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Treating Dementia Symptoms with Numerous Dementia Treatments

Article by Oscar Platikus

Dementia treatment should be approached like any other chronic disease with a mix of pharmaceuticals and behavioral interventions. The earlier you acquire treatment the better. First, you need a good diagnosing to ensure that you are not simply experiencing normal age suitable memory loss, or brain tumor symptoms. Search for a comprehensive assessment of cognitive, behavioral and functional abilities. Even though 100 million men and women have been touched by Alzheimer’s, about 35 million worry that they will get the disease. Below are a couple of preventive and medicinal steps to be cognizant of:

Early studies demonstrate that fish oil would lessen the hazard of dementia but new research is showing that no difference in cognitive and functional abilities was determined after eighteen months of usage. One study has shown that omega-3 fatty acids or DHA, does not slow down the intellectual decline connected with Alzheimer’s Disease.

The herbaceous plant saffron has been compared to the drug, Aricept which has been largely implemented for dementia treatment. The herb is said to be a brain-boosting agent and can enhance memory. It is really expensive though.

Increased light exposures during the day that will help better sleep and therefore alleviate a couple of dementia symptoms.

Managing your blood pressure could help protect you against early dementia.

Vitamin B12 becomes dangerously low with age and could be a factor in the evolution of dementia.

Athletes and other folks who experience numerous concussions over the course of a lifetime might be more susceptible to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Anti inflammatory drugs may help get by with intellectual decline especially following surgery.

Memantine hydrochloride (Namenda XR) is an extended release medicine approved by the FDA to treat average to severe dementia.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors assist some but not all types of dementia. What does this do? Levels of acetylcholine are often found to be extremely low in people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Stopping the action of this protein can lead to an increment in the levels of acetylcholinesterase in the brain. This successively may increment levels of alertness and may help slow down the pace of procession of the disease as well as a few memory exercises. Some, but not all, types of dementia might respond to medicines known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

There are numerous different forms of medications on the marketplace aimed at treating dementia and while symptoms of the disease may better with dementia treatment, no medicine has yet been created to prevent the long-term procession of the illness.

What are the Causes of Memory Loss?

Article by Dr. Mital John

If your memory problem needs more evaluation, your doctor may send you to a neuropsychologist, who will have you take some pencil-and-paper tests that gauge different aspects of mental ability. If those tests show abnormal results, the doctor will try to rule out causes of cognitive dysfunction based on conditions such as vascular disease, psychological problems, eating and drinking habits, and environmental factors.

As people begin to age, they may begin to have problems with memory. One of the most noticeable problem areas involves the transient forgetting of names. Virtually everyone has this problem in older age.

Causes of Memory Loss: –

* Amnesia – Amnesia occurs when one’s memory is affected, due to either organic or functional causes. Brain damage through physical trauma or diseases is a common organic cause, whilst functional causes include psychological elements such as the body’s defense mechanisms. Traumatic amnesia occurs due to head injuries, and the period of memory loss is related to the degree of injury. * Depression – Depression can cause memory loss at any age. This is one of the main reasons for forgetfulness in the elderly. Depression-related memory loss is a treatable condition.* Diseases – Memory loss can result from such chronic disease conditions as diabetes or hypothyroidism.* Dementia – Dementia is a cause of memory loss due to old age. Depending on the extent of dementia, it may be reversible if it has not reached an advanced stage. Common identifiers of dementia include a change in the character of the person suffering from it, and some experience delirium as well. * Stress – Emotional or physical stress stimulates the release of stress hormones such as cortical and adrenaline. Constant exposure to stress hormones results in nerve-cell death and memory loss.

Other Causes: Some other causes of memory loss are epilepsy, strokes, infections and neurodegenerative diseases. Multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease are noteworthy neurodegenerative diseases that affect human memory. Epilepsy seizures generally cause a temporary loss of memory, while the extent of damage caused by stokes depends on its severity. Infection of the brain, as happens in case of encephalitis and meningitis, can cause inflammation of the brain tissues and the sufferer may experience memory loss.

