Alzheimer's disease is NOT NORMAL AGEING.
If any of the following 10 warning signs* are experienced, it is advisable to see a doctor:
1. Memory loss affecting everyday functioning.
It is normal at any age to forget things, especially if we have many things on our minds. When we relax we usually remember what we forgot earlier. A general rule of thumb is - if you remember that you have forgotten something, you are probably OK. But when frequent forgetfulness or unexplained confusion interferes with your ability to get through the day, eg. unable to perform your normal daily routines or job, it could indicate that something is wrong.
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
It is easy to become distracted from routine tasks such as making a cup of tea and putting 3 spoons of sugar in instead of 1. But a person with AD may no longer remember the steps to be able to make a cup of tea in the first place, let alone how much sugar they like in it.
3. Problems with language.
If we can imagine our brain having a dictionary inside it that allows us to use and understand language, when AD sets in, it progressively "rips out" pages of that dictionary. Hence the person with AD no longer knows words, or they may make up words, or they may no longer understand words that they hear or read.
Tip - use the Abbey pain scale - on page 72.
The Abbey Pain Scale is used for people with dementia or who cannot verbalise.
http://www.racgp.org.au/your-practice/guidelines/silverbook/tools/abbey-pain-scale/
You can help your loved one by filling this out. It will give you a greater understanding of just 'what is going on'.
4. Disorientation of time and place.
A person with AD might be walking in the street where they have lived for many years, yet not know where they are, how they got there or how to get back.
5. Poor or decreased judgement.
All of us make mistakes in judgement from time to time eg. forgetting to take an umbrella in the rain. But a person with AD may wear several jumpers on a hot day, or put their underwear on over clothes and not realise that this is inappropriate.
6. Problems with abstract thinking.
Many of us may have difficulty balancing our cheque book. But even basic maths becomes impossible for people with AD.
7. Misplacing things.
A person with AD often puts things in inappropriate places and forgets where they are or how they got there. Family members and carers are then often accused of "stealing" by the person with AD.
8. Changes in mood or behaviour.
People with AD experience rapid and extreme mood swings and behaviour changes for no apparent reasons. Do be aware also that sometimes the change in mood and behaviour may be a sign of pain. With an illness or injuries like dementia, brain damage or a stroke, the person may only be able to alert you by changing their usual behaviour.
9. Changes in personality.
Our personality is usually relatively consistent throughout life. In a person with AD however, personality changes are often apparent. These changes may be sudden or gradual. A person who was always happy and easy going may become angry, suspicious and fearful.
10. Loss of initiative.
There is a continuing disinterest in normal hobbies and pursuits. All of us experience some of these symptoms from time to time, yet most of us will never develop Alzheimer's disease. It is when these symptoms continue unabated, progressively get worse and interfere with daily life that medical advice should be sought.
* Adapted from the Alzheimer's Association of America Web Page with thanks.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An Absolute Must Read. From one who Actually Has Dementia...
Time To Tell The Truth About Dementia….From Someone Living With Dementia By Norrms McNamara. Jan 22, 2018
Things YOU always wanted to know, or SHOULD know about dementia, but THEY were too AFRAID to TELL YOU, and I am sure many others were horrified around the world to learn that THIS information is not being given out, this is “MY ANSWER TO THEM”.
These are just 15 points of what you MAY come to expect after a diagnosis of dementia, WHY don’t they tell you this? and WHY has it taken so long to be told this? especially by a person who is LIVING with this disease ?? I have NO IDEA !!
------------------------------
Lancet Commission Claims a Third of Dementia Cases Are Preventable
http://www.alzforum.org/news/conference-coverage/lancet-commission-claims-third-dementia-cases-are-preventable
An expert project to review available evidence and recommend how best to manage and prevent dementia.
A third of dementia cases might be delayed or prevented. “It shows that the [dementia] condition has its roots throughout the life, which is true for other chronic conditions, such as vascular disease and even cancer,” says Eric Larson, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington.
Taken from the literature:
These emerged as modifiable risk factors for dementia. Added together, they accounted for 35 percent of cases, the authors concluded. That compares to only 7 percent of cases attributable to ApoE, the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset AD. The report stresses treating midlife hypertension as an immediately actionable priority for physicians and patients, and claims that controlling the other risk factors would help reduce the number of dementia cases.
