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What is Dementia? and What can I do about it?

What is Dementia? Causes, Symptoms & Management Methods

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a set of specific and general symptoms which include a progressive mental decline of cognitive functioning that impacts a person\’s normal daily activities.It is not classified as a disease, per se,but rather as a syndrome which includes characteristic signs and symptoms. These signs also include actual physical deterioration of the brain which leads to the cognitive deterioration, as well as reduced physical mobility.

There are many different types of dementia for which they mostly fall under two categories: primary dementia and secondary dementia. Primary dementia does not result from any other disease. Secondary dementia is caused by another disease or illness which also leads to dementia like symptoms.The two most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer\’s Disease (AD) with 60-percent of all dementia cases, and Vascular Dementia which accounts for 20-percent.

Causes of Dementia

There are many different causes of dementia, which often result because of external or internal damage or changes to the brain.The most common causes of dementia include:

>> Diseases such as Alzheimer\’s disease, Parkinson\’s disease, and strokes.

>> Diseases that affect blood flow and circulation (vascular disease)

>> Excessive consumption of drugs and alcohol

>> Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency

>> Infections such as AIDS, or Creutzfeld Jacob\’s disease

>> Infections to other organs

>> Head injuries and trauma

>> Thyroid problems, hypoglycemia.

>> Bleeding on the brain, or fluid accumulation on the brain

>> Poisoning

>> Inadequate supply of oxygen to the brain

>> High cholesterol and atherosclerosis (clogged arteries)

Symptoms of Dementia

Recognition of symptoms early on can lead to better management of dementia and improve the general quality of life for the patient.Some of the most common signs and symptoms of dementia are:

>> Memory loss and memory confusion

>> Feeling of disorientation

>> Reduced ability to communicate

>> Inability to think in specific terms

>> Confusion or inability to perform familiar tasks

>> Mood and behavioral changes

>> Confusion over the location of personal items and familiar places

>> Decrease in personal initiative

>> Personality changes.

Management of Dementia

Unfortunately, there is no cure for primary dementia and Alzheimer\’s disease which can only be managed with palliative care which brings some relief of symptoms. Management for dementia falls under three main categories: pharmacotherapy, nonpharmacological therapy, and improved caregiver services.

Pharmacotherapy:

Treatment for dementia with the use of drugs and medication is aimed at three categories of symptoms,to improve brain functioning and cognition, to treat behavioral symptoms, and for pain management.Although dementia is not reversible, doctors will look at whether or not the decline in mental functioning is the result of other conditions which are treatable. This could include conditions such as: deficiency in vitamin B and folic acid, decreased supply of oxygen, thyroid problems, infections, anemia,depression and heart conditions.

When these conditions are not present, and the onset of symptoms is due to primary dementia,the doctor may prescribed medication that is FDA approved for dementia and Alzheimer\’s, and/or medication that is prescribed ‘off-label’ to treat dementia,and dementia related secondary symptoms.

Four medicines classified as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors have been approved by the FDA for dementia by Alzheimer\’s and include: Tacrine (Cognex®), donepezil (Aricept®), galantamine (Razadyne®), and rivastigmine (Exelon®).In clinical studies, donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine have been shown to mildly slow the rate of cognitive decline and improve activities of daily living (ADLs) and behavior in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease for a period of 6-18 months.

Of these four acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, donepezil is the most prescribed and has shown to be the most effective but side-effects occur in approximately 17 percent of patients with the 5-10mg dosages. Donepezil is expected to delay the onset of AD for about one year in people suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Rivastigmine was also effective but side-effects occurred in approximately 50 percent of patients for the 6-12mg dosages, with 25 percent needing to be taken off the drug. It is also approved for Parkinson\’s disease dementia by the FDA.

Memantine (Namenda) is a drug of a different class and works best in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer\’s. However, the addition of memantine to the above mentioned acetylcholinesterase inhibitors being given to mild to moderate Alzheimer\’s patients was no more effective than placebo.

Depression, agitation, paranoia, and anxiety are common symptoms associated with dementia and Alzheimer\’s. Doctors may prescribe anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication as well as anti-psychotics.

