2. Introduction of Dementia
Dementia is a broad term which describes symptoms affecting memory, thinking ability that creates
hindrance in performing daily activities. Two important brain functions are badly hit namely- memory
and judgment. A person suffering from dementia is incapable to perform activities like paying bills or
becoming lost while driving.
3. Causes of Dementia
When an individual suffers from dementia, his/her nerve cells in the brain get damaged.
Dementia affects people differently depending upon the affected area in the brain. Dementia can
be grouped in two categories-
(i) which cannot be reversed and deteriorate overtime and
(ii) which can be reversed when treated timely
4. Most common signs of dementia include:
Memory Loss
Difficulty in communication or searching words
Unable to complete tasks
Inability to do planning and organizing
Getting lost or issues with disorientation
Behavioural changes
Hallucinations
Inability to reason
Types of dementias that are irreversible
Alzheimer's disease
Vascular dementia
Lewy body dementia
Frontotemporal dementia
Conditions linked to dementia which can be overturned in time
Symptoms of Dementia
5. Examination and diagnosis
Dementia and other related conditions have multiple causes and treating them can be a daunting
task for your medical practitioner. You may require several sittings with the doctor. Your doctor will
go through your medical history and conduct regular physical examination. He/she may perform a
number of tests in order to diagnose dementia and rule out other health conditions.
Thinking and neuropsychological tests
In these tests, doctor will assess your thinking function. These tests are necessary to measure skills
like memory, attention, judgment, reasoning and more. On the basis of these tests neurologists get
to know the magnitude of dementia and which part of brain it has affected.
Neurological assessment
In this test, doctors will gauge your senses, movements, reflexes, flexibility etc. It helps in knowing
whether conditions, other than dementia, prevail or not.
Lab Tests
General blood tests can rule out the possibility of any physical problem that can affect brain
functionality.
Psychiatric assessment
Your doctor may refer to a psychologist in order to determine whetherdepression or any other
psychological condition may be causing your symptoms.
6. Treatments of Dementia
Simple home remedies to deal with dementia
•Enhance communication
•Encourage exercise
•Active participation in various games and thinking activities
•Encourage keeping a calendar
•Planning for the future
7. Treatments of Dementia
Simple home remedies to deal with dementia
•Enhance communication
•Encourage exercise
•Active participation in various games and thinking activities
•Encourage keeping a calendar
•Planning for the future
