Dementia

Dementia is a set of symptoms that affect cognitive functions such as memory, thinking, verbal and social skills. There are many types of dementia, most of which are caused by neurodegenerative diseases.

Dementia - types, and symptoms

Dementias are not homogeneous and have different varieties, symptoms, and symptoms. Here are some types of dementia:

- Alzheimer's dementia is the most common form of dementia and is caused by the degeneration and death of brain cells. The characteristic symptoms of dementia, in this case, are: progressive memory loss, problems with thinking, disorientation in time and space, and difficulties in performing everyday activities.

- Vascular dementia: is caused by vascular disorders of the brain, such as: stroke or atherosclerosis of the cerebral arteries. The diagnosis of dementia, in this case, is based on symptoms, which may include: sudden memory lapses, memory loss, trouble concentrating, confusion, and difficulty speaking.

- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a type of dementia associated with damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It is characterized by personality changes, impulse control difficulties, emotional disturbances, decreased empathy, loss of initiative, and problems in planning and making decisions.

- ODementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a type of dementia associated with structures in the brain called Lewy bodies. Symptoms include fluctuations in attention, hallucinations, sleep disturbances, muscle stiffness, and memory loss.

Dementia diagnosis

Diagnosis of dementia includes:

Medical evaluation.
Patient and family history.
Neurological examination.
Neuropsychological testing.
Brain imaging (e.g., MRI).
Laboratory testing to rule out other possible causes.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

The most common form of dementia

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. It cannot be cured. The number of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease continues to grow, with approximately 33 million worldwide now affected. Patients suffer from memory loss, have problems with orientation, and can no longer function independently in everyday life. Many patients, especially in the early stages of dementia, also struggle with depression. This significantly reduces the quality of life of people affected by this disease and their relatives. The progressive loss of neurons causes the clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The result is a shrinkage of the brain, especially the cerebral cortex. As a result of neuronal atrophy, information transmission and processing points between the nerves are also degraded. These disorders are the cause of memory loss. According to current knowledge, the factor causing Alzheimer's disease is harmful protein molecules formed outside the nerve cells and impairing their work. One of these molecules, beta-amyloid, builds up in the brain of an Alzheimer's patient and gets deposited there. The so-called amyloid plaques are creating, resulting in a deterioration of blood circulation and, consequently, disturbances in the supply of oxygen and energy to the brain.

Treatment of dementia

Since dementia does not have only one course, treatment is selected individually.

Drug therapy: In some cases of dementia, your doctor may prescribe drug therapy to relieve symptoms and delay the progression of the disease. Examples of medications may include a cholinesterase inhibitor (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine) or memantine.
Neurostimulation of the brain with TPS transcranial impulse stimulation: many scientific reports show the improvement of brain efficiency and mood in Alzheimer's dementia. This method is described in detail here.
Occupational therapy, exercise therapy, speech therapy, or cognitive therapy can help maintain cognitive skills and improve functioning and daily activities.
Social and psychological support from family, carers, and support groups can play an essential role in the care of a person with dementia. This can help both the patient and caregivers cope with emotional and practical challenges.
Optimizing your lifestyle, introducing healthy habits such as physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and controlling risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes can benefit brain function and overall condition.

Dementia diagnosis and treatment available at Magwise