Around 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia. When compared to young people, it is mostly connected with older people. People with dementia, unfortunately, are frequently denied the basic rights and freedoms that others enjoy. Physical and chemical restraints are often utilized in care homes for the elderly in various nations.
Most people with dementia in Falls Church are unaware of the symptoms and preventive measures. Below, we provide you with all the information you need concerning dementia.
Symptoms of Dementia
Dementia signs and symptoms may be discreet during the early stages but are likely to worsen with the progression in the brain. A good understanding of dementia symptoms and a person-centered approach are required to provide appropriate care for individuals with dementia. The dementia symptoms can be grouped into two major groups as discussed below.
Cognitive Symptoms
Cognitive impairment can arise from virtually any poorly controlled chronic disease of the brain or the body’s organs, including hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease. The common cognitive symptoms in dementia include:
- Being confused about time and place.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change.
- Memory loss.
- Mood changes.
- Communication problem.
Non- cognitive Symptoms
Non-cognitive symptoms are the most common. They include:
Delusions- These are false beliefs that a dementia patient may have.
Hallucinations- Are sensory experiences that appear real but are not normally created by the mind.
Depression- Some signs of dementia may strongly resemble those of major depression such as social withdrawal, lack of interest in self or others, low initiative, poor motivation, and mood.
Psychosis- Is defined as a loss of contact with reality.
Apathy- Is the reduction in motivation and initiation of activities.
Sleep Disorders- Dementia patients experience some difficult sleep patterns for instance they tend to do more work activity during the night and deep sleep during the daytime.
Is It Possible to Diagnose Dementia?
There are a variety of medical techniques for dementia diagnosis. These include:
Radiological Images
This procedure involves some radiology techniques. Health images are taken such as Head CT scan (computerized tomography) and Brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Through these images, the doctor can detect changes in brain structure and function. The images can also identify strokes and tumors that cause dementia.
Laboratory Examination
An amount of blood is collected from the patient by the lab technicians. Laboratory examination of levels of different chemicals, vitamins, and hormones is carried out. The doctor can rule out non-dementia causes of the symptoms using laboratory investigations.
Psychiatric Evaluation
This technique tool is employed by a psychiatrist, which can include answering questions verbally and receiving a physical test, these may be used to diagnose problems with memory, thought processes, and behaviors. Diagnoses can include depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and addiction.
Prevention Tips for Dementia
Dementia is difficult to prevent because the cause is frequently unknown. People with dementia caused by a stroke, on the other hand, may be able to avoid further declines by reducing their risk of heart disease and stroke. Even if you don’t have any of these identified hazards, these techniques can help you improve your general health:
- Quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight.
- Make sure you get enough exercise.
- Consume nutritious foods.
Nevertheless, people with dementia can still enjoy life. You can always apply the preventive tips in your daily life and be cautious of any dementia symptom detected. Book an appointment for the diagnostic process for dementia today.