Dementia patients have many of the same physical ailments as non-dementia seniors to include chronic, persistent pain. Approximately 25 to 50 percent of seniors experience chronic pain so it must be reasoned that statistics for dementia patients must be similar. Chronic pain can contribute to depression, aggression, and poor cognition and should not be overlooked in dementia patients.

Therapy and Caregiver Services

Nonpharmacalogical therapy methods may be directed for dementia patients through music therapy (for mental stimulation), behavioral therapy (for depression), and psycho motor therapy (for agitation). Other mental stimulation therapies may include: simple games, picture observation, reading to patients, and other techniques. Physical exercise also benefits patients. Trained caregivers may initiate and participate in stimulation therapies. Having empathetic, attentive caregivers well trained in addressing the wants and needs of dementia patients is an important part of the overall treatment regimen for dementia patients. Advice, tips, and information for better caregiving for dementia patients may be found online.

About the Author: Jason L Morrow is the founder and editor of OmniMedicalSearch.com

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Have some fun with people you like! It’s good for your brain!

11/061 Comment

Have some fun! Lower your Risk of Dementia

Studies have shown that people over age 55 with large social networks have smaller declines in thinking and memory function than those who spend most of their time alone.

We already knew that preventive measures such as word and computer games, reading and coloring books, and strategic thinking helped to stave off Alzheimer’s. But this information is even better. Now we’re learning that the very activities that make life a pleasure–spending time with friends and family that we love, or hobbies and leisure that we enjoy, or studying and learning something new just for the thrill of it, can help protect our brain against memory loss.

When researchers divided people according to how much they enjoyed interacting with others, those who tended to enjoy being involved with others in a meaningful way were less likely to develop Alzheimer than those who were less involved in relationships with other people.

That’s not to say that instead of staying home and reading a good book, you should go to the movies, even if you have to go with someone who talks your ear off with complaint after complaint. No, bad relationships cause stress, and lots of stress would certainly outweigh any benefit of socializing with them. We’re talking about the good relationships. The fun times in your life. The people you enjoy socializing with. Be sure to spend time with people who make you feel good–not bad. Life is always better when stress-free, even if that means occasional times without companionship at all.

Even working with groups of other people tends to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s. In one large study, people whose jobs required much of their time be spent working or talking to others were less likely to get Alzheimer’s than those who worked alone. Research has also shown that having strong social networks whether at work or play lessens the effect of Alzheimer’s-related brain damage on thinking and memory.

From the Book: The Alzheimer’s Action Plan
“The link between social Networks and brain Networks may be–“

People who regularly socialize with large groups of family and friends are more likely to engage in more physical and mental activity, which boosts brain functions.
Very social people may have stronger brain circuits or more easily use alternative circuits when the need arises to remain social after Alzheimer’s symptoms have begun.
Social engagement may reduce effects of stress on the brain, and people with few friends tend to have more stress in their lives

If you are self-conscious and stressed when forced to socialize in large crowds, don’t stress! As stated earlier, stress is not a good thing for your brain, either. Close relationships don’t absolutely guarantee that you won’t get Alzheimer’s. And you certainly wouldn’t be the first person who prefers alone-time to busy friendships. Stimulating activities are good for your brain, even if enjoyed alone.

As long as the activity you choose is not causing stress–then enjoy it! Even challenging work, if enjoyable alone, is a busy activity that will protect your brain. Stimulating leisure activity helps the brain build “cognitive reserves,” extra connections between cells that our brain can turn to as it ages. When we reduce stress and promote a healthy lifestyle, we’re helping our brain.

In a landmark study, these Four activities were the most significant at at protecting against Dementia : Reading, board games, playing musical instruments, and dancing.

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If you’re young enough to Play! You may save your Memory

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Memories of Grandpa and “Hardening of Arteries” (Vascular Dementia)

10/161 Comment

Memories of Grandpa and Vascular Dementia – aka “Hardening of Arteries”

I can still remember when my Grandfather passed away. It was the first time anyone had died that I actually knew. I was devastated and wanted to know what had happened to this generous old man beloved by so many grandchildren.

My dad told me then, some 55 years ago, that my grandfather died of “hardening of the arteries.”

