Written by: Shreya Sharma
Dementia refers to the deterioration of cognitive functioning and behaviours to the extent of interference in the individual’s routine activities. A large range of functions can be affected, including memory, visual perception, speaking, problem-solving, focus, and overall self-management. As a result, the person may be unable to control their emotions, potentially altering their entire personality. These symptoms can also vary in severity, beginning as an interference in regular functioning, but progressing as far as rendering the individual unable to complete even the most basic tasks independently. A common misbelief is that dementia is a disease. In reality, it is a syndrome - a collection of symptoms that do not add up to a definitive diagnosis.
The signs and symptoms begin to surface as the previously healthy neurons lose connections with other neurons, stop working, and eventually die off. Everyone loses neurons as they age, but individuals with dementia are noted to lose them at an increased rate. Statistically, up to half of individuals above the age of 85 have some form of dementia. However, dementia is not typically part of ageing, as many older individuals can live beyond the age of 90 without exhibiting any signs, while middle-aged adults tend to show higher cases of frontotemporal disorders, a particular form of dementia. As such, the causes can vary greatly, the most common being Alzheimer’s disease. Neurodegenerative disorders, which currently have no cure, can progressively lead to irreversible neural damage, harming brain functioning. Some other conditions can, however, be treated or even reversed, despite causing symptoms associated with dementia. For example, an excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid, known as normal pressure hydrocephalus, can be treated and resolved.
Accurately identifying dementia can be difficult, but early detection is very important as some causes can be treated to prevent the worsening of symptoms. Doctors must first assess whether there is an underlying situation that may be causing cognitive challenges. Questions about medical history are used to identify whether there is a hereditary link, how behaviours have changed over time, and which medications the individual is taken. Since there are known genetic defects that can cause dementia, meeting with a genetic counselor and completing a genetic test can help with risk detection and management. A physical examination to measure various vital signs can also help with the identification of issues that may cause or be occurring concurrently with dementia. Additionally, various types of neurological tests are also used. Cognitive and neuropsychological tests assess mental functions including language and math skills, memory, and problem-solving. Brain scans can be used to identify whether there are any changes to the brain structure, such as those caused by tumors or strokes. Brain scans include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET), which use X-rays, magnetic fields and radio waves, and radiation, respectively.
At present, there is no definitive way to prevent dementia, but many lifestyle variables can help delay the onset or worsening of symptoms. Keeping the mind stimulated and the body physically active can help prevent a large number of illnesses and maintain overall wellness. Diet can also play a role, as research has suggested that low levels of vitamin D are linked to a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Healthy diets can also help manage risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Limiting alcohol consumption and abstaining from smoking can help mitigate blood pressure concerns by improving vascular (blood vessel) conditions. Lastly, getting quality sleep and seeking medical help for disruptive sleep disorders will also play a major role in living a healthy life. Watching a loved one suffer from the complications of dementia can be difficult, but a strong support system including family, physicians, and therapists can help create a comfortable environment and reduce the severity of symptoms.
References
Dementia. (2019, April 19). Retrieved August 25, 2020, from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-2035201
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What Is Dementia? (n.d.). Retrieved August 25, 2020, from
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
What Is Dementia? Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis. (n.d.). Retrieved August 25, 2020, from
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-dementia-symptoms-types-and-diagnosis
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