Dementia is a loss of brain function that affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior. As we get older, most of us will experience some difficulties with memory. We’ve all forgotten a name, where we placed the car keys, or why we walked into a room. But this is normal forgetfulness, and does not necessarily indicate dementia.
Dementia is described as a collection of symptoms indicating that thinking processes are deteriorating, affecting the person’s ability to carry out daily activities. Signs of dementia may include: forgetfulness, orientation problems, language problems, difficulty with common actions like dressing or making a phone call, thinking ahead, and changes in the person’s character.
There are several diseases that can cause dementia. While the most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease, there are other less common causes such as Vascular Dementia (i.e. stroke or brain lesions), Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease and Pick’s Disease. Dementia-like symptoms can also develop as a result of another condition, such as alcohol or substance abuse, vitamin deficiency, medication issues or certain infectious diseases.
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause for dementia and accounts for nearly 60 percent of all cases. Alzheimer’s affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. It is a progressive disease, and symptoms will become serious enough to cause increased concern for friends and family. The person may fail to recognize familiar people and places, and will have problems speaking, understanding, reading, writing, and performing daily activities. During the later stages of the disease, he or she may become anxious and/or aggressive and can have a tendency to wander. Eventually, the person will need total care.
Memory loss is not a normal part of the aging process. Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease can be treated with medications to slow down the progression of the disease, but there is currently no cure. However some forms of dementia can be treated, so it is imperative to receive a proper diagnosis as early as possible.
For more information on Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease and/or senior care options, please contact Kim Duffy or Mary Dembkowski at Summerhill Villa 661-254-9933.