Dementia is a general term for any condition that affects the brain, causing a loss of cognitive function. Dementia can cause problems with memory, thinking, language, judgment and behavior. Any changes in these functions should be evaluated because in some cases dementia can be reversible. This includes dementia caused by medications, brain tumors, low levels of certain electrolytes, chronic medical conditions or poor nutrition. For cases of dementia that cannot be reversed, receiving treatment early on may help to slow the progression of the disease.
Medication
Treating dementia in the early stages can help to improve quality of life and minimize disability, states the American Academy of Family Physicians. Alzheimer's disease, which is the leading cause of dementia, can be treated in the early stages with cholinesterase inhibitors. Cholinesterase is an enzyme that destroys substances called neurotransmitters, which carry nerve signals through the body. As neurotransmitters are destroyed, brain cells can become damaged as well, causing the symptoms of dementia. Cholinesterase inhibitors block the activity of this enzyme. This helps to preserve nerve impulse transmission and therefore brain function. These medications cannot reverse dementia so they need to be started as early as possible after symptoms appear. It is important for friends and family members to be on the lookout for any cognitive or behavioral changes that occur so treatment can be sought.
Brain Stimulation
The Alzheimer's Australia Association states that keeping the brain active may help to slow the progression of dementia because it can help to create synapses or connections between brain cells. While much more research is needed, anything that can be done to keep the brain active may help. This can include taking up a new hobby or game, taking classes, learning a new skill or taking a different path when walking. Exercise such as aerobics and dancing challenge the brain to remember movements. The National Institutes on Aging states that it may be the exercise in conjunction with the socialization that helps.
Cognitive Training
Challenging the brain to problem solve and remember details may also help. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2006 showed that specialized cognitive or booster training helped improve cognitive abilities and slow cognitive decline. Although the subjects were healthy, these results may show that training in the early stages of memory loss can be helpful. Participants went through a 10-week session to improve memory, the ability to concentrate, inductive reasoning and the ability to process information quickly. This was done through teaching strategies to help remember details and problem solve. Follow-up studies are needed to asses the benefits in those with more significant memory loss.
Environment Changes
According to the Alzheimer's Association, in the early stages, there may be days with few symptoms and days with many symptoms. Keeping a regular schedule of meals, activities and sleep can help to reduce confusion. Keep tasks simple and avoid confusing environments where there is a lot of stimulus. Family members and friends need to be patient and calm during emotional outbursts and help the dementia patient feel comfortable. Support groups and agencies that specialize in dementia and Alzheimer's disease can teach others how best to respond and support the patient.
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Early Diagnosis of Dementia
- Alzheimer's Australia: Think or Sink
- National Institutes on Aging: Exercise Associated With Reduced Risk of Dementia in Older Adults
- Journal of the American Medical Association:Long-Term Effects of Cognitive Training on Everyday Functional Outcomes in Older Adults
- Alzheimer's Association: Standard Treatments
