Dementia

What is Dementia?

The term ‘Dementia’ is a collective term used to describe a set of symptoms that target a person’s ability to think. It is a mental disease that leads to memory loss and can severely affect a person’s life. The disease limits one’s social communication and interaction.


Types of Dementia:



  • Alzheimer’s: It is the most common type of Dementia and is majorly seen in aged people. Alzheimer’s may or may not be reversible depending upon its type.

  • Vascular Dementia: It occurs after a person has suffered a stroke.

  • Parkinson’s: Patients of Parkinson’s can also develop dementia as a symptom.

  • Lewy Bodies Dementia: It is a disease caused by the formation of certain unusual structures inside the brain.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dementia include:

  • Loss of memory
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Mood Swings
  • Sudden changes in one’s personality
  • Disturbed sleeping patterns
  • Problems in communication
  • Difficulty in completing familiar tasks
  • Forgetting directionsMisplacing objects

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Causes

The following are the causes of Dementia:

  • Damaged brain cells.
  • Lack of Vitamins
  • Injury to the head
  • Huntington's disease
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Thyroid disease

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Risks

The following factors increase the risk of Dementia in people:

  • Down syndrome- Patients of Down syndrome are prone to early Alzheimer’s.
  • Genetics- The disease might be running in the family lines and could be passed on to the next generations.
  • Stress- Excessive stress and depression pose as common risks.
  • Death- Extreme cases of dementia may even lead to death.

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Prevention

Dementia can be prevented by:

  • Following a balanced healthy diet
  • Keeping the cholesterol levels under control
  • Quitting smoking and alcohol
  • Exercising regularly   

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How is it diagnosed?

Dementia is diagnosed by conducting tests that involve mind related tasks like memorizing, recollecting, interacting, communicating etc. The doctor examines the physical state as well as the medica...

How is it treated?

Brain cells once dead cannot be revived. However, in order to reverse the effects of dementia, doctors follow the process of treatment through medication. Cholinesterase inhibitors are the class of drugs used by doctors for the treatment.

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  • Treatment through medication

    Medicines like cholesterol inhibitors are often used by the doctors to treat the patients of Dementia.

     

  • Changing the environment of the patient

    Ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for the patient can help in controlling the extent of the disease.

     

  • Occupational therapy

    The therapy helps to make the home of the patients a safer and better place to live. This helps in preventing accidents and prepares the patient for the side effects of the disease.

When do I contact the doctor?

One should consult the doctor as soon as they start noticing signs and symptoms of dementia in the patient. Any unusual signs of forgetfulness, memory losses, confusion and excessive anxiety should be discussed with a doctor.

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How does Medanta Provide care?

Medanta Institute of Neurosciences ensures expert care and the best treatment facilities for people who are diagnosed with dementia. The Institute has a dedicated team of doctors supported by the latest technology which aims to provide comprehensi..

Consult with experienced doctors

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Get treated in specialised institutes and departments

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