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Dementia Fact Sheet

Dementia is also sometimes referred to as senility. Dementia is a set of symptoms, rather than a specific disease. It is often associated with aging. Dementia affects how your brain functions. Depending on its cause, dementia can be reversible. You may be at a greater risk of developing dementia if you have a family history of it, if you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, if you consume a lot of alcohol, smoke or if you have diabetes.

  1. Symptoms

    • Some common symptoms of dementia include memory loss, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, an alteration of personality, problems with reasoning, coordination and motor function problems, inappropriate behavior and an inability to remember new data. A person with dementia may forget simple, everyday routines. For example, they may forget how to cook their favorite meal. Or they may cook and eat a meal, but then forget that they've done so. They may become confused and get lost a short distance away from where they live. If you are a caretaker and your patient exhibits signs of abnormal forgetfulness or personality changes, take her to her doctor as soon as possible.

    Causes

    • Dementia may occur as a result of another disease, such as Huntington's chorea, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or HIV/AIDS. Alzheimer's disease is a common cause of dementia. Dementia may also occur due to a poison or toxin, nutritional deficiencies, a brain tumor, a metabolic problem and even from an infection or compromised immune system.

    Diagnosis

    • To diagnose your dementia, your doctor will first take your complete medical history and conduct a physical exam. She will also run a neurological evaluation and test your cognitive function. You'll likely have brain scans, such as a CT scan or an MRI, as well as blood tests and a glucose test to rule out other conditions.

    Treatment

    • Early detection and treatment is essential for slowing the progression of dementia. Your doctor can prescribe medications. If your dementia is caused by a condition that is reversible, such as a nutritional deficiency, you can work with your doctor to correct that condition. Otherwise, your treatment will consist of managing your symptoms. All medications carry the risk of side effects. Some dementia medications may cause dizziness, nausea and diarrhea.

    Coping

    • Joining a support group or talking to a counselor can help you cope with dementia and learn how to live with the disorder. Ask your friends and family for help with daily activities. Try to stick to a daily routine and keep your environment well-organized to reduce confusion. If you've recently been diagnosed with dementia, work with your doctor or caregiver to develop long-term treatment plans.

    Prevention

    • It may be possible to reduce your risk of developing dementia. According to CareConnection.com, aerobic exercise at least two times per week may help reduce your risk. Keeping involved in activities, such as playing Scrabble, doing a crossword puzzle or taking a class to exercise your brain may also help ward off dementia.

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