2. The Basics of Dementia
Definition: It is a loss of brain function that effects memory, thinking,
language, judgement, and behavior.
It is a degenerative (non-reversible) condition. This means that the
damage done to the brain cannot be treated or stopped.
Diseases that can lead to dimentia include: parkinson's disease,
multiple sclerosis, huntington's disease, and pick's disease
3. Causes of Dementia
-brain tumors
-changes in metabolism
-low vitamine B12
-Chronic alcohol abuse
-Use of certain medications (ex.
cimetadime and cholestoral
lowering medications)
4. Early symptoms of Dementia
• Language problems,
such as trouble finding
the name of familiar
objects
• Misplacing items
• Getting lost on familiar
routes
• Personality changes and
loss of social skills
• Losing interest in things
you previously enjoyed
• Difficulty performing
tasks that take some
thought, but that used to
come easily, such as
balancing a checkbook,
playing games and
learning new information
or routines
5. Late Symptoms of Demensia
• Forgetting details about
current events
• Forgetting events in your
own life history, losing
awareness of who you are
• Change in sleep patterns,
often waking up at night
• More difficulty reading or
writing
• Poor judgment and loss of
ability to recognize danger
• Using the wrong word, not
pronouncing words correctly,
speaking in confusing
sentences
• Withdrawing from social
contact
• Having hallucinations,
arguments, striking out, and
violent behavior
• Having delusions, depression,
agitation
• Difficulty doing basic tasks,
such as preparing meals,
choosing proper clothing, or
driving
6. Diagnosis of Dementia
Dementia can often be diagnosed with a history and physical exam by a skilled
doctor or nurse. A health care provider will take a history, do a physical exam
(including a neurological exam), and perform some tests of mental function.
The health care provider may order tests to help determine whether other problems could
be causing dementia or making it worse. These conditions include:
• Thyroid disease
• Vitamin deficiency
• Brain tumor
• Intoxication from medications
• Chronic infection
• Anemia
• Severe depression
7. Treatment of Dementia
The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms of
dementia. Treatment depends on the condition causing the
dementia. Some people may need to stay in the hospital
for a short time.
Certain drugs may be used to slow the rate at which symptoms
worsen. The benefit from these drugs is often small, and
patients and their families may not always notice much of a
change.