Beyond prevention, the Lancet Commission devoted much of the report to recommendations for treatment and care of people who have dementia, and for their caregivers. Led by Livingston, Schneider, and Andrew Sommerlad at UCL, commission members constructed flow charts detailing approaches for managing psychosis, agitation, and depression that clinicians and caregivers may find useful. They offer guidance on dealing with sleep disorders and apathy, as well. In emphasizing the need to protect people with dementia from abuse, the report explains how it likely occurs and outlines approaches to counter it. The report recognizes the difficulties of managing people with end-stage dementia and recommends approaches for palliative care. It also discusses the value of technological advances for care management.
And read also http://www.alzforum.org/news/research-news/preventing-dementia-getting-closer-recommendations
------------------------------
Alzheimer’s researchers have proposed a radical change in the way the disease is defined, focusing on biological changes in the body rather than clinical symptoms such as memory loss and cognitive decline. The new research framework, released on Tuesday by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging, is meant to provide scientists with a common language for describing the disease in research studies based on measurable changes in the brain that set Alzheimer’s apart from other causes of dementia.
“Much of the general public views the terms dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as interchangeable, but they are not,” said Dr Clifford Jack of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, who helped craft the guidelines. The proposed changes follow guidance announced earlier this year by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency to encourage the testing of new Alzheimer’s medicines based on biomarkers, rather than on clinical symptoms.
The moves would allow companies to test drugs in people before symptoms appear, offering a better chance of intervening before the disease has destroyed too many brain cells. Under the proposed research framework, Alzheimer’s would be characterised by three factors: evidence of two abnormal proteins associated with Alzheimer’s – beta amyloid and tau – and evidence of neurodegeneration or nerve cell death, all of which can be seen through brain imaging or tests of cerebral spinal fluid. It also incorporates measures of severity using biomarkers and a grading system for cognitive impairment.
13 April 2018
-------------------------------
Queensland-Wide Telephone Support Group
27 Mar, 24 Apr, 29 May, 26 Jun, 31 Jul, 28 Aug, 25 Sep, 30 Oct, 27 Nov 2019
This group is hosted by Alzheimer’s Queensland last Wednesday of every month. The group is held from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Alzheimer’s Queensland organizes telephone link up at no cost to members. Carer Support Groups provide information and support for those caring for a friend or family member with dementia. Please ring 1800 639 331 or email [email protected] for more information, to register or to be placed/removed from the mailing list.
Gold Coast - 2nd April and 21st May
Family Carers Course
Our carer education programs are designed to help you and your family with practical strategies for managing day-to-day and to better understand your own needs and the needs of those for whom you care. You will learn practical strategies and have an opportunity to share common experiences.
Topics include:
Suitable for: Family and friends of a person diagnosed with dementia.
Bookings are essential. For more information, or to book, call the National Dementia Helplineon 1800 100 500.
9th May - Gold Coast
Considering Residential Care
In this program we discuss the issues and decisions around residential care as well as the barriers to making the decision. Information is provided about the types of residential care, the residential care system, including different types of care available as well as the key features of a good facility. Important legal issues are also outlined. The emotional issues regarding the placement of a loved one in residential care are also discussed.
Cost: Free (funded by the Australian Government)
Suitable for: Family carers at the point of considering the option of residential care for their loved one with dementia.
Bookings are essential. For more information, or to book, call the National Dementia Helplineon 1800 100 500.
Living with Memory Loss
Living with Memory Loss courses are run throughout the year and dates can be tailored to suit the needs of participants. Phone 1800 100 500
The Living with Memory Loss program is designed specifically for people in the early stages of dementia who want to share their experiences or feelings with others in the same situation. Participants are able to bring a carer, family member or friend with them if they like. The program provides accurate information about brain function and focuses on ways to help maintain a person's abilities as well as offering practical strategies for living with dementia.
There are also programs for people with younger onset dementia (diagnosis of dementia before the age of 65 years).
Cost: Free (funded by the Australian Government)
Suitable for: Participants must have a diagnosis of dementia or be accompanying a person with a diagnosis.
Content covered includes:
ATSA Independent Living Expo - 15 - 16 May - Brisbane
The ATSA Independent Living Expo will be back and bigger than ever in 2019, with two shows in Sydney (8-9 May) and Brisbane (15-16 May).
Brisbane: Wednesday 15 May – Thursday 16 May 2019.
Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane – 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills QLD 4006.
A key feature of the Expo is the FREE Conference Program – run in rooms conveniently located next to the exhibition floor.
Admission is free to therapists, the general public, end users & ATSA members.
