Let Us Take a Look at the Specifics of Dementia

Memory loss is fairly common among aging adults. However, you cannot assume all memory loss to be normal. Sometimes, memory loss can be associated with specific causes and even indicate a bigger problem on the lines of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Abnormal brain changes are what bring on dementia- one of the most common (widespread) cognitive disorders in the world. These changes lead to a decline in cognitive abilities that may interfere with one’s activities of daily living as days pass. Feelings, behaviors, and relationships also take a hit.

Dementia is common in the aging population, but isn’t a part of normal aging. It is estimated by the World Health Organization that around 55 million people across the globe are living with dementia with a whopping 10 million new cases every year. Not to mention dementia being the 7^th leading cause of death among the older population globally.

Here’s what you should know about dementia by Anthem Senior Homes:

Signs and Symptoms:

Dementia can be categorized into various forms, including Alzheimer’s disease. Signs and symptoms depend on the type.

Early Stage Dementia Symptoms: forgetfulness, loss of track of time, getting lost in familiar places.

Middle Stage: the signs become clearer in this stage, which may include forgetting recent events or names of people, getting confused while at home, trouble communicating, behavior changes, such as wandering and repeating questions/statements, requiring help with personal care.

Late Stage Dementia Symptoms: this is the stage of inactivity and complete dependence where the physical signs and symptoms become more prominent with severity in memory disturbances. Signs include not having idea about time and place, trouble recognizing familiar faces (friends and relatives), increased need for assistance, trouble walking, behavior changes on the lines of aggression.

Types of Dementia:

Alzheimer’s disease: this accounts for majority cases. The main cause is changes in the brain including abnormal accumulation of proteins called amyloid plaques and tau tangles. The most common sign is difficulty remembering recent events, for example a conversation that happened minutes or hours ago.

Vascular dementia: this is caused by conditions that impede oxygenated blood flow to the brain. The signs depend on area and size of the brain affected.

Lewy Body Dementia: an individual’s balance or movement gets affected with one having to deal with trembling or stiffness. One may also experience daytime sleepiness and visual hallucinations.

Fronto-Temporal Dementia: this form of dementia is associated with abnormal buildup of proteins tau and TDP-43. A change in behavior and personality is a major sign followed by trouble speaking or understanding.

Mixed Dementia: this mainly happens in those 80 years of age and older where the person may be dealing with more than one type of dementia in their brain at the same time, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Vascular dementia.

Can dementia be cured?

It must be noted here that there is no one particular test to diagnose dementia. Dementia is mainly diagnosed by doctors by carefully evaluating an individual’s medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests. There is currently no treatment in place to cure dementia. For specialized memory care and/or Anthem assisted living care, call Anthem Senior Homes on 623-300-1180.