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[Virtual Presenter] Welcome to the Person-Centred Approach to Dementia Care: Training Guide. Module One, Part 1. Understanding Dementia. This module introduces dementia from a person-centred perspective. Why is that important? Understanding symptoms and stages helps you support people with dignity, empathy, and confidence. We begin by asking: What is dementia? A straightforward answer may seem sufficient. However, we aim to redefine dementia, and this clarity will assist you as you continue in your training and navigate your journey as a caregiver. By focusing on the essence of dementia, we will remove the external distractions and misconceptions that often cloud our understanding. Ultimately, our approach is to recognise two key elements: the specific type of dementia and, most importantly, the individual living with the condition. Dementia impacts how individuals think, feel, and connect with others. However, it is essential to emphasise that dementia does not define the person diagnosed with it. They remain mothers, fathers, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Each person has a unique story to tell, a life to live, and a voice that deserves to be heard. People living with dementia deserve to be treated with dignity and empathy. Recognising their individuality fosters respect and reinforces your commitment to person-centred care. This module aims to clear away confusion and stigma. In this module, we are going to focus on: • What dementia is. • Symptoms and how they’re grouped. • Delirium vs. dementia. • Stroke and vascular dementia. • Brain injury and its impact. • The diagnosis pathway. • Stages of dementia. • Brain changes and their effects. Throughout the course, practical tips and real-life stories will help you connect theory to practice, enhancing and clarifying your understanding of dementia care. Let’s begin our journey with the question: “What is dementia?”.
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[Audio] Dementia is often misunderstood as though it is a separate disease from Alzheimer's or that Alzheimer's leads to dementia. So, redefining and clarifying what dementia is and what it is not will help you feel more confident and less confused about this condition. Contrary to popular belief. Dementia is not a single disease. Dementia is not a regular part of ageing. Dementia can not be reversed and has no cure. Dementia can be easily confused with other symptoms. So, what is dementia? Dementia is a group of conditions. This distinction empowers us to ask better questions and seek a more profound understanding. While ageing is indeed a notable risk factor, it's essential to recognise that dementia is not an inevitable consequence of growing older. Many cases occur after the age of 65, a pattern that reflects social norms more than biological determinism. Symptoms may include: • Memory loss. • Language difficulties. • Trouble concentrating. • Changes in behaviour or personality. Why should we focus on these specific symptoms? These symptoms can also be present in other conditions, such as mild cognitive impairment or menopause, and may simply indicate the natural process of ageing. Recognising this distinction is essential, as dementia is sometimes defined as "a group of symptoms." So how do we tell the difference? Before we answer that, let's explore the most common types of dementia in Part 2..