Dementia and Dementia Treatments

by Symptom Advice on February 3, 2011

Dementia treatments can only be assessed once a person is diagnosed with dementia. when a person suffers from loss of cognitive functions as a result of the loss of brain cells it is termed as dementia. This disease is typically characterized by memory loss and may even encompass the inability to function at work or on a social level, difficulty with speech and limited movement. This progressive disease may even bring a person to the point where they cannot take care of themselves properly. They may end up needing aid to eat, get dressed and to get around. Some typical dementia symptoms are listed below:

Dementia is more prevalent in older persons even though it is not referred to as one of the normal aging processes. There are even types of vascular dementia that are mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease.

Other dementia symptoms:

  • The blockage of a blood vessel to the brain
  • A brain injury
  • Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease
  • A tumor in the brain
  • Vitamin B deficiencies
  • Contact with toxic matter, certain medications and alcohol or drug abuse
  • Episodes of hypoglycemia

If a person is thought to be suffering from dementia symptoms they are brought in to the doctor who will rely more on the interviews that he conducts with the affected person and family members as there is nothing specific that can be done to confirm a diagnosis. It may be that the patient is suffering from depression so that has to be eliminated. if the doctor feels that the condition may be as a result of damage to the brain he will order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computer tomography scan (CT scan) to examine the brain.

Dementia treatment options:

Even though there is no direct cure, there are medications currently available that will slow down the progression of the disease. Some behavioral or psychiatric therapies may also be involved. To help the afflicted person to deal with the emotional challenges that they will face, they will also need a strong support system. Dementia treatments are aimed at slowing down the advance of the disease and lessening the symptoms experienced.

Tags: dementia, dementia symptoms, dementia treatment

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