Dementia
(Chronic Brain Syndrome · Organic Brain Syndrome · Senile Dementia)
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Dementia
Dementia is diagnosed by the history of symptoms and physical examination. Your doctor may ask you a series of questions to assess cognition, which involves functions of the brain related to memory, recall, decision-making, language, recognition of objects used on a daily basis, and following directions. Blood tests may be done to look for reversible causes of dementia, such as low thyroid levels or low vitamin B12 levels.
Brain scans can show changes in brain structure. Brain scans such as CT (computerized tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be used to help identify other conditions (e.g., stroke) that can cause dementia. A PET (positron emission tomography) scan may be performed to look for brain activity and protein deposits in the brain.
Absolute confirmation of the diagnosis can only be made by examination of brain tissue after a biopsy or an autopsy after death.
Treating and Preventing Dementia
Treatment of dementia may depend on the specific cause. Treatment of Alzheimer's disease usually involves treating the declining memory and gradually worsening behavioural symptoms with a range of medications (which may also be used in other forms of dementia), including:
- cognitive enhancing agents
- tranquilizers
- antidepressants
- antianxiety medications
- anticonvulsants
There is no treatment that can "cure" Alzheimer's disease, nor are there medication that can halt or reverse the brain damage caused by it. However, there are medications that can relieve symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Medications such as donepezil*, rivastigmine, and galantamine may be used to slow down memory loss.
Prevention of stroke is very important for vascular dementia. If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or have had a stroke, you should seek continued treatment for these conditions to prevent future strokes.
The key to caring for and helping people with dementia is to focus on the many activities the person can still do safely. Encourage a person with dementia to continue daily routines and maintain social relationships as much as possible. Help them maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercise, proper nutrition, and fluid intake. Special diets and supplements are generally unnecessary.
If you are caring for someone with dementia, the following may be helpful:
- reminders: Provide written lists of things to do including times, places, and phone numbers to help the person complete the task.
- structure and stability: Minimize undue noise and disturbances to reduce anxiety.
- establish routines: Daily and bedtime routines can reduce disorientation and anxiety.
- speaking slowly and calmly: Present one thought or instruction at a time.
- information card: Reduce the risk of wandering and getting lost by providing a pocket card with the person's name, address, and phone number.
- safety: Make your home environment as safe as possible by keeping furniture in the same place, removing clutter, installing locks on medicine cabinets, and setting the water heater at a low temperature to avoid scalding.
- driving: Don't allow someone with dementia to drive a vehicle. Drive them or arrange for rides wherever they need to go.
Caring for someone with dementia can be difficult. It requires understanding, patience, and compassion. Joining an Alzheimer's disease caregiver's support group in your community may be helpful.
Be prepared for the eventuality that your loved one's condition will deteriorate over time and additional full-time personal care may be needed. In some situations, placement in a nursing home is in the best interests of the individual and their family.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Dementia
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