Dementia is the name given to a group of disorders of the brain. They progressively damage the ability of the brain to function normally. In order to be diagnosed with dementia, there must be:
Causes of dementia include:
Risk factors for dementia include:
They often begin mildly and progress over time. Symptoms vary according to the cause of the dementia, but often include:
Doctors diagnose dementia by:
There are no blood tests or exams that can definitively diagnose Alzheimer's disease. Certain types of brain imaging such as a SPECT or a PET scan may aid in a diagnosis. Tests to rule out other causes of dementia and other medical conditions that may mimic dementia include:
The doctor will also check to see if you have depression . It can often present like dementia.
Currently, there are no treatments to cure many types of dementia. Various drugs are being studied to see if they can decrease the symptoms of dementia or slow its course.
Only two types of medicines have been approved to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease:
Treatments that are being studied include:
This type of support is critical for people with dementia. Behavioral and environmental support includes:
People with dementia often develop psychiatric symptoms and may need appropriate treatment, such as:
Caring for a person with dementia is very difficult. Those providing care will need support . The Alzheimer’s Association is an excellent resource for families and caregivers.
There is no known way to prevent dementia. In general:
RESOURCES:
Alzheimer's Association
http://www.alz.org/
American Academy of Neurology
http://www.aan.com/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Alzheimers Association of Canada
http://www.alzheimer.ca/
Toronto Dementia Network
http://www.dementiatoronto.org/
References:
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Dementia: It's not always Alzheimer's. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dementia/AZ00003 . Accessed July 22, 2008.
Detection, diagnosis, and management of dementia. American Academy of Neurology website. Available at: http://www.aan.com/professionals/practice/pdfs/dementia_guideline.pdf . Accessed July 20, 2008.
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Last reviewed October 2009 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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