Memory loss is something quite terrifying when serious, and cannot be treated with drugs, but research now indicates that dietary measures can prevent or contain the seriousness of the problem. Diets that have a high content of leafy vegetables, fruits, cereals, legumes and fish are believed to be beneficial, while large amounts of red meat, alcohol and foods with saturated fats are harmful and may accelerate memory loss. Studies have in fact found that the occurrence of memory loss causing disorders is much lower among populations where vegetarian foods and fish are the main components of the diet, while proportionately high among groups where the diet is rich in fats and cholesterol.

Adults in Later Life With Mental Health Problems

Article by Chantelle

Most older people do not develop mental health problems, but a significant minority have dementia or experience problems such as depression.

Introduction

It is estimated that 18% of the general population in the UK are of pensionable age and that this figure will grow to 20% by 2025. As a society, we tend to assume that older people will develop mental health problems as a ‘normal’ aspect of ageing. Most older people do not develop mental health problems, although a significant minority does. For example:

* about 25% of people over 85 have dementia.

* between 10-15% of people over 65 have depression

* between 4-23% of older adults seen by medical staff have an alcohol problem.

In addition to those older people who have an identifiable mental illness such as dementia, there are many who experience psychological or emotional distress associated with isolation, loneliness or loss. These problems are not recorded by the health or medical care system.

What problems affect people in later life?

Dementia

Dementia is a decline in mental ability which affects memory, thinking, problem solving, concentration, perception and behaviour. Some forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, are degenerative. That is, they get worse over time. Other forms of dementia, such as vascular dementia, may be non-degenerative. That is, they may not get worse over time.

People with dementia can become confused. Some people also become restless or display repetitive behaviour. They may also seem irritable, tearful or agitated. This can be very distressing for both the person with dementia and their family and friends. Some people with dementia also develop other problems such as depression, disturbed sleep, aggression, inappropriate sexual behaviour and incontinence, although the latter issues tend to be associated with more advanced dementia.

About one in 20 people over the age of 65 are affected by dementia and this figure rises to one in four people over the age of 85 (Audit Commission, 2000). People under the age of 65 can develop dementia but this is rare and is known as early onset or pre-senile dementia.

What causes dementia?

Dementia occurs as a result of the death of brain cells or damage in parts of the brain that deal with our thought processes and functioning. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. We do not know what causes Alzheimer’s disease but we do know that ageing is the biggest risk factor. The second most common type of dementia is vascular or multi-infarct dementia. This occurs as a result of a series of mini-strokes which constrict blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

Can dementia be prevented and is there a cure?

Most types of dementia cannot be cured but a number of psychological treatments and anti-dementia drugs can be very effective for those in the early stages of dementia. It is therefore very important to get a proper assessment of cognitive function from a medical practitioner as early as possible.

There are no guaranteed ways of preventing dementia, but you may find it helpful to follow a sensible diet and pursue a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical exercise and supplements like Gingko Biloba can help to ensure that there is always a good supply of blood to the brain. Please consult your GP before taking such medication. You can also help yourself by keeping your mind active, for example by doing crosswords or puzzles.

Depression

Depression describes a range of moods, from feeling a bit low to a severe problem, which interferes with everyday life and normal functioning. People with severe depression may experience a range of symptoms including low mood, loss of interest and pleasure as well as feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

Depression can affect anyone, of any culture, age or background but it affects proportionally more older people than any other age group. It is estimated that around 10-15% of elderly people in the community exhibit depressive symptoms, with this proportion rising to about 40% of care home residents. That said, you will not necessarily become depressed just because you are getting older.

What causes depression?

There are a number of risk factors that play a role in increasing older people’s vulnerability to depression including:

* being widowed, divorced or retired

* neurobiological changes associated with ageing

* use of medication for other conditions

* greater physical impairment and disease

* loneliness and isolation

* genetic susceptibility, which increases with age.

Can depression be prevented and is there a cure?

Depression in later life is a widely under recognised and under treated medical condition. Up until recently many health professionals – including GP’s – failed to offer the treatments and supports available to other age groups. Most forms of depression can be treated, using medication, talking treatments or other strategies.

It is can be difficult to diagnose depression in older people because it often occurs alongside other mental and physical illnesses, such as dementia, stroke, diabetes and cancer. In addition many older people do not seek help from their GP until they have a number of symptoms. As with dementia, it is important to seek help as early as possible.

