Thread by @WHO

Today is #WorldAlzheimersDay

#Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of #dementia and may contribute to 60–70% of cases. People with dementia need access to care. Let's ensure the dignity of every person with a #MentalHealth condition is respected

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#Dementia is an illness characterized by a deterioration in cognitive function beyond what might be expected from normal ageing.

It is a major cause of disability and dependency among older people 👵👴

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#WorldAlzheimersDay

Reduce your #dementia risk by:
🏃‍♂️ Exercising regularly
🚭 Not smoking
🍺 Avoiding harmful use of alcohol
⚖️ Controlling your weight
🍐 Eating a healthy diet
✅ Maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol & blood sugar levels

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#WorldAlzheimersDay

Symptoms of early stage #dementia include:
-Forgetfulness
-Losing track of the time
-Becoming lost in familiar places

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#WorldAlzheimersDay

Symptoms of middle stage #dementia are more restricting:
-Becoming forgetful of recent events & people's names
-Becoming lost at 🏠
-Having increasing difficulty with communication
-Needing help with personal care
-Experiencing behaviour changes, e.g. repeated questioning

Symptoms of late stage #dementia are serious & obvious:
-Becoming unaware of the ⏲ & place
-Having difficulty recognizing relatives & friends
-Having an increasing need for assisted self-care
-Having difficulty walking
-Experiencing behaviour changes that may include aggression

🌐, around 50 million people have #dementia.

There are nearly 10 million new cases every year.
That's one case every 3 seconds.

The total number of people with dementia is projected to reach 82 million in 2030 and 152 million in 2050.

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#Dementia can be overwhelming for families of people living with it & their carers.

These 6⃣ practical tips can help:
📣Reach out for support
🧘‍♀️Take care of yourself
🔄Ensure continuity of care
🆕Respond to change
👍Be flexible
🗣️Communicate effectively

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The principals of #dementia care are:
-Early diagnosis
-Optimizing physical health, cognition, activity & well-being
-Identifying & treating accompanying physical illness
-Detecting & treating behavioural & psychological symptoms
-Providing information & support to carers

There is often a lack of awareness & understanding of #dementia, resulting in stigmatization and barriers to diagnosis & care.

On #WorldAlzheimersDay & beyond, let's ensure the highest quality of care for people with Alzheimer's disease & their carers

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