To register, visit: www.atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au
Gold Coast 21st May
Family Carers Course
Our carer education programs are designed to help you and your family with practical strategies for managing day-to-day and to better understand your own needs and the needs of those for whom you care. You will learn practical strategies and have an opportunity to share common experiences.
Topics include:
Suitable for: Family and friends of a person diagnosed with dementia.
Bookings are essential. For more information, or to book, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
Gold Coast and 18th June
Family Carers Course
Our carer education programs are designed to help you and your family with practical strategies for managing day-to-day and to better understand your own needs and the needs of those for whom you care. You will learn practical strategies and have an opportunity to share common experiences.
Topics include:
Suitable for: Family and friends of a person diagnosed with dementia.
Bookings are essential. For more information, or to book, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
20th and 21st June
Living with Change
This special group program spans over two days and is designed to support and assist with the feelings experienced by carers, family members and friends of people with dementia.
Interactive group discussions include:
Suitable for: Carers, family members and friends of people with dementia
Bookings are essential. For more information, or to book, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
= - - = - = - = - = - = - = - =
In Depth: Brain
Much of the brain's physiological task involves receiving information from the rest of the body, interpreting that information, and then guiding the body's response to it. Types of input the brain interprets include odors, light, sounds, and pain. The brain also helps perform vital operations such as breathing, maintaining blood pressure, and releasing hormones (chemical signals that control certain cells and organs).
The brain is divided into sections.
These sections include:
Each of these parts is responsible for certain portions of the brain's overall job. The larger parts are, in turn, divided into smaller areas that handle smaller portions of the work. Different areas often share responsibility for the same task.
The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain. It is responsible for memory, speech, the senses, emotional response, and more. It is divided into several sections called lobes. These lobes are referred to as the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital; each handles a specific segment of the cerebrum's jobs.
The cerebellum is below and behind the cerebrum and is attached to the brain stem. It controls motor function, the body's ability to balance, and its ability to interpret information sent to the brain by the eyes, ears, and other sensory organs.
The functions the brain stem governs include respiration, blood pressure, some reflexes, and the changes that happen in the body during what is called the “fight or flight” response. The brain stem is also divided into several distinct sections: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The diencephalon is inside the cerebrum above the brain stem. Its tasks include sensory function, food intake control, and the body's sleep cycle. As with the other parts of the brain, it is divided into sections. These include the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.
The brain is protected from damage by several layers of defenses. Outermost are the bones of the skull. Beneath the skull are the meninges, a series of sturdy membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Inside the meninges, the brain is cushioned by fluid.
Still, the brain can suffer damage, become diseased, or malfunction. These problems may include cancer, physical injuries such as skull fractures, and ruptures of blood vessels that supply the brain.
Your Healthline Newsletters
Healthline's mission is to make the people of the world healthier through the power of information. Now you can get that information delivered straight to your inbox! Click here for the list and you can sign up for as many newsletters as you'd like.
Copyright © 2005 - 2015 Healthline Networks, Inc. All rights reserved for Healthline. Healthline is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.
With many heartfelt thanks for this source of information. This information is particularly relevant for those who are worried about a family member.
For family members it is particularly hard to face that 'something' is wrong/different with their loved one. This site can help give information that may alleviate some of that anxiety and possibly act as a guide when you next have that GP appointment. YOU do go in to the GP appointment with your loved one? Yes :-) It has been known (frequently) that some are in denial, while others 'just forget' to mention the difficulty they have having to recall even the simplest of things. This can particularly apply to driving. It is almost a 'right of passage' in a person's life, and to let go, or to even mention that they may be having difficulty concentrating, is just too awful to contemplate, and Definitely Not to tell the GP/other Health Professional.
ALZConnected® (https://www.alzconnected.org/), powered by the Alzheimer's Association®, is a free online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer's or another dementia, including:
talk to others who are themselves having difficulty... and Know what you are going through.
11 August 2018
If any of the following 10 warning signs* are experienced, it is advisable to see a doctor:
1. Memory loss affecting everyday functioning.
It is normal at any age to forget things, especially if we have many things on our minds. When we relax we usually remember what we forgot earlier. A general rule of thumb is - if you remember that you have forgotten something, you are probably OK. But when frequent forgetfulness or unexplained confusion interferes with your ability to get through the day, eg. unable to perform your normal daily routines or job, it could indicate that something is wrong.
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
It is easy to become distracted from routine tasks such as making a cup of tea and putting 3 spoons of sugar in instead of 1. But a person with AD may no longer remember the steps to be able to make a cup of tea in the first place, let alone how much sugar they like in it.
