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What is Dementia
What is Dementia?
The term "dementia" describes a group of symptoms that
are caused by changes in brain function. Dementia symptoms may include
asking the same questions repeatedly; becoming lost in familiar
places; being unable to follow directions; getting disoriented about
time, people, and places; and neglecting personal safety, hygiene,
and nutrition. People with dementia lose their abilities at different
rates.
Dementia is caused by many conditions. Some conditions that cause
dementia can be reversed, and others cannot. The two most common
forms of dementia in older people are Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct
dementia (sometimes called vascular dementia). These types of dementia
are irreversible, which means they cannot be cured.
Reversible conditions with symptoms of dementia can be caused by
a high fever, dehydration, vitamin deficiency and poor nutrition,
bad reactions to medicines, problems with the thyroid gland, or
a minor head injury. Medical conditions like these can be serious
and should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible.
Sometimes older people have emotional problems that can be mistaken
for dementia. Feeling sad, lonely, worried, or bored may be more
common for older people facing retirement or coping with the death
of a spouse, relative, or friend. Adapting to these changes leaves
some people feeling confused or forgetful. Emotional problems can
be eased by supportive friends and family, or by professional help
from a doctor or counselor.
What is Multi-Infarct Dementia (MID)?
In multi-infarct dementia, a series of small strokes or changes
in the brain's blood supply may result in the death of brain tissue.
The location in the brain where the small strokes occur determines
the seriousness of the problem and the symptoms that arise. Symptoms
that begin suddenly may be a sign of this kind of dementia. People
with multi-infarct dementia are likely to show signs of improvement
or remain stable for long periods of time, then quickly develop
new symptoms if more strokes occur. In many people with multi-infarct
dementia, high blood pressure is to blame. One of the most important
reasons for controlling high blood pressure is to prevent strokes.
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