The Very Short Introductions Podcast Dementia – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 10
Nov 12, 2020
Kathleen Taylor, an accomplished author and science writer with a background in physiology and cognitive neuroscience, delves into the complexities of dementia. She explains how dementia affects personality and independence while highlighting the range of cognitive and emotional symptoms. Taylor discusses the impact of genetics and environmental factors, as well as the importance of early diagnosis. She advocates for viewing dementia as a chronic condition that can still offer hope through understanding and ongoing research.
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Dementia Is A Group Of Terminal Brain Diseases
- Dementia names a group of terminal brain diseases that progressively destroy brain tissue.
- It is a leading global cause of death and mainly affects older people but can start earlier.
Symptoms Go Beyond Memory Loss
- Dementia includes cognitive, emotional and behavioural symptoms, not just memory problems.
- People with dementia can be easily stressed, anxious or volatile as well as have sleep and movement changes.
Sporadic Cases Outnumber Genetic Ones
- Most dementia cases (~95%) are sporadic with no clear cause, while a minority are genetic and can appear in midlife.
- The UK has an estimated 42,000 people with early-onset dementia, so it’s uncommon but significant.
