4.1 years, while women tend to live for up to 4.5 years with dementia.
However, if the person has vascular dementia, which is another type, then he or she can suffer from several strokes during this period and this can bring down the lifespan of the person.
This clearly shows that it is not easy to answer the question on how does a person live with brain atrophy. The symptoms can have an effect on the person’s lifespan. However, since they are progressive diseases, death of the patient is an eventuality that family members have to accept. The only thing that they can do is ensure that the person is comfortable and do everything possible to improve the person’s quality of life.
| Video: How to live with dementia |
3. Living with dementia and brain shrinkage
Dementia and brain shrinkage affects the whole life of the person who has it, as well as their family. But there is advice and support available to help you, whether you’ve been diagnosed or are caring for someone with dementia.
Even if you’ve suspected for a while that you or someone you love might have them, the diagnosis may come as a shock.
People with these illness should try to remain as independent as possible and continue to enjoy their usual activities but symptoms usually get worse over time. The progression depends on the personality and general health of the person with these illness and on the type of them. Over time, people with such conditions will need help to cope at home and may eventually need residential care in a nursing home.
It is natural to feel worried about the future, but you are not alone – whether you have these illness or are a carer of someone with them.
4. Nutritions for help
| Video: Caring For Persons With Dementia |