Self-help strategies that can help reduce the risk of depression include:

* taking regular exercise

* planning for critical transitions such as retirement

* seeking support from family and friends following the loss of a long-term partner

* ensuring that you pursue a range of interests in later life.

Dementia and depression

The relationship between dementia and depression is complex. The symptoms of dementia and depression – including withdrawal from social activities and general apathy – are very similar. An elderly person with severe depression may occasionally be misdiagnosed as having dementia. A person with dementia may also become depressed.

Alcohol abuse

It is estimated that between 4%-23% of older adults seen by medical staff experience problems with alcohol. Figures also show that older men are currently between two and six times more likely than older women to be at risk of abusing alcohol.

Although alcohol abuse is a problem for people of all ages, it is more likely to go unrecognised among older people. Many older people use alcohol to deal with loss or loneliness. Approximately 10-30% of older people who abuse alcohol become depressed. They are also at greater risk of suicide.

Medication

Prescribed medications can cause mental health difficulties among older people. A 2001 Department of Health survey found that 79% of older people take prescribed medicines. Many older people take four or more medications at the same time. There are risks associated with taking multiple medications, including confusion.

More detailed information about medication and mental health problems can be found at the following sites:

Other mental health problems

There are a number of rarer mental health problems that affect older people, including delirium, anxiety and late-onset schizophrenia. The prevalence, nature, and course of these disorders are different in older people, as are the treatments that may be offered.

Capacity and older people with mental illness

People with dementia or severe mental illness may have difficulty in making and communicating decisions. Very few people are unable to be involved in making choices at all but some may have partial or fluctuating mental capacity and may need help with communication. Different approaches are also required to engage a person with dementia. They often need longer to make decisions, may need an advocate to speak on their behalf and their mental functioning may also vary by day, and time of day. Family members or carers are often useful sources of information but it is important to take account of the views of the person with dementia alongside those of their carer.

Help for carers

Caring for an older person with mental health problems can be very stressful, time consuming and emotionally and physically challenging. Caring for an older person with dementia is associated with higher levels of stress, with a third of carers suffering from depression.

For free advice on depression or a free consultation visit http://www.clairehegarty.co.uk or ring 0151 678 3358 or 07714853524

Visit http://www.in2town.co.uk for all the latest health news and advice

This Is The Most Powerful Tool To Maximize Brain Function

Article by Ed Mayhew

Exercise is the single most powerful tool we have to maximize our brain function. This is because of the extensive cascade of chemical compounds, including hormones, neurotransmitters and growth factors, that are unleashed in and into the brain when we get in a good workout. A bit of history to explain how we know this is in order.

In the late twentieth century, scientists discovered a naturally-occurring compound in the brain and named it Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, or BDNF. They found that when brain cells resting comfortably in a petri dish were sprinkled with BDNF, they started growing — sprouting dendrites like mad — similar to what they do as part of our brain’s mass when we are learning something new.

Since then there have been thousands of research papers written about BDNF. In these myriad studies researchers have found that when this compound is activated, it acts to protect brain cells from deterioration, strengthens neural connections and even stimulates the birth of new brain cells.

Close on the heels of this ground-breaking research, Carl Cotman at the University of California, Irvine’s Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia was studying why some older folks stay mentally sharp all their days while others suffer severe cognitive decline. He found that those who keep their mental faculties fully functioning as they age had three characteristics in common: education, self efficacy and exercise.

Wondering why physical exercise would improve and maintain one’s mental clarity, he devised an experiment to see if exercise would increase the release of BDNF in the brain. Since few individuals wish to donate their brains to research while they are still using them, he enlisted the help of some very enthusiastic mice. Specifically, Cotman put a running wheel in the cages of some of the rodent “volunteers.” The mice were divided into groups that had access to a running wheel two days, four days, or seven days a week, or not at all. He found that the mice loved to run in the wheel to the tune of several kilometers (two or three miles) per night.

When Cotman later dissected the brains of the now-less-than-enthusiastic mice, he found that the exercise had significantly increased the amount of BDNF in the brain. Not only that, but the more the furry little volunteers had run (e.g., four days vs. two days), the more of this brain-cell-growing substance had been produced AND it was found in large amounts in the hippocampus — the region of the brain largely responsible for learning and memory!

