Overview of Dementia
Dementia is not classified as a disease rather, it refers to a general term that points to the impaired ability of a person. This impairment affects memory, communication, and attention. There is a stigma surrounding dementia which most often than not, is assumed that affects older people. Although most cases show older people experiencing signs of dementia, it is not part of the normal aging process.
One of the most common causes of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. There are still other causes and risks of diseases that eventually lead to dementia mostly among people aged 65 years old and older.
Signs and Symptoms of Dementia
It is earlier established that dementia is a general term which means that some of these signs and symptoms may differ from one person to the other. However, these are some of the most common symptoms of dementia.
Cognitive Loss and Changes
· Loss of memory
· Difficulty in expressing and communicating through words
· Difficulty in recognizing locations and places
· Difficulty in critical thinking or problem solving
· Difficulty in accomplishing everyday habits
· Difficulty in body coordination and motor skills
· Constant mind confusion
Psychological Fluctuations
· Impulsive decisions
· Personality change
· Always anxious
· Experiences depression
· Hallucinating and experiencing paranoia
· Unminding feelings of other people
Causes of Dementia
In terms of the causes and risks that may point to the early onset of dementia, these also vary from one person to another. The underlying causes of dementia are not yet fully established, hence these causes are aptly referred to as risks factors’.
· Age (people over the age of 65 years old)
· History of dementia in the family
· Poor and unstable health conditions
· Traumatic and severe head and brain injuries
Diagnosis of Dementia
Doctors diagnose patients that show early signs and symptoms of dementia through various medical tests and procedures. For once, doctors conduct assessment tests that focus on the patient’s memory skills, attention, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities.
More than this, healthcare professionals will undergo patients’ brain scans, genetic and blood tests, and psychological tests and evaluations. All of these diagnoses will help doctors draw out conclusions about the patient’s condition. These tests are vital as they can provide early treatment and intervention to the patient.
Common Types of Dementia
One of the most common types or causes of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Noticeable signs of this disease are memory loss, difficulty in using motor skills, and difficulty recognizing visual and spatial locations and places. Research has shown that 60 to 80 percent of patients experience Alzheimer‘s disease.
Another type of dementia is mixed dementia. This type of dementia commonly overlaps with the early signs and symptoms of dementia. For example, a patient may be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular disease. Mixed dementia poses more risks and changes in the patient’s brain.
Treatment of Dementia
Recent advancements in the treatment of dementia provide certain medications to patients. These medications help stabilize and manage the brain’s neurological conditions. For now, there is no immediate solution or treatment for dementia. Doctors suggest that people start to live a healthier lifestyle and be more active in their everyday routine. Ongoing research and studies are being done to arrive at treatments that will cure dementia.
However there is immediate treatment for dementia; Wisdom Senior Care, senior home care brand made up their mind to help people that are suffering from this issue. Your help small or great are welcome.