DEMENTIA – Here are the things that you need about this mental condition including its definition, types, symptoms and treatment.
Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. Patients experience symptoms that interfere with their day-to-day activities. It is a result of several illnesses.
Most patients experience memory loss. It frequently occurs as one of the illness’s initial signs. However, memory loss by itself may not indicate this mental condition. Numerous factors can contribute to memory loss.
Causes
- Alzheimer’s Disease – The most common cause, accounting for 60-80% of cases.
- Vascular Dementia – Caused by conditions that block or reduce blood flow to the brain, such as strokes.
- Lewy Body Dementia – Associated with abnormal protein deposits in the brain.
- Frontotemporal Dementia – Involves degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
- Other Conditions – Including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Symptoms
- Memory Loss
- Struggling with finding the right words.
- Trouble with problem-solving or planning.
- About time and place.
- Including depression, anxiety, and personality changes.
- Difficulty with coordination and motor functions, such as balancing and walking.
Diagnosis
- Reviewing the patient’s health history and symptoms.
- Physical examination.
- Cognitive tests including assessing memory, problem-solving, attention, and language.
- Evaluate brain function.
- MRI or CT scans to look for changes in the brain.
Treatment
- Medications
- Cognitive stimulation, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
- Healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining social engagement.
- Counseling and support groups for patients and caregivers.
Risk Factors
- Age
- Family history
- Cardiovascular health
- Smoking, alcohol use, and lack of physical activity
- Traumatic brain injuries can increase the risk
Prevention
- Healthy Diet
- Physical activity can help maintain brain health
- Engaging in activities that challenge the brain
- Staying socially active
- Keeping conditions like hypertension and diabetes under control