Dementia: Causes, Signs/Symptoms, How to Diagnose/Test, Treat/Care and Prevent?

Dementia is a collection of brain degradation symptoms that arise from certain diseases or conditions. Dementia causes a decline in mental activity and can lead to the loss of memory and impaired intellect, thinking and reasoning. Individuals with dementia may also lose the ability to carry out normal, daily activates such as driving, getting dressed and eating. The symptoms,
treatment and diagnosis of dementia vary depending on which part of the brain is affected.

What are the Causes of Dementia?

Dementia cannot occur as a disease on its own. Triggers such as inflammation, injury, disease and infection can break neuron connections and lead to dementia. Some conditions and diseases that can cause dementia include:

• Conditions that attack brain cells and conditions
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Huntington's disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
• Strokes
• Blockage of oxygen to the brain
• Poor nutrition
• Substance abuse
• Dehydration
• Trauma to the brain
• Infection in the central nervous system
  　

What are the Signs/Symptoms for Dementia?

Dementia is a group of symptoms that impairs brain functioning. The following is a list of the common signs and symptoms seen with this condition:

• Memory loss
• Impaired speaking
• Impaired judgment
• Loss of communication ability
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Agitation
• Disorientation
• Wandering
• Inappropriate, abnormal behavior

How to Diagnose or Test Dementia?

Dementia can be tested using thorough brain exams, blood tests, CT scans or MRIs along with a standard physical examination. It is important that your physician rule out other conditions while testing you for dementia.

How to Treat and Care Dementia?

Though there is no cure for dementia, there are certain measures you can take to relieve your symptoms and keep your life as normal as possible. The main goal in treatment is to isolate and treat the underlying cause of your dementia. Some treatment methods include:

• Medications for the underlying condition
• Mental and physical exercise
• Quit smoking
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Dementia medications
• Prevent bodily injury with appropriate medical devices

Regardless of what treatment method you choose, it is essential that you follow your care plan exactly. The more precise you are with your treatment, the better results you will find.

How to Prevent Dementia?

Dementia is a mysterious and sometimes confusing condition. It can be irreversible and life‐changing. Since there are many factors that can lead to dementia, it is difficult to pinpoint exact prevention strategies. It is important to stay healthy, active and to quit smoking. Staying in good mental and physical shape will help you reduce your risk of acquiring dementia.

Call your healthcare provider if:

If not monitored, dementia can be an extremely dangerous condition. It is crucially important that individuals with dementia are cared for and supervised. If you notice that you, or somebody around you, is experiencing any brain functioning abnormalities, you must contact your healthcare immediately provider to be examined.