Dementia is a syndrome – usually of a chronic or progressive nature – in which there is deterioration in cognitive function (i.e. the ability to process thought) beyond what might be expected from normal ageing. It affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, and judgement. Consciousness is not affected. The impairment in cognitive function is commonly accompanied, and occasionally preceded, by deterioration in emotional control, social behaviour, or motivation
Vascular Dementia is characterized by a decline in cognitive functions due to blocks in the blood flow to the brain. It is the second most common type of dementia that can occur after a stroke or arteriosclerosis (narrowing of the blood vessels). It can manifest slowly or suddenly and is related to problems in the cardiovascular system. Elders with vascular dementia have difficulty paying attention for long periods and can appear to become confused often.
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of Dementia. It is characterized by memory loss and low mood. Progressively the elder may forget how to perform routine activities, how to take care of self, forget directions and reduced interest in participating in work or leisure activities.
Lewy Body Dementia is caused by protein deposits in the nerve cells that inhibit information being passed on from cell to cell. Elders with Lewy Body Dementia may experience memory loss, disorientation and at times hallucinations and difficulty falling asleep at night. They may also have difficulty with motor functioning (tremors, or loss of control of the body movements).
Fronto-Temporal Dementia is characterized by degeneration being more prominent in the frontal and temporal regions of the cerebrum. Elders with this form of Dementia exhibit more behavioural and psychological symptoms with memory loss present only as they progress through the disease. It causes loss of motivation, increased impulsivity and loss of inhibitions.
Dementia is not considered a normal part of aging. It is characterized by neurological disorders that are caused due to the degeneration of the brain and associated cognitive decline. It is progressive in nature. The elder with dementia may become dependent on the caregiver and will need constant support and care.
There are modifiable risk and non-modifiable risks to developing dementia.
Age related forgetfulness can often be confused with the early stages of Dementia (Commonly known as mild cognitive impairment, but memory loss due to Dementia can lead to significant difficulty in day to day functioning and also affect more than only memory functions. It can affect behaviour, language, fluency and visuospatial abilities.
If the forgetfulness is notable, it is recommended for the elder to go through a cognitive assessment to relate and see if the forgetfulness is related to Dementia.
Diagnosing Dementia is often done based on inputs of multiple medical and paramedical professionals.
Medical Professional – Geriatrician, Neurologist and / or psychiatrist are trained in identifying medical factors causing degeneration and / or regions of cognitive decline. They do so based on medical examination of the elder, past medical history, Radiological examinations and blood tests. The Medical Professional will then be able to distinguish between treatable causes of dementia (viral attacks, loss of sodium, drug withdrawal, etc) from non - treatable causes of dementia (degeration, cardiovascular complications, etc) and recommend different modes of intervention.
Clinical Psychologists – Clinical Psychologist are entrusted with the role of identifying the cognitive domain of decline, localization of functional decline, behavioural outcomes due the cognitive decline. They do so by the use of structured clinical interviews, neuropsychological testing and behavioural assessment.
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