Memories of Grandpa were pleasant ones from my youth when we traveled across the country to spend two weeks each summer on the family farm. My grandfather designated an entire row of watermelons and numerous cousins arrived on “watermelon” day.

At my grandfather’s shout, the children raced through lush green fields until we all came upon the watermelon patch and the assigned “grandkids only row.” One row that looked like a 100 others was sectioned off with heavy rope. No spoons, forks or knives required. We were allowed to run free in this single row, scrambling in pairs to lift monstrous melons, then drop them with a plop until they popped open and exposed a heart of juicy ripe, red fruit. Then it was fingers only, the tool of Grandpa’s choice.

My grandfather died of “hardening of the arteries,” I was told. I didn’t know what made your arteries harden, but at the time I only hoped it would never happen to me. My dad said it was age, Grandpa was old, and I reasoned that the older you got the harder your arteries became until you finally died. I felt sad. My grandfather passed away more than 55 years ago and I had almost forgotten his cause of death until my own Mom passed away 6 years ago from Alzheimer’s Dementia.

As I researched Mom’s medical condition, Alzheimer’s Dementia, I also learned about “Hardening of the Arteries.” I learned that hardening of the arteries does not make the arteries of the brain hard at all, nor does it cause dementing illnesses by hardening the arteries of the brain as I had believed happened to my Grandfather all those years ago.

Actually, my grandfather had survived a stroke that eventually led to dementia and his death.

What we do know is that Multi-infarct (Vascular Dementia) is when repeated strokes destroy small areas of the brain. More and more areas are damaged by these small strokes and eventually this cumulative brain damage leads to Dementia.

These multiple strokes are the second most common cause of Dementia. If we can find a way to stop the strokes or improve rehabilitation after a stroke, thousands of people would benefit.

A few ways this brain damage occurs are:

Clogged vessels means that less oxygen can get to the brain
Plaque clogging the arteries can break off, blocking a vessel and causing a stroke
Mini strokes easily go undetected and, therefore, untreated
High-fat diets cause plaque to build up in the brain

If you have had any small strokes, called transient ischemic attacks, ask your doctor about getting an ultrasound exam of your carotid artery in your neck and possibly of your brain to look for blockages.

Much research is being done at this time to determine how hypertension, obesity, diet, smoking, heart disease, and other factors increase people’s vulnerability to strokes and vascular dementia. They’re also studying the difference between larger strokes and multiple strokes that cause dementia.

Other research is being done to study different areas of the brain and Vascular Dementia; Which areas of the brain are most likely to be affected, and what changes take place in brain chemistry after a stroke. They are examining the effectiveness of drugs to prevent strokes, dilating blood vessels, increasing oxygen supply to the brain and prevent blood clotting.

Sometimes the cause of these strokes can be identified and treated. In that case, further damage will be stopped. Some recent studies suggest low dose aspirin may slow the progression of this disease too.

Vascular Dementia (called “hardening of the arteries” by many) usually progresses in a step-like fashion. Sometimes you can look back and remember certain times when the patient became much worse than the day before. Then it may be an extended period of time before they get worse again. Some of these dementias may get worse as time passes but others may go for many years without any sign of decline. Which could be because the reason for the small strokes has been corrected.

Alzheimer’s Dementia progresses in a more steady pattern with a slow, constant decline that is hardly perceptible as the patient grows worse over time.

It is possible also, for patients to have more than one kind of Dementia. They could have Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia at the same time.

So now I understand that my Grandfather also had Dementia, although it was known by another name, “Hardening of the Arteries.” Scientists and research has come along way since the days of my Grandfather’s death. Hopefully, by the time my grandchildren are in their fifties, there will be many new cures and diagnoses for every form of Dementia.

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What is Dementia?: Understanding Dementia is the First Step to Confident Dementia Care Still Alice Dementia: What You Need to Know: A Guide for People With Dementia, and Their Caregivers Alzheimer’s Disease: What If There Was a Cure?

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What is Dementia? What are the Causes besides Alzheimer’s?

10/112 Comments

What is Dementia?

Dementia is actually a general term rather than a specific disease.

Dementia describes symptoms caused by a number of brain-affecting disorders. Dementia is common in senior citizens.