3. Problems with language.
If we can imagine our brain having a dictionary inside it that allows us to use and understand language, when AD sets in, it progressively "rips out" pages of that dictionary. Hence the person with AD no longer knows words, or they may make up words, or they may no longer understand words that they hear or read.
Tip - use the Abbey pain scale - on page 72.
The Abbey Pain Scale is used for people with dementia or who cannot verbalise.
http://www.racgp.org.au/your-practice/guidelines/silverbook/tools/abbey-pain-scale/
You can help your loved one by filling this out. It will give you a greater understanding of just 'what is going on'.
4. Disorientation of time and place.
A person with AD might be walking in the street where they have lived for many years, yet not know where they are, how they got there or how to get back.
5. Poor or decreased judgement.
All of us make mistakes in judgement from time to time eg. forgetting to take an umbrella in the rain. But a person with AD may wear several jumpers on a hot day, or put their underwear on over clothes and not realise that this is inappropriate.
6. Problems with abstract thinking.
Many of us may have difficulty balancing our cheque book. But even basic maths becomes impossible for people with AD.
7. Misplacing things.
A person with AD often puts things in inappropriate places and forgets where they are or how they got there. Family members and carers are then often accused of "stealing" by the person with AD.
8. Changes in mood or behaviour.
People with AD experience rapid and extreme mood swings and behaviour changes for no apparent reasons. Do be aware also that sometimes the change in mood and behaviour may be a sign of pain. With an illness or injuries like dementia, brain damage or a stroke, the person may only be able to alert you by changing their usual behaviour.
9. Changes in personality.
Our personality is usually relatively consistent throughout life. In a person with AD however, personality changes are often apparent. These changes may be sudden or gradual. A person who was always happy and easy going may become angry, suspicious and fearful.
10. Loss of initiative.
There is a continuing disinterest in normal hobbies and pursuits. All of us experience some of these symptoms from time to time, yet most of us will never develop Alzheimer's disease. It is when these symptoms continue unabated, progressively get worse and interfere with daily life that medical advice should be sought.
* Adapted from the Alzheimer's Association of America Web Page with thanks.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An Absolute Must Read. From one who Actually Has Dementia...
Time To Tell The Truth About Dementia….From Someone Living With Dementia By Norrms McNamara. Jan 22, 2018
Things YOU always wanted to know, or SHOULD know about dementia, but THEY were too AFRAID to TELL YOU, and I am sure many others were horrified around the world to learn that THIS information is not being given out, this is “MY ANSWER TO THEM”.
These are just 15 points of what you MAY come to expect after a diagnosis of dementia, WHY don’t they tell you this? and WHY has it taken so long to be told this? especially by a person who is LIVING with this disease ?? I have NO IDEA !!
------------------------------
Lancet Commission Claims a Third of Dementia Cases Are Preventable
http://www.alzforum.org/news/conference-coverage/lancet-commission-claims-third-dementia-cases-are-preventable
An expert project to review available evidence and recommend how best to manage and prevent dementia.
A third of dementia cases might be delayed or prevented. “It shows that the [dementia] condition has its roots throughout the life, which is true for other chronic conditions, such as vascular disease and even cancer,” says Eric Larson, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington.
Taken from the literature:
- poor childhood education;
- midlife hearing loss,
- hypertension,
- and obesity;
- and smoking,
- depression,
- physical inactivity,
- social isolation,
- and diabetes in late life
These emerged as modifiable risk factors for dementia. Added together, they accounted for 35 percent of cases, the authors concluded. That compares to only 7 percent of cases attributable to ApoE, the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset AD. The report stresses treating midlife hypertension as an immediately actionable priority for physicians and patients, and claims that controlling the other risk factors would help reduce the number of dementia cases.
Beyond prevention, the Lancet Commission devoted much of the report to recommendations for treatment and care of people who have dementia, and for their caregivers. Led by Livingston, Schneider, and Andrew Sommerlad at UCL, commission members constructed flow charts detailing approaches for managing psychosis, agitation, and depression that clinicians and caregivers may find useful. They offer guidance on dealing with sleep disorders and apathy, as well. In emphasizing the need to protect people with dementia from abuse, the report explains how it likely occurs and outlines approaches to counter it. The report recognizes the difficulties of managing people with end-stage dementia and recommends approaches for palliative care. It also discusses the value of technological advances for care management.
