Dementia

Dementia

The loss of brain functions is like the loss of one’s family. Everything that was familiar and known is gone. The same consequences are experienced with Dementia.

Dementia Defined

Dementia describes the decline of thinking, remembering, reasoning and other mental processes. The loss of these skills affects the quality of life and the ability to perform everyday task. Dementia is a symptom of a number of disorders and is not a specific disorder.

Symptoms Of Dementia

Symptoms of Dementia vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. Symptoms include: memory loss, difficulty in problem solving, difficulty in performing everyday tasks, changes in personality, easily agitated, disorientation and difficulty communicating.

Diagnosing Dementia

Diagnosis of Dementia is based on reported and observed symptoms. A physical examination and blood work may be done to exclude or pinpoint any underlying conditions. A brain imaging test and a brain wave test may be requested to check for abnormalities in the brain structure and activity. Other neurological and intellectual test may also be given.

Causes Of Dementia

Dementia is caused by underlying conditions. Conditions may be temporary or permanent; thus, Dementia can be temporary or permanent. Temporary causes include: hormone imbalance, brain tumors, exposure to toxins, fluid buildup on the brain, brain injury, head trauma, infection, nutritional deficiencies and drug abuse and alcohol abuse. Permanent causes include: Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, brain damage, brain artery hardening, diseases in which brain cells die and diseases characterized by protein deposit buildup in the brain. If temporary causes are left untreated, they may develop into permanent causes.

Risk Factors Of Dementia

Anyone can develop Dementia. Some factors contribute to a higher risk of developing the condition. Factors such as: smoking, having high blood pressure, having high cholesterol, having diabetes and chronically abusing alcohol. Aging is the main factor in developing Dementia.

Treatment For Dementia

Treatment of Dementia is based on the underlying condition that is causing Dementia. If the underlying treatment cannot be cured, then the focus of treatment will be to slow down the progress of Dementia. Treatment could include: surgery and medications. Surgery may be done to repair head trauma or remove fluid buildup from the brain. Medications may be given to treat diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Prevention Of Dementia

There is no way to prevent Dementia. However, there are ways to reduce the risk of developing Dementia. Ways such as: keeping mental and physically active, eating healthy, not smoking, avoiding or limiting alcohol, not abusing drugs, lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and managing diabetes.

Prevention Of Dementia

There is no way to prevent Dementia. However, there are ways to reduce the risk of developing Dementia. Ways such as: keeping mental and physically active, eating healthy, not smoking, avoiding or limiting alcohol, not abusing drugs, lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and managing diabetes.