Dementia
Introduction/Overview
Dementia is a condition which applies to several diseases. The most well-known of these is Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia results in a loss of memory, language kills and judgment. Some forms of dementia can be treated successfully and some can not.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
The symptoms of dementia vary from person to person. There is always memory loss and an inability to remember how to perform normal tasks and activities. Those suffering from dementia become disorganized and lose reasoning skills. They may also have mood or personality changes and experience agitation, paranoia and hallucinations. It is important to visit a doctor for dementia tests as soon as symptoms appear.
Some diseases cause dementia and these can sometimes be treated successfully while other types, such as frontotemporal dementia, lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia are progressive. Talk to your doctor about your dementia symptoms and your medical history. Several tests will be needed in addition to a physical exam. These can include blood and urine samples, cognitive tests, a neurological evaluation and neuropsychological tests, brain scans, a CT, MRI, electroencephalogram, or a psychiatric evaluation.
Known Causes
Dementia can just occur out of the blue or it can be a symptom of another disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the result of deteriorating and dying brain cells. It usually occurs in people over age 65 but early onset dementia is also possible. Dementia with lewy bodies often has symptoms other than dementia, such as tremors and hallucinations. Vascular dementia may occur after a stroke or heart attack which causes damage to arteries connected to the brain. Huntington’s disease also causes dementia when cells in the brain and spinal cord start to degenerate.
Treatments/Procedures
While there is no cure for dementia, some types can be slowed with medications. Cholinesterase inhibitors are often prescribed. These, along with memantine, raise levels of chemical messengers which communicate between the brain and other parts of the body. Sometimes, the potential causes of dementia are treated, including those elements which cause heart attack and stroke, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
Prevention / Vaccination
Research has shown that staying mentally active is one way to prevent dementia. This includes completing puzzles, playing board games, reading, painting, and other similar activities. Likewise, taking classes or pursuing an education also helps keep brain cells from becoming abnormal as they do with dementia. Being socially active by going to movies or out to dinner regularly is also helpful, as is exercising, such as walking, running, swimming, etc. Control any risk factors or diseases you have, such as reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels and keeping your diabetes under control. High doses of B-complex vitamins have also been shown to slow the progression of dementia. Keep vaccinations current for the flu, pneumonia, tetanus, polio and diphtheria.
Prognosis / Management
Living with dementia means coming up with management techniques. For example, you should start writing things down to help you remember them. Keep a written calendar of appointments. Living with dementia means establishing daily rituals, such as certain times to watch TV, eat meals, or prepare for bed. The more organized you can become, the better your days will go. Avoid situations which can cause anxiety, like events with big crowds and ask for help with tasks you used to do alone, such as balancing the checkbook. Create a plan for the rest of your life. This might include a living will, taking a look at dementia care homes, and setting up a support network.
Alternative Treatments & Products
Many vitamins, minerals and herbs are said to help with the symptoms of dementia. Most of these have no scientific evidence to support their use. A few of the most popular products include vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, ginko, and huperzine A, which comes from Chinese club moss. It works in the same way as a cholinesterase inhibitor, so should not be taken with similar prescribed medications.