TOPIC:DEMENTIA
*DEFINITON;
Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities. In people who have dementia, the symptoms interfere with their daily lives. Dementia isn't one specific disease. Several diseases can cause dementia.
Dementia generally involves memory loss. It's often one of the early symptoms of the condition. But having memory loss alone doesn't mean you have dementia. Memory loss can have different causes.
* CAUSES:Dementia is caused by damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain. The symptoms depend on the area of the brain that's damaged. Dementia can affect people differently.
Dementias are often grouped by what they have in common. They may be grouped by the protein or proteins deposited in the brain or by the part of the brain that's affected. Also, some diseases have symptoms like those of dementia. And some medicines can cause a reaction that includes dementia symptoms. Not getting enough of certain vitamins or minerals also can cause dementia symptoms. When this occurs, dementia symptoms may improve with treatment.
*SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:Signs of dementia can vary greatly. Examples include problems with:
Short-term memory.
Keeping track of a purse or wallet.
Paying bills.
Planning and preparing meals.
Remembering appointments.
Traveling out of the neighborhood
*DIAGNOSIS:The following procedures also may be used to diagnose dementia: Cognitive and neurological tests. Used to evaluate thinking and physical functioning, these tests include assessments of memory, problem solving, language skills, and math skills, as well as balance, sensory response, and reflexes. Brain scans.
TREATMENT:Memantine (Namenda) helps control a different brain chemical needed for learning and memory. Sometimes doctors prescribe memantine along with donepezil in a combination drug (Namzaric) for moderate to severe dementia.
*Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can improve low mood and irritability.
*Anxiolytics such as lorazepam (Ativan) or oxazepam (Serax) can ease anxiety or restlessness.
Antipsychotic medicines such as aripiprazole (Abilify), haloperidol (Haldol), olanzapine (Zyprexa and risperidone (Risperdal) can help control feelings and behaviors such as aggression, agitation, delusions, or hallucinations.
#RaiseAgainstAutism
#PinnacleSaysItAll
#PinnacleBloomsNetwork
#1AutismTherapyCentresNetwork
#RaiseAgainstAutism
#PinnacleSaysItAll
#PinnacleBloomsNetwork
#1AutismTherapyCentresNetwork