Dementia is a general term used in referring to a group of symptoms which includes loss of memory, loss of problem-solving ability, loss of ability to speak ones language, and problem with other thinking abilities which is sever enough to interfer with ones daily life.
Dementia is not a single disease, it an overall term like kidney or heart disease which covers a wide range of medical conditions.
Disorders grouped under the general term “dementia” are caused by abnormal brain changes. These changes trigger a decline in thinking skills and other cognitive abilities which is severe enough to impair ones daily life and independent function and also affect emotions, behavior and relationships.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of the cases of dementia.
Vascular dementia, which occurs as a result of microscopic bleeding and small vessel blockage in the brain is the second most common cause of dementia.
Mixed dementia occurs when an individual experiences the multiple brain changes seen in different types of dementia. It’s the overlap of two different types of dementia.
There are other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to that of dementia, including reversible conditions such as certain thyroid disease and vitamin deficiencies.
Dementia is often incorrectly refered to as “senility” or senile “dementia,” which refers to the normally widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is part of normal aging.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEMENTIA.
Symptoms of dementia vary greatly but in general, a person with dementia will experience some of these symptoms.
. Problem with short-term memory. Forgetting very recently acquired information.
. Problems with keeping track of belongings like wallet or purse.
. Problems with planning and preparing meals they were used to preparing.
. Problems with remembering appointments.
. Problems finding ones way back home or ones way to a place well known by the person.
Many of these conditions are progressive, which means that the signs of dementia start out slowly and gradually get worse. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory difficulties or other changes in thinking skills, don’t ignore them. See a doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause. Professional evaluation may detect a treatable condition. And even if symptoms suggest dementia, early diagnosis allows a person to get the maximum benefit from available treatments.
How does it happen.
Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells. This damage interferes with the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other. When brain cells cannot communicate normally, thinking, behavior and feelings can be affected.
The brain has many distinct regions, each of which is responsible for different functions (for example, memory, judgment and movement). When cells in a particular region are damaged, that region cannot carry out its functions normally.
Risk and predisposing factors.
Some risk factors for dementia cannot be modified, this includes age and genetics.
Research reported at 2019 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference suggests that adopting multiple healthy lifestyle choices, including healthy diet, not smoking, regular exercise and cognitive stimulation, may decrease the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
The following lifestyle choices will decrease your chances of developing dementia.
. Healthy diet
. Regular exercise
. Quit and avoid smoking
. Cognitive Stimulation
Diagnosis
There is no one test to determine if someone has dementia. Doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia based on a careful medical history, a physical examination, laboratory tests, and the characteristic changes in thinking, day-to-day function and behavior associated with each type. Doctors can determine that a person has dementia with a high level of certainty. But it’s harder to determine the exact type of dementia because the symptoms and brain changes of different dementias can overlap. In some cases, a doctor may diagnose “dementia” and not specify a type. If this occurs it may be necessary to see a specialist such as a neurologist or gero-psychologist.
Treatment and Care.
Treatment of dementia depends on its cause. In the case of most progressive dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease, there is no cure and no treatment that slows or stops its progression. But there are drug treatments that may temporarily improve symptoms.
Non-drug therapy can be used to alleviate symptoms of depression.
Ultimately, the path to effective new treatments for dementia is through increased research funding and increased participation in clinical studies.