BDNF, however, is merely one of the compounds that flood the brain when we work up a sweat. With each workout, IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) is released from storage in the liver and other parts of the body to help with metabolizing glucose to produce energy and then travels by blood stream through the blood-brain barrier into the brain where it changes roles to support learning. Also released with exercise and subsequently entering the brain is FGF-2 (fibroblast growth factor). Once in the brain, FGF-2 is instrumental in turning the hippocampus’ stem cells into mature brain cells, a process called neurogenesis (i.e., the creation of new brain cells).

But that’s not all by a long shot. Exercise signals the release of a multitude of chemical compounds that improve our mood, dull pain, keep us motivated and attentive and generally help our cognition. Here are a few of those compounds:

?Anandamide and Endocannabinoids — These compounds attach to the same receptor sites that marijuana’s THC uses, improving mood and pleasure.?Dopamine — One of the brain’s neurotransmitters, it has to do with maintaining attention, staying motivated and feelings of pleasure.?Serotonin — This neurotransmitter helps quell anxiety and impulsivity.?ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide) — ANP is a substance produced in the heart when the heart beats faster; it travels to the brain where it plays a role in calming feelings of stress and anxiety.?VEGF ((vascular endothelial growth factor) — This compound helps create new blood vessels (capillaries) to support and supply newly-formed brain cells.

That’s just some of the cascade of chemicals that is set into motion when we get ourselves into motion. By the way, those new brain cells that are created in the hippocampus when we exercise, they have just 28 days to get their act together or they get “washed away.” In other words, the exercise gets the brain cells ready to learn, but then we have to learn something or do something new and different or we lose the newly-formed neurons. To keep our brain growing, therefore, we need to take dancing lessons, learn a foreign language, solve a puzzle, prepare a new recipe, drive a new route home or _______.

Now you know! The most potent tool for optimal brain function is heart-thumping, muscular-contracting exercise followed by learning something new or doing something that challenges the mind! What are you going to do with this knowledge?

Clinical psychiatrist Daphne Wallace describes her own personal experience of being diagnosed with vascular dementia
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The various stages of the Alzheimer’s disease

Article by Harry

One must be aware of dementia – the brain disorders that lead to memory loss. The Alzheimer’s disease is one of them. Here, the patient suffers a great loss in intellectual ability, which slowly and gradually, affects routine activities. The progressive nature of the disorder prevents improvement in the health and status of the patient. To the contrary, with time, the patient’s condition becomes more severe. There are two things that one must be aware of: One, that Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal sign of aging and two, that it is not the cause for all kinds of memory loss. As healthcare experts evidently state, it is known that with age there are issues with the power of recollection and comprehension but these are not directly and not always related to this medical condition.

The stages of the disorder are categorized into seven different parts through the life cycle of the patient.

First Stage of No cognitive impairment

This is the very early stage of the disorder. There are no visible signs of development of the condition. Most often, this stage goes unnoticed because it is very difficult to interpret behavioral changes. Unless the patient has other problems, even a medical examination would generally not show any difference in ognitiveabilities.

Second stage of Very mild decline

This is a peculiar stage where the individual himself feels the changes but others do not. Friends and family may not notice changes but the patient could begin to report memory lapses and the feeling of becoming forgetful.

Third stage of Mild cognitive decline

Very close relatively like the spouse of the patient, who know the patient very closely, might observe slight changes in memory and reaction to normal activities. Co-workers may find a change in the working pattern of the patient. Nevertheless, this stage may also go unnoticed.

Fourth stage of Moderate cognitive decline

Medical professional can find symptoms of the disease while examining the patients in this stage. The individuals in this stage begin to find it difficult to cope with surroundings. They are unable to perform tasks that required the use of metal ability like doing math, calculating finances, planning parties, etc.

Fifth stage of moderately severe cognitive decline

The Alzheimer’s disease patient loses a substantial amount of memory by this stage. He or she finds it difficult to remember important facts like one’s own home number, college name, etc and appear to be lost at times about where they are or what they are doing.

