1. Aging and Dementia
Dementia slowly affects one's mental function. With dementia, the memory, thinking, judgment and learning ability eventually declines with age. Aging is the most common reason people get dementia, however, it isn't the only reason. Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, Parkinson's disease and drug or alcohol abuse can also cause dementia. Most dementia patients are older than 65.
2. Development of Dimensia
Those with dementia show a deterioration period between two and ten years. It may develop slowly and the loss of memory may be the first sign. Those suffering from dementia will sometimes begin to withdraw from society and eventually not be able to do simple tasks, such as carry on a conversation, balance a checkbook or remember to turn off the stove. Dementia patients usually require constant care in the latter part of the disease.
3. Diagnose Dementia
As a doctor tries to diagnose dementia, he will ask the patient a series of questions and ask her to complete some simple tasks, such as copying a shape, writing a complete sentence or naming objects. The patient's age and family history also play important roles in diagnosis. The doctor will perform a series of neurological tests to make sure there isn't an underlying cause for the dementia, such as alcoholism, previous stroke, malnutrition or another psychiatric disorder. There are other conditions, such as Lewy body dementia, which changes the brain's tissue, causing dementia. Vascular dementia is also another disease in which strokes destroy the brain tissue.
4. Treat Dementia
There isn't a specific treatment for dementia, however, treatment for conditions that worsen dementia are available. Antidepressants and counseling may help. Avoiding alcohol may also help with the symptoms of dementia. The patient's health care provider may prescribe medications to help alleviate other physical symptoms to make the patient more comfortable and at ease. If the patient has dementia caused by another condition, the health care provider may determine specific treatment.
5. Dementia Support for Loved Ones
Be supportive and create a comfortable environment if someone you love has dementia. Make sure you get him into a routine and structure his life to help keep him oriented. Maintain a low-stress routine that allows him to feel some independence. Physical activity and hobbies may help focus attention and keep him from acting out. Since dementia progresses slowly, planning for the future is a good idea. Stay in contact with his doctor and make decisions about who will care for him and his affairs as the dementia progresses.
