The article reflects on the author's experience with her sister's dementia diagnosis at a young age, compounded by a previous brain tumor. Over the years, the author realized that dementia is irreversible and that mental engagement would not restore her sister's cognition. Now a pastoral care practitioner, she emphasizes the importance of understanding the different types of dementia and their unique characteristics, such as Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. This knowledge could have significantly informed her approach to her sister's care and expectations during their time together.
I wish I had known that dementia was not reversible. There might be some medicines which can ameliorate the symptoms, but overall, dementia is not currently reversible.
Dementia has different types, each with their features. Alzheimer's disease constitutes 60-80%, but types like Lewy body dementia have early symptoms such as visual hallucinations.
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