Sixth stage of severe cognitive decline

Recent events and awareness about happenings begins to decline. The patient begins to forget names of close relatives like spouse and children. They begin to have problems with simple activities like dressing up and need assistance and supervision. Biological inconsistencies are also reported.

Seventh stage of Very severe cognitive decline

Walking, speaking, eating, using the toilet and interacting in any manner become very difficult in this stage. The patient needs complete support, supervision and care. This is the last stage of the Alzheimer’s disease. By this time, the patient has lost the ability to correspond to the environment in any manner.

Alzheimer’s is in the Spotlight for the Month of October Nationwide, and in this report unveil the various stages of Alzheimer’s
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Disease Of Alzheimer – Caring For One

Article by Roberto Sedycias

If you are taking care of someone who is elderly and suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, first you need to remember that there are many stages of the disease and it is important to determine which stage they are in before you proceed with your care.

Sometimes a person will only show signs of ordinary memory loss, what might just seem like normal signs of aging, they will forget if they locked the door or not or they will forget to call you back, or they will misplace things and not know where their keys are but then after a time they will start to forget bigger things, like what day it is and what year they are in and then they will forget who you are altogether, and then they will forget who they are themselves and not know why they are in the house at all, and they will take to wandering outside looking for an answer that might finally put some peace back into their frantic minds. At this point, of course, if it has staged that far, you need to make sure you get them some assistance already because this can be a very dangerous stage and can result in fatalities or they might get lost or hurt somewhere out there all alone and that would not be something you would want them to endure.

At that point taking care of them means to have them in an assisted living facility or living with a full time nurse because they will need to be monitored at all hours, so that they are not in any danger of being a harm to themselves. They might resist but you need to make sure that they are overseen at all times because they might get into harmful situations otherwise that will really become a threat to their wellbeing. So, if you can, make sure they have someone to watch them at all hours.

However, if they are not in such a progressed state, there are other ways you can help them remember. Try to make them reminder cards, as many as they need, and put labels on things so that they do not forget or at least so they can have some sense of security in knowing there are guides present in case that they do. Try not to get impatient or frustrated with them, either. You need to understand that this is not their fault and cannot be helped and you cannot get angry or frustrated if they do not remember things that would be easy for you to recall because they are suffering. Instead, you have to try and understand that sometimes they will mistake the present for the past and sometimes you need to go along with it, because if you don’t it will only create confusion for them and difficulty finding peace in their surroundings. This is an important thing to do or else you will find that you harm them a lot more than help.

Dementia signs or symptoms : A synopsis

Article by Kazanii Olporte

Signs and symptoms regarding dementia tend to be a bit different for each and every man or woman, while they develop the idea within their individual method. The actual distinction regarding Signs involving dementia is dependant on exactly what in fact brought on the particular dementia. There is regular list of dementia symptoms regarding an average joe. An individual informed they have dementia may have some of these dementia symptoms. Most dementia signs or symptoms can be clear while some may well continue to be undiscovered for years. The lack of short term recollection is generally the initial indicator associated with dementia. Often the person forgets precisely what he\she uttered a few times back as well as forgets wherever he\she set an item inside a time.In the first stages Symptoms involving dementia may be difficult for you to detect. To start with the actual individuals start off having issues throughout articulating by themselves. Pertaining to lack of a much better expression they will sometimes make use of its word and phrase replacements as well as attempt to specify the idea. They start off dropping their particular items and also retain forgetting information regarding people such as their brands and also associations your man or woman. Much more obvious Signs or symptoms associated with dementia will be after they begin misplacing things the start off having problems together with activities that they execute often. Familiar jobs like food preparation, driving, tasks savings around your house, monetary routines and so forth. turn into quite difficult for them to sustain. You’ll be able to detect Signs or symptoms of dementia much more evidently if your affected individual shows a rapid alter in personality. As an example people that were really social using other folks commence turning into far-away or perhaps a really particular person becomes distressed or perhaps irritated. Away from disappointment and also anger they will start behaving in another way and turn into ambitious pertaining to quick lapses. His or her ability to remedy issues dissolves and so they retain showing poor choice. Pretty apparent dementia signs or symptoms tend to be paranoia along with staying on your guard regarding almost everything. The person commences dropping trust for those close to him\her. Within not familiar adjoining that they lack when it comes to performance. Throughout these kinds of situations they frequently wander away, searching for common reasons. These are the most clear dementia signs or symptoms because they are all to easy to observe.Inside much more designed levels dementia signs or symptoms turn into even more clear. All of the past dementia signs that were listed turn into a whole lot worse. Regular pursuits sometimes turn out to be impossible to complete along with demand help coming from people to finish. Also dressing or perhaps gonna the bathroom . becomes hard with no somebody there to aid. They commence possessing disorder using snooze and their particular routine pertaining to asleep fails. The majority of individuals lay conscious in the evening and also slumber by day time. Obtaining brand new ability or mastering something fresh turns into quite challenging. Their belief of the surrounding will become disoriented perhaps because of their common places. More hazardous dementia symptoms tend to be if they grow to be prone to drops or injuries to be perplexed as well as insufficient greater common sense. They start assuming in their personal imaginations and hallucinate a whole lot.Inside the significant phases dementia signs or symptoms grow to be extremely productive as the individual turns into entirely can not perform most things independently. That they shed the two long-term along with short-term memory. The person actually will become unacquainted with his\her issues and also attitude towards other people. In serious stages the sufferer needs to be taken care of together with a great deal of treatment and tolerance.

