Introduction
Prepared by a layman, a list of terms associated with dementia which will be built up in the coming months. Suggestions for terms to be included, comment and corrections will be welcomed.
assessment A series of tests for a person with memory problems which may result in a need for a specialists diagnosis to confirm either a dementia or some other illness.
assistive technology A functional device or system based on one or more technologies which may be used to support a person living with dementia.
dementia One of several similar but different progressive illnesses of the brain which result in symptoms of varying degrees.
diagnosis A specialist's investigation to determine whether a person has one or more dementias and, if so, what.
shadowing The way in which some with dementia continously follow their carer or a member of their family, perhaps throughout the day.
signage Dementia friendly perceptual and directional aids such as pictures, signs and other decorative features used in rooms, corridors, doorays, and other features of homes, hospital wards, town centres, public buildings and care accommodation.
symptoms Behaviour in varying degrees and incidence which is typical but not exclusive of a person with a dementia, including memory loss, confusion, difficulty in dealing with everyday practicalities, misperceptions, shadowing* and wandering*.
wandering The way in which some with dementia will leave their relatively safe and secure home or care accommodation, often repeatedly and go into the local community or beyond.
