Dementia Awareness Week is running until the 20th May 2017. The Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading Dementia support and research charity and they are asking everyone across the UK to unite against Dementia. Statistics confirm that dementia is set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer.
What causes Dementia?
Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of Dementia, but not the only one.
What are the symptoms of Dementia?
A person suffering with this condition will often experience the following cognitive symptoms:
– Difficulty recalling events that happened recently
– Difficulties making decisions, solving problems or carrying out a sequence of tasks (such as cooking a meal)
– Difficulties for following a conversation or finding the right word for something
– Problems judging distances (such as on stairs) and seeing objects in three dimensions
– Losing track of the day or date, or becoming confused about where they are.
How is Dementia diagnosed?
This condition will usually be diagnosed by a specialist doctor such as:
- a psychiatrist – a mental health specialist
- a geriatrician – a doctor specialising in the physical health of older people
- a neurologist – someone who concentrates on diseases of the nervous system.
Occasionally a GP or specialist nurse will make the diagnosis, depending on their expertise and training.
Is it covered under a Private Medical Insurance policy?
Private Medical Insurance policies do not cover chronic conditions and even though Dementia is a debilitating condition, as there is currently no cure for Dementia, Private Medical Insurers would deem this condition to be chronic and would only look to cover tests/consultations up until the point of diagnosis. This is subject to policy underwriting and the insurer’s specific terms and conditions regarding this.
If you, or someone you know needs help, guidance and advice about Dementia, visit the Alzheimer’s Society’s website linked below, where they provide useful information and support.
Information soured: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
If you would like to know more about Private Medical Insurance and what benefits are available, then our experienced team will be more than happy to help you. You can contact us on 01245 929129 or email enquires@smphealthcare.com