Dr. Michael Kaplan explains the type of dementia that Pat Summitt has been diagnosed with.
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Pharmaceutical Corporations, Sugar and the Alzheimer’s Condition, Hunting For the Result in of Alzheimer’s

Article by Emanuel Aguilar

Most men and women assume that the most important signal is an inability to keep in mind details. On the other hand, this is only a single of the signs that a person is struggling from Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s can be characterized by a decline in the capability to don’t forget details, a loss of memory that may perhaps be intermittent or consistent, as well as declines in the ability to perform each day routines that ended up formerly finished with no problem.At times people today will show up to have vision issues as they glance at objects, but don’t appear to recognize them. It is important that vision is checked to be confident that this confusion is not related to cataracts, macular degeneration, or other vision issues typical to the elderly.

Potential to participate in conversations in a coherent way. In the beginning phases of the disorder, the particular person may well seem to be participating proficiently in conversations. Even so, caregivers must take note of no matter if or not the man or woman is truly ready to remedy specific issues or supply significant remarks on the subjects that are currently being discussed. Individuals with early stages of Alzheimer’s are normally conscious that they are getting troubles and are ready to keep conversations with rote phrases that make it seem that they have an understanding of what is becoming said (i.e. “That’s what I imagined.” ” Properly, you in no way know.” “I suppose so.” They normally look to monopolize conversations due to the fact this will allow them to management the subjects and remain away from things that they do not fully grasp. They show up extremely pleasant to outsiders for the reason that they are so “chatty”, but there is typically little substance to their conversation.Trouble in doing feeling of composed content (significantly less frequent). Commonly, the potential to read through is an individual of the previous things to deteriorate as Alzheimer’s will take around. Having said that, caregivers may perhaps note that the particular person is reading through material, but seems to misinterpret what is browse or are not able to keep in mind even the common information immediately after a limited period of time of time. They could not recall that they have go through an report before and may deal with aged authored data as anything “new”.Issues performing every day tasks – either commencing the jobs or finishing them. This can be projects as basic as brushing teeth or gaining dressed. The person may well have issue figuring out how to get started out or may possibly start out the task and then appear to “get misplaced.” Frequently this is aggravating to caregivers for the reason that the person’s capacity to finish duties may change from an individual day to the subsequent. Sometimes jobs will be completed, but will not be completed the right way (forgot to place on underwear, forgot to brush the again of their head,etc.)Difficulty carrying out jobs that involve crucial contemplating and/or judgment – specifically people associated to safety. The man or woman may perhaps get started to show poor safety awareness – leaving doors open, water jogging, burners on. This becomes a distinct problem when the human being lives alone and does not have somebody else to verify on them.

I’m a young functioning men, who lives in England. I am operating in the finance corporation and I reveal on my blog my information on the economic mechanism.Alzheimer

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Dementia and the Aging Adult

Article by Florence Jenkins

Dementia is the deterioration of brain function which often strikes aging elders, a chronic problem that is progressive in nature. Many times the disease goes undetected in elders since the symptoms can seem like natural signs of aging at first. However, better understanding dementia can help caregivers and loved ones identify the early signs of the disease and reach out to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment, both of which are crucial to helping the person with dementia living a more fulfilling life.