And read also http://www.alzforum.org/news/research-news/preventing-dementia-getting-closer-recommendations
- cognitive training
- Blood pressure control in midlife
- Exercise
------------------------------
Alzheimer’s researchers have proposed a radical change in the way the disease is defined, focusing on biological changes in the body rather than clinical symptoms such as memory loss and cognitive decline. The new research framework, released on Tuesday by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging, is meant to provide scientists with a common language for describing the disease in research studies based on measurable changes in the brain that set Alzheimer’s apart from other causes of dementia.
“Much of the general public views the terms dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as interchangeable, but they are not,” said Dr Clifford Jack of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, who helped craft the guidelines. The proposed changes follow guidance announced earlier this year by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency to encourage the testing of new Alzheimer’s medicines based on biomarkers, rather than on clinical symptoms.
The moves would allow companies to test drugs in people before symptoms appear, offering a better chance of intervening before the disease has destroyed too many brain cells. Under the proposed research framework, Alzheimer’s would be characterised by three factors: evidence of two abnormal proteins associated with Alzheimer’s – beta amyloid and tau – and evidence of neurodegeneration or nerve cell death, all of which can be seen through brain imaging or tests of cerebral spinal fluid. It also incorporates measures of severity using biomarkers and a grading system for cognitive impairment.
13 April 2018
-------------------------------
Queensland-Wide Telephone Support Group
27 Mar, 24 Apr, 29 May, 26 Jun, 31 Jul, 28 Aug, 25 Sep, 30 Oct, 27 Nov 2019
This group is hosted by Alzheimer’s Queensland last Wednesday of every month. The group is held from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Alzheimer’s Queensland organizes telephone link up at no cost to members. Carer Support Groups provide information and support for those caring for a friend or family member with dementia. Please ring 1800 639 331 or email [email protected] for more information, to register or to be placed/removed from the mailing list.
Gold Coast - 2nd April and 21st May
Family Carers Course
Our carer education programs are designed to help you and your family with practical strategies for managing day-to-day and to better understand your own needs and the needs of those for whom you care. You will learn practical strategies and have an opportunity to share common experiences.
Topics include:
- The nature of dementia
- Effective communication
- The impact of dementia
- Activities for living and pleasure
- Understand and respond to behaviours of concern
Suitable for: Family and friends of a person diagnosed with dementia.
Bookings are essential. For more information, or to book, call the National Dementia Helplineon 1800 100 500.
9th May - Gold Coast
Considering Residential Care
In this program we discuss the issues and decisions around residential care as well as the barriers to making the decision. Information is provided about the types of residential care, the residential care system, including different types of care available as well as the key features of a good facility. Important legal issues are also outlined. The emotional issues regarding the placement of a loved one in residential care are also discussed.
Cost: Free (funded by the Australian Government)
Suitable for: Family carers at the point of considering the option of residential care for their loved one with dementia.
Bookings are essential. For more information, or to book, call the National Dementia Helplineon 1800 100 500.
Living with Memory Loss
Living with Memory Loss courses are run throughout the year and dates can be tailored to suit the needs of participants. Phone 1800 100 500
The Living with Memory Loss program is designed specifically for people in the early stages of dementia who want to share their experiences or feelings with others in the same situation. Participants are able to bring a carer, family member or friend with them if they like. The program provides accurate information about brain function and focuses on ways to help maintain a person's abilities as well as offering practical strategies for living with dementia.
There are also programs for people with younger onset dementia (diagnosis of dementia before the age of 65 years).
Cost: Free (funded by the Australian Government)
Suitable for: Participants must have a diagnosis of dementia or be accompanying a person with a diagnosis.
Content covered includes:
- Symptoms and diagnosis
- Adapting to change
- Research and new drug treatments
- Practical strategies for everyday living
- Relationships with family and friends
- Looking after yourself
- Planning for the future
- Community services
- Where to from here?
ATSA Independent Living Expo - 15 - 16 May - Brisbane
The ATSA Independent Living Expo will be back and bigger than ever in 2019, with two shows in Sydney (8-9 May) and Brisbane (15-16 May).
Brisbane: Wednesday 15 May – Thursday 16 May 2019.
Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane – 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills QLD 4006.
- The 2019 ATSA Independent Living Expos will feature more than 100 exhibitors displaying a wide range of products and services in
- assistive technology,
- mobility solutions,
- pressure care,
- employment support,
- accessible recreation/holiday ideas,
- modified motor vehicles and more.
A key feature of the Expo is the FREE Conference Program – run in rooms conveniently located next to the exhibition floor.
Admission is free to therapists, the general public, end users & ATSA members.