People with dementia experience impaired intellectual functioning that hinders normal activities and relationships, and they lose problem-solving abilities and have trouble maintaining emotional control. Senior citizens with dementia may experience personality changes and behavior problems such as agitation, delusions, and hallucinations.

Memory loss is common in seniors with dementia, but it does not define dementia. A person can receive a diagnosis of dementia only if two or more areas of functionality-for example, memory and language skills-have been adversely affected while the person retains consciousness.

Symptoms of dementia can be caused by diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Huntington’s disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

They can also arise from reactions to medications, metabolic problems and endocrine abnormalities, nutritional deficiencies, infections, poisoning, brain tumors, anoxia or hypoxia (in which the brain receives too little oxygen or none at all), and heart and lung problems. Though dementia is common in senior citizens, it is not a normal part of aging.

Which dementia treatments are available?

Medications to treat specific diseases associated with dementia (like Alzheimer’s) are available. This option cannot reverse damage to the brain, but it can improve symptoms and slow the disease’s progression.

This may improve the quality of life for senior citizens with dementia as well as easing the burden on those providing the care and delaying the move to a nursing home. In home health care for the elderly, though not a treatment, may be an effective way to provide care to the senior while giving their caretaker a daily or weekly break.

Also, senior citizens with dementia, especially during the early stages, can often benefit from practicing tasks designed to enhance cognitive functioning. An example of this is using memory aids like mnemonics, computerized recall devices, or note-taking.

What’s the prognosis?

Since many disorders can cause dementia, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease cause a gradual loss of mental functions, for example, but other types of dementia can be reversed or stopped with proper treatment. When senior citizens experience moderate to advanced symptoms of dementia, elder care and supervision at all hours is usually necessary to prevent them from harming themselves or others. They may need assistance with dressing, eating, bathing, or other daily activities.

What kind of research is being done?

Researchers are currently focusing on many of the aspects of dementia and hope to improve the quality of life of people with dementia. Research may eventually point to methods of prevention or ways to cure dementia.

Author: David Crumrine at the The Caring Space.

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How to explain Alzheimers and Dementia Behavior to Young Children

09/2912 Comments

Helping Young Children to understand Alzheimer’s behavior

What should you tell young children who interact with an adult relative who has Alzheiemer’s?

Young children may notice the odd behavior of a grandparent or other family member with dementia and wonder, silently, what is wrong. If no one offers an explanation that makes the situation all the more mysterious to the child. The child may imagine the cause of the odd behavior as something much worse than what the truth actually is.
A simple and honest explanation of Alzheimers is always best. The family member with Dementia or Alzheimer’s has an illness. The illness causes odd behavior at times. But the family member is still a “loved” part of the family. They have no control over their illness. They are not able to stop it and sometimes can not control their strange behavior, either.

The child is usually accepting and relieved when he learns the truth. Very young children tend to blame themselves for everything, feeling it must be their fault. His main concerns until the situation is explained to him are:

1. Did he cause the illness– No, it was not his fault
2. Will he or his family get the illness– No, the illness is not “catching” like the measles

These two things of concern can be easily explained and the child’s mind will be at ease. Actually children are considerably more resilient than we might think. They are much more accepting of things beyond their control if the circumstances are explained.

They must know that the illness is not their fault and not caused by anything they may have done. And, they must surely be told that this illness is not contagious and neither their parents nor themselves will be infected with it.

Once the child is reassured of these issues, the disease of Alzheimer’s will no longer be a mystery to him, and his imagination will no longer struggle to find a reason for the strange behavior. The child can continue to play with and enjoy the presence of the family member with Alzheimer’s or Dementia with a clear understanding of the various behaviors that accompany that disease.

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Why Did Grandma Put Her Underwear in the Refrigerator?

Max Wallack’s Book is one of the best at explaining Grandma’s odd behavior while having Alzheimer’s dementia.

The small child has no clue why an elderly person may behave oddly. It’s the adult’s responsibility to explain this behavior in the best way they can.

Enough information is needed to put the child’s mind at rest, but not enough to terrify them that they will get the same disease. They didn’t cause it, and they can’t catch it!

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