Dementia Research Paper

Context
DEMENTIA DESCRIPTION (100 words)
Dementia is a term describing multiple chronic conditions relating to the degeneration of brain function such as language, memory, perception, personality and cognitive skills (------). Approximately 80% of dementia is alzheimer's disease (------). Around 10 percent of people will develop some kind of dementia in their lives (-----). The causes of dementia are not well known (------), however, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes are considered risk factors (------). The severity of dementia varies widely depending on many factors but is considered to be irreversible and progressive in nature
(------).
STATISTICS ON CARING (200 words)
In Australia dementia is the leading cause of disability

Caring for a person suffering dementia often comes with a myriad of deleterious effects on mental health including, but not limited to stress and depression at higher levels than non-carers, decreased social activity, disruption of sleep, poor physical health, decreased social activities and feelings of guilt, sadness, stigma, frustration, anger, anxiety, helplessness and isolation (------). Furthermore, these challenges are compounded with with the grief that accompanies watching a loved one progress into cognitive decline leaving them distant and estranged, and eventually dying

Some members have a need to socialize because their relationships outside the group are unsatisfactory or nonexistent. For example, Toseland, Decker, and Bliesner (1979) have shown that group work can be effective in meeting the needs of socially isolated older persons. Toseland This is crucial considering carers have indicated on surveys that the stress associated with reduced social activities is greater that the stress incurred through financial hardship (------). Support groups give members the opportunity to meet people going through similar situations which can alleviate feelings of stigma and guilt and help them know that they're not alone in those feelings. Also, the sharing of information and stories provides opportunities for members to alleviate their anxieties about the future, being able to meet people caring for patients at different stages of the disease. While research findings on the effectiveness of group work are limited in scope and volume (see Rose and Feldman 1987; Tindale et al. 1998; Corey 2000), group evaluations show dementia carers participating in informal support groups indicate a high level of satisfaction on average