Who is in danger?

Over 36 million adults over the age of 65 reside in USA, and most cases of dementia reported are within this age group. Those who have suffered strokes or experienced neurological problems in the past are more likely to fall prey to dementia, as are those with a history of alcohol dependence or brain tumors. In addition, there are cases where dementia may be misdiagnosed, when the real cause of dementia-like symptoms is a treatable problem such as an underactive thyroid gland. In such cases, the problem may be reversible if treated.

What are the signs?

Dementia symptoms are complex and can be difficult to treat. Very early signs include memory loss, disorientation, loss of coordination, and a general decline in motor skills, which affects day-to-day activities such as driving, bathing, dressing, and cooking. Moreover, these symptoms may cause the person with dementia to feel frustrated and anxious, which may result in irritability, anger, drastic mood swings, and strange and hostile behavior. All of this is the dementia talking.

How is dementia diagnosed?

Unlike many other diseases, there is no single test to diagnosis dementia. Rather, to diagnose dementia doctors rely on a battery of tests and questions, including blood tests, MRIs and CT scans, and memory tests in addition to general questions regarding symptoms. However, none of these tests or methods are 100% reliable and sometimes dementia is undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

What is the cure?

While dementia is a disease that cannot be reversed, it may be possible to slow down the degenerative process with medical intervention, and mitigate some of the frustrating consequences with support from a caregiver, and the implementation of lifestyle changes to make living with dementia easier. There are also medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors that treat certain cognitive symptoms in the early and middle stages of dementia.

The importance of counseling for the caregiver

Counseling for the person with dementia and his or her caregiver often helps to ease the frustration of managing the disease. However, it is often more important for the caregiver to seek counseling to ensure he or she has the support necessary to cope with the strain of caring for someone with dementia. It can be difficult to maintain a positive outlook in the face of day-to-day challenges; however, having an outlet for one’s frustration and emotion is essential to one’s personal wellbeing.

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Signs And Warnings Of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Article by Joe Gardener

Many people are curious about what the signs of Alzheimer’s Disease are. Well there are many different signs, and it is a wise idea to learn what they are.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a disease that is often devastating for older people. If someone has any of the warning signs, then they should immediately seek attention from a qualified medical professional. It does mean that they should get attention to determine if they have the disease.

If they do, early treatment can make all of the difference in the world. If they don’t, then they can eliminate it from the list of issues and not have the stress of wondering.

The signs include:Forgetting how to do life activities- When a person shows that they don’t know how to cook, or play cards, or repairs around the house, this can be one of the warning signs. It indicates a disconnection possibly in their brain, and will be one of the main issues that some people will exhibit that may be in early states of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Losing ability to make decisions or pay bills- This is often one of the things that people that come down with Alzheimer’s disease deal with. They will reveal this to other people without meaning to, and it is one of the signs that their brain might not be functioning 100 percent or could be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Relating a past event or story word for word over and over- Repeating yourself is one of the better known signs of Alzheimer’s Disease that many people do not realize they are doing. But it is a clear sign to others that they should be evaluated. Many people can receive early Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment and stop the effects before they become too advanced.

Getting Lost in Familiar Surroundings- This is a sign that often is noticed by friends and family, when people who have lived all their lives in an area or region suddenly cannot find their way home, or get lost trying to find popular and familiar landmarks. Another part of this is misplacing household objects on a repeated basis.

This does not mean if you cant find the TV controller that you have developed Alzheimer’s Disease. But if you have a family member that repeatedly and consistently lose the same things over and over then it’s a good idea to schedule a screening for Alzheimer’s.

Asking Same Question- This is one many in the public are aware of. It is a clear sign of mental confusion, and is a good warning indicator that medical attention is needed.

Refusing to Bathe, or insisting they have already- Confusion about simple things is one main indicator of possible Alzheimer’s Disease, or Dementia.

A slideshow about the seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease for an understanding of what to expect when living with a loved one that has been diagnosed.
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