To register, visit: www.atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au
Gold Coast 21st May
Family Carers Course
Our carer education programs are designed to help you and your family with practical strategies for managing day-to-day and to better understand your own needs and the needs of those for whom you care. You will learn practical strategies and have an opportunity to share common experiences.
Topics include:
- The nature of dementia
- Effective communication
- The impact of dementia
- Activities for living and pleasure
- Understand and respond to behaviours of concern
Suitable for: Family and friends of a person diagnosed with dementia.
Bookings are essential. For more information, or to book, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
Gold Coast and 18th June
Family Carers Course
Our carer education programs are designed to help you and your family with practical strategies for managing day-to-day and to better understand your own needs and the needs of those for whom you care. You will learn practical strategies and have an opportunity to share common experiences.
Topics include:
- The nature of dementia
- Effective communication
- The impact of dementia
- Activities for living and pleasure
- Understand and respond to behaviours of concern
Suitable for: Family and friends of a person diagnosed with dementia.
Bookings are essential. For more information, or to book, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
20th and 21st June
Living with Change
This special group program spans over two days and is designed to support and assist with the feelings experienced by carers, family members and friends of people with dementia.
Interactive group discussions include:
- What has been lost
- The importance of caring for the carer
- Coping mechanisms
- Celebrating the present and looking towards the future
Suitable for: Carers, family members and friends of people with dementia
Bookings are essential. For more information, or to book, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
= - - = - = - = - = - = - = - =
In Depth: Brain
Much of the brain's physiological task involves receiving information from the rest of the body, interpreting that information, and then guiding the body's response to it. Types of input the brain interprets include odors, light, sounds, and pain. The brain also helps perform vital operations such as breathing, maintaining blood pressure, and releasing hormones (chemical signals that control certain cells and organs).
The brain is divided into sections.
These sections include:
- the cerebrum,
- the cerebellum,
- the diencephalon,
- and the brainstem.
Each of these parts is responsible for certain portions of the brain's overall job. The larger parts are, in turn, divided into smaller areas that handle smaller portions of the work. Different areas often share responsibility for the same task.
The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain. It is responsible for memory, speech, the senses, emotional response, and more. It is divided into several sections called lobes. These lobes are referred to as the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital; each handles a specific segment of the cerebrum's jobs.
The cerebellum is below and behind the cerebrum and is attached to the brain stem. It controls motor function, the body's ability to balance, and its ability to interpret information sent to the brain by the eyes, ears, and other sensory organs.
The functions the brain stem governs include respiration, blood pressure, some reflexes, and the changes that happen in the body during what is called the “fight or flight” response. The brain stem is also divided into several distinct sections: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The diencephalon is inside the cerebrum above the brain stem. Its tasks include sensory function, food intake control, and the body's sleep cycle. As with the other parts of the brain, it is divided into sections. These include the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.
The brain is protected from damage by several layers of defenses. Outermost are the bones of the skull. Beneath the skull are the meninges, a series of sturdy membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Inside the meninges, the brain is cushioned by fluid.
Still, the brain can suffer damage, become diseased, or malfunction. These problems may include cancer, physical injuries such as skull fractures, and ruptures of blood vessels that supply the brain.
Your Healthline Newsletters
Healthline's mission is to make the people of the world healthier through the power of information. Now you can get that information delivered straight to your inbox! Click here for the list and you can sign up for as many newsletters as you'd like.
Copyright © 2005 - 2015 Healthline Networks, Inc. All rights reserved for Healthline. Healthline is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.
With many heartfelt thanks for this source of information. This information is particularly relevant for those who are worried about a family member.
For family members it is particularly hard to face that 'something' is wrong/different with their loved one. This site can help give information that may alleviate some of that anxiety and possibly act as a guide when you next have that GP appointment. YOU do go in to the GP appointment with your loved one? Yes :-) It has been known (frequently) that some are in denial, while others 'just forget' to mention the difficulty they have having to recall even the simplest of things. This can particularly apply to driving. It is almost a 'right of passage' in a person's life, and to let go, or to even mention that they may be having difficulty concentrating, is just too awful to contemplate, and Definitely Not to tell the GP/other Health Professional.
ALZConnected® (https://www.alzconnected.org/), powered by the Alzheimer's Association®, is a free online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer's or another dementia, including:
- People with the disease.
- Caregivers.
- Family members.
- Friends.
- Individuals who have lost someone to Alzheimer's.
talk to others who are themselves having difficulty... and Know what you are going through.
11 August 2018