Aims:

The Malta Dementia Society promotes the best methods of care, education, and treatment for individuals living with dementia and related disorders throughout the Maltese Islands and elsewhere. This is achieved by providing literature to disseminate knowledge about dementia to patients, carers, and the public in general. The society organises courses, lectures and conferences in the various areas relating to dementia. The society encourages the training of personnel who provide services for individuals living with dementia, attendance at conferences and research. Through its work, the society helps establish good relations with the general public and other providers of services to individuals with dementia and influences policy making. The Society also organises outings and get-togethers for individuals with dementia and their carers, whether family carers or professional ones. The Society set up ‘Reaching Hands’ to support all relatives and carers of individuals living with dementia and also for those individuals themselves. It is a Support group specifically designed to help relatives through their troubles.

What is Dementia:

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of brain diseases which result in the progressive impairment of brain function. Symptoms may include loss of memory, confusion, language difficulties, difficulties performing routine tasks and personality or mood changes. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and accounts for 60% of cases. The disease progressively destroys nerve cells disrupting the transmitters that carry messages in the brain. Vascular Dementia and Lewy Body Disease are two other common causes accounting for some 15-20% each. There is currently no cure for dementia. As the disease progresses, those affected are unable to care for themselves and will require assistance in activities of daily life. Drug treatments are now available to treat some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Much can be done to help the individual with dementia to enjoy and get the most of their life. Carers and relatives of individuals with dementia need to be well informed about the condition and helped to learn new skills to be able to succeed in their important mission.