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Dementia
Overview
Dementia is a broad term used to define symptoms that are affecting brain function. These symptoms worsen over time and can be chronic. The characteristics of dementia include the following:
1. Loss of memory.
2. Inability to plan.
3. Language change.
4. Inability to make judgments.
There are also physical changes during the diagnosis of dementia which include the following:
1. Inability to coordinate (physically).
2. Inability to control bladder function.
3. Weaker and stiffer muscles.
4. Inability to stand, sit or walk.
One may also experience changes in mood and behavior.
There are many different types of dementia and each of them has its different cause. Although all of the causes for each type of dementia are not discovered yet some of them include the following:
-Unusual protein accumulation in the brain.
-Reduction in blood supply to the brain.
-Disfucntioning of nerve cells in the brain.
Dementia cannot be cured completely but some treatments have been developed to relieve symptoms that can improve quality of life. This condition is not considered a contagious disease. When younger people develop dementia, it is called the young onset of dementia. It is not very common among the age group of 65 and younger. Therefore, when young adults develop its symptoms it is often undiagnosed and unnoticed. Living with dementia for young adults is often difficult because an adult may be involved in the following tasks:
-Busy working full time.
-Busy raising a family.
-Busy caring for seniors.
-Involved in keeping oneself fit and healthy.
-Dealing with financial liabilities.
The effect of dementia on each individual is different. One can remain active and engage in work life and personal life even after the diagnosis.
Consulting doctor or type of doctor involved with the treatment:
The primary point of contact for dementia is the Primary health care provider or general practitioner. Geriatricians, General psychiatrists, neurologists, and neuropsychologists are also involved.
Consulting Doctor
The primary point of contact for dementia is the Primary health care provider or general practitioner. Geriatricians, General psychiatrists, neurologists, and neuropsychologists are also involved.
Symptoms
There are two categories of symptoms of dementia, one is cognitive and another is psychological.
Cognitive symptoms include the following:
-Loss of memory which is usually noticed by someone else.
-Inability to communicate or search words.
-Loss of visual and spatial abilities.
-Loss of reasoning ability and inability to perform tasks.
-Inability to handle the complex task.
-Inability to plan and organize.
-Cannot perform coordination and motor function
-Staying confused and disoriented.
Psychological changes:
-Change in personality.
-Getting depressed,
-Getting anxious easily.
-Improper behavior.
-Getting paranoid.
-Getting agitated.
-Experiencing hallucinations.
Prevention
There is no certain way to prevent dementia but some steps can be taken that can help:
1. Keeping mind alert and active: Stimulating activities like reading, solving puzzles, reading, and playing word games can delay the onset of dementia and help with its symptoms.
2. Be physically and socially active: Physical and social interaction can reduce symptoms and delay the onset of dementia.
3. Quit smoking: Some studies show that there is a link between smoking and dementia that might worsen blood vessel conditions and health.
4. Intake of enough vitamins: Research shows that low level of vitamin D, one can develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin D is also available through sun exposure and supplements. An increase in the intake of Vitamin D can help with the prevention of dementia.
5. Manage cardiovascular disease risk factors: high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes should be treated. One should lose weight if overweight. High blood pressure can also cause dementia therefore, it should be treated.
6. Treat health conditions: Anxiety and mental stress should be treated.
7. Take good sleep: Good hygiene with good sleep is necessary. If snoring loudly or periods of stopping breathing momentarily are noticed, the doctor should be consulted.
8. Treatment of hearing problem: Those individuals who have hearing loss have a high chance of declining cognition. Early diagnosis and treatment or using a hearing aid can also decrease the risk.
The test required for the diagnosis of dementia:
1. Medical history and physical exam.
2. Mental status exam and cognitive testing: Montreal cognitive assessment, mini mental status exam, mini cognition, GPCOG.
3. A series of questions from friends and family include AD8, GPCOG, and Short Informant Questionnaire on cognitive decline in the elderly (IQCODE)
4. Laboratory test: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Vitamin B12, Rapid Plasma Reagin, and Human Immunodeficiency virus.
5. Brain Imaging: MRI, CT scan, PET scan, and SPECT scan.
Treatment
Medications: Some of the medications can help with the treatment of the disease.
2. Therapy: It is a non-drug approach to treatment. An occupational therapist should be consulted to keep your home safe for diseased individuals and help to cope with behaviors.
3. Clinical trials: Trials are used to test new treatments because interventions can help with the symptoms. One can get information from doctors regarding clinical trials.
4. Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes can help in the following ways:
-By reducing clutters
-Installation of the monitoring system.
-Keeping unsafe objects away.
-Exercising.
-Taking interest in activities.
-Keeping up with routine
-Keeping a calendar schedule.
-Planning ahead of time,
Tests Required for Diagnosis
1.Medical history and physical exam.
2. Mental status exam and cognitive testing: Montreal cognitive assessment, mini mental status exam, mini cognition, GPCOG.
3. A series of questions from friends and family include AD8, GPCOG, and Short Informant Questionnaire on cognitive decline in the elderly (IQCODE)
4. Laboratory test: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Vitamin B12, Rapid Plasma Reagin, and Human Immunodeficiency virus.
5. Brain Imaging: MRI, CT scan, PET scan, and SPECT scan.
Useful info
Alzheimerès disease is a common cause of dementia that is worsening, usually found in older adults.
-Some types of dementia are reversible!
References
Government of Canada (2022, April 11). Dementia: Overview. Canada.ca. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/dementia.html
2. Oborne, M. (2022, August 2). Visiting a Dementia Doctor to Evaluate Memory and Thinking Problems. Yourdementiatherapist. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/dementia.html
3. Oborne, M. (2022, December 10). Dementia. Mayoclinic.org. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013
