Understanding Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide
As our population ages, understanding Dementia becomes increasingly important for individuals, families, and communities. In this comprehensive guide, we will dig into the various aspects of Dementia, including its definition, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
what is dementia?
Dementia is the umbrella term for a range of progressive conditions that generate the loss of cognitive functioning - thinking, remembering and reasoning.
The impact is so high that interferes with the person’s daily life and activities. It affects memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks.
common TYPES OF DEMENTIA
Various existing health disorders and factors contribute to the development of this condition. As mentioned, Dementia is the word that links different medical conditions. The most common forms of Dementia are the following:
Alzheimer’s disease - the most common cause of Dementia, accounting for approximately 60-70% of cases.
Lewy body Dementia
Vascular Dementia
Frontotemporal Dementia
Mixed Dementia
To find out more information about each type of Dementia mentioned above, please read The most common 5 types of Dementia.
CAUSES OF DEMENTIA
The exact cause of Dementia depends on the type of Dementia. Alzheimer's disease is characterised by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, while Vascular Dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain due to conditions such as stroke or small vessel disease.
Other factors that may contribute to Dementia risk include genetics, age, lifestyle factors and medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
Dementia affects each person differently, depending upon the underlying causes or other possible health conditions. The symptoms of Dementia vary depending on the type and stage of the condition.
Signs and symptoms of Dementia appear once healthy neurons or brain cells stop working and lose connection with other brain cells and die. Everyone loses some neurons as they age, but for People with Dementia, the loss is much higher.
There are various symptoms of Dementia which may include:
Memory loss, poor judgement and confusion
Difficulty speaking, understanding and expressing thoughts, or reading and writing
Wandering and getting lost in familiar places
Hallucinating or experiencing delusions or paranoia
Repeating questions and acting impulsively
Taking longer to complete the usual daily activities
Losing balance and other movement issues
People who already have intellectual and developmental disabilities can also develop Dementia as they age. Recognizing their symptoms can be particularly difficult so it is important to closely monitor for changes over time that could signal Dementia.
How is Dementia diagnosed?
Diagnosing Dementia involves a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, medical history, physical examination and cognitive tests. Brain imaging scans such as MRI or CT scans may also be used to rule out other conditions and assess brain structure and function. Early diagnosis is crucial as it allows for timely intervention and treatment to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
To diagnose Dementia, doctors first assess whether a person has an underlying condition that may relate to cognitive difficulties and that may be treatable. They also run several tests to measure blood pressure and other vital signs and laboratory tests to check various levels of chemicals, hormones and vitamins.
The medical history of that person and their family is also a key detail in the diagnosis process. The doctors need to know if Dementia runs in the family, how and when the symptoms began, sudden changes in behaviour and personality or if that person takes any medications that might cause or worsen the symptoms.
Here are the most common procedures used to diagnose Dementia:
Cognitive and neurological tests - these tests include assessments of memory, problem-solving, language skills, and math skills, as well as balance, sensory response and reflexes.
Brain scans - the role of these tests is to identify changes in the brain's structure and function, including strokes, tumours or other problems that can cause Dementia.
Psychiatric evaluation - this assessment helps determine if the symptoms are caused or worsened by depression or other mental health conditions.
Genetic tests - because some types of Dementia can be caused by a person’s genes, these tests can help people know if they are at risk of developing Dementia.
Blood tests - it is known that beta-amyloid is a protein that accumulates abnormally in People with Alzheimer’s, so it is important for doctors to run these tests and measure its levels.
Early detection of symptoms is important, as some causes can be treated or their development can be delayed with medication. However, in many cases, the cause of Dementia is unknown and cannot be treated. Still, obtaining an early diagnosis can help with managing the condition and planning ahead.
Visiting the GP should be the first step for people who are experiencing memory loss, difficulty in thinking or behavioural changes. The GP is the right person to help find a specialist, such as a neurologist, neuropsychologist or geriatrician.
treatment options for dementia
While there is currently no cure for Dementia, there are treatments available to help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Various medications may be prescribed to improve cognitive function and manage behavioural symptoms. Non-pharmacological interventions such as cognitive stimulation therapy, reminiscence therapy and music therapy can also be beneficial in improving mood and overall well-being.
Caring for someone with dementia
Caring for a loved one with Dementia can be challenging, but there are many resources and support services available to help families navigate the journey. These may include support groups, respite care services, in-home care and memory care facilities. It's essential for Carers to prioritise self-care and seek help when needed to prevent burnout and maintain their health and well-being.
In conclusion, Dementia is a complex condition that requires a multifaceted approach to diagnosis, treatment and care. By understanding the causes, symptoms and available support services, individuals and families can better navigate the challenges of Dementia and improve the quality of life for those affected by the condition.
The ‘ADS’ Advisors are well-trained professionals who can offer you guidance and support in this journey. Our Charity also offers many Services specially designed for People with Dementia and their Carers. We are here for you, so don’t hesitate to contact us if needed.
For more information about the ‘ADS’ Services, please check the Services Directory.