Dementia

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a condition of declining cognition abilities, especially memory. The person will have problems doing things he or she used to do be able to do, like balance the check book, drive a car safety, or plan a meal. He or she will often have problems finding the right words and may become confused when given too many things to do at once. The person with dementia may also show changes in personality, becoming aggressive, paranoid, or depressed.

 Isn’t dementia just old age or senility?

As we grow; it takes us longer to remember things or find the right words to say. But this is NOT dementia. Because of cognitive changes, dementia keeps us from doing the things we used to do adequately. Although dementia is more common in old age, it is not “normal” and should be evaluated. Aging alone does not interfere with our abilities to function.

 What causes Dementia?

There are many causes of Dementia, including strokes, low vitamin B 12 level, thyroid conditions, depression, AIDS, and other infections. Medication and some illness can cause confusion (delirium) in older people that may look like dementia.

 What is Alzheimer’s disease?

The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not yet known. What we know at this time is that certain cells in the brain stop working and eventually die. These cells produce important chemicals (acethycholine and others) needed for memory, language and other thinking functions. As the chemical decrease, so do the person’s abilities to remember and think clearly. Alzheimer’s disease usually sneaks up on the person and family. It gets worse slowly and silently over several years, before the changes are noticed. Overtime, it advances to a point where the person can no longer handle simple tasks like eating.

 What are the reasons for consulting a Neurologist?

There are important reasons to get an evaluation. There are now treatments available that can improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Likewise, there are other causes of dementia and confusion that maybe reversible once his or her medications are changes or medical illness is treated.

 What is expected from the Neurologist?

The neurologist would do a careful medical examination and take the patient’s medical history. He or she will then proceed to test memory, ask for brain scans, blood work-up and probably rule out other causes of dementia. He or she may refer you to the TMC NNC-WISE clinic for detailed cognitive testing.

 How can I convince my loved one to go to the doctor?

Often, your loved one already knows there is something wrong and maybe frightened. It would be helpful to focus on the available treatment options, and to remind your loved one that early detection will make them more effective.

 What else can I do as a caregiver?

The person with dementia needs your care. Caring for a dementia patient can be challenging. The caregiver needs to take care of his or her health needs as well. Caregivers are advised to take breaks from providing care and must forgive himself/herself for sometimes feeling angry and guilty. A support group can help the caregiver through WISE club provides support groups for family members and caregivers of patient with dementia.

What are the warning signs of dementia?

The warning signs of dementia are:

• Memory loss

• Difficulty in performing familiar tasks

• Inability to remember the right words

• Disorientation to time and place

• Poor or impaired judgment

• Misplacing things

•Changes in mood or behavior

• Difficulty in abstract thinking

• Changes in personality

• Loss of initiative

For any inquiries of if you want to seek consult, please call:

MOVEMENT DISORDERS CLINIC

Tel. nos. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6269
Direct line: (632) 633-2733

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP

Tel. No.: (632) 988-1000 or (632) 988-7000 ext. 6444

Reference:

www.americangeriatricsociety.com

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment.   If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.