Dementia

Neurological Disorders

What is dementia

Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior. Most types of dementia are non-reversible (degenerative). Non-reversible means the changes in the brain that are causing the dementia cannot be stopped or turned back. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. It is not a specific disease. People with dementia may not be able to think well enough to do normal activities, such as getting dressed or eating. They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions. Their personalities may change. They may become agitated or see things that are not there.

According to an estimate in 2010 there are more than 3.7 million Indians who are suffering from dementia. Dementia is one of the major causes of disability in late-life.

Causes

• Medical conditions that progressively attack brain cells and connections, most commonly seen in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or Huntington's disease.
• Medical conditions such as strokes that disrupt oxygen flow and rob the brain of vital nutrients. Additional strokes may be prevented by reducing high blood pressure, treating heart disease, and quitting smoking.
• Poor nutrition, dehydration, and certain substances, including drugs and alcohol. Treating conditions such as insulin resistance, metabolic disorders, and vitamin deficiencies may reduce or eliminate symptoms of dementia.
• Single trauma or repeated injuries to the brain. Depending on the location of the brain injury, cognitive skills and memory may be impaired.
• Infection or illness that affects the central nervous system, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and HIV. Some conditions are treatable, including liver or kidney disease, depression-induced pseudodementia, and operable brain tumors.

Symptoms

• Memory loss
• Impaired judgment
• Difficulties with abstract thinking
• Faulty reasoning
• Inappropriate behavior
• Loss of communication skills
• Disorientation to time and place
• Gait, motor, and balance problems
• Neglect of personal care and safety
• Hallucinations, paranoia, agitation

Coping up

• Take care of your physical health through exercise, adequate rest, and nutrition.
• Schedule regular medical check-ups with professionals who have expertise in dementia.
• If you feel depressed, seek mental health treatment with a professional who has experience in this area.
• Take your medication as prescribed and avoid making changes to your regimen without medical advice.
• Avoid using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
• Join a dementia support group where you can connect with others and learn more about the disease.
• If you are still working, seek potential work options such as a reassignment to a more manageable position or early retirement.
• Keep the lines of communication open with family and friends. Continue to share your feelings with them. Do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
• Organize your belongings in such a way that things are easy to find. Try to put things in the same place every time. Putting labels on drawers and doors can be another helpful way of keeping track of things.
• Continue participating in your favorite activities as long as you can, and as long as you still enjoy them. Think of ways to modify your activities to adapt to your changing conditioning.
• Perform difficult tasks at times of the day when you feel your best and allow yourself enough time to complete them. If a task becomes too difficult break into pieces.
• Keep a written schedule handy to keep track of appointments, tasks, and medication schedules. Also, make a list of important phone numbers as well as your personal information (where you live, your phone number, and emergency contacts) and keep it with you in case of emergencies.
• Write down, express, and work through your feelings.
• Plan for the future. Decide how you want things to be handled when your disease progresses to the point where you can no longer care for yourself. Make necessary legal and financial arrangements (for instance, appointing trusted person to handle your money and affairs when you can no longer do so).