Editorial Team
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : October 8, 2014 10:42 AM IST
A new app has been designed for Facebook users to raise greater awareness about the disease. The FaceDementia app created by Alzheimer''s Research UK takes charge of personal Facebook pages and temporarily erases important memories to give a feel of how dementia affects the brain, the BBC reported.
The app allows users to watch their personal photos, important details and status updates disappear before their eyes, followed by short videos featuring people affected by dementia explaining what impact the symptoms simulated by FaceDementia had on them or their relatives. (Read: What are the early symptoms of dementia?)
Rebecca Wood, chief executive of Alzheimer''s Research UK, said that the stigma around dementia is due in part to a lack of public awareness and understanding, which makes the app invaluable in helping people better understand the condition. (Read: A healthy diet today could prevent dementia in the future!)
What is dementia?
Dementia refers to a group of degenerative mental diseases in which there is a serious loss of cognitive function which goes beyond normal ageing. Symptoms include confusion, mood swings, long-term memory loss and a gradual loss of bodily functions. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. It is caused due to plaque deposition in the brain's neurons which affects its functioning and causes it to die. Why this happens is still not clear though research suggests it's linked to genetic susceptibility and mental age.(Read: Dementia causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention)
With inputs from ANI
For more articles on dementia, visit our dementia section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.
