Just what is dementia? It is just part of the ageing process, isn't it?
November 14th 2007 23:21
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From Malaysia comes this report (attached via the link) on dementia.
NOTE WELL
Dementia is not a part of the ageing process.
It is more common in the senior citizens and is associated with various conditions that affect the brain.
Those affected may appear well in the early stages but relatives and friends may notice changes.
Assessment is important to exclude treatable conditions.
There is no cure for the majority of dementias but much can be done to maintain the affected person’s quality of life. Support and care are the hallmarks of its management.
Dr. Milton Lum brings us the article in the staronline.
He mentions support and care and defines dementia in the following terms:
DEMENTIA is the loss of mental abilities like memory, thinking, reasoning, speech, mood and behaviour.
He gives an outline on the various brain diseases associated with ageing, the cognitive decline and says family and friends may be aware of it sooner than the patient.
He talks also of emotional problems and the difficulties experienced in making a diagnosis and states some of the treatments involved. He does not talk much about the prevention of dementias which is a focus of this blog.
Brain health and its maintenance is relevant at any age and the more neural connections you have the less likely you are to be affected as has been mentioned in previous posts.
He lists the treatments for some conditions that are associated with dementia and you can see from these that there is a wide range of medical conditions that can produce similar symptoms but which are in fact treatable.
These are:
# brain tumours, head injury or hydrocephalus, which are managed with surgery;
# infections, which are treated with anti-microbials;
# vitamin or hormone deficiency, which are treated with supplements;
# medicines, which are treated by altering the medication prescribed;
# drug and alcohol abuse, which are treated by lifestyle changes.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, treatment with certain drugs may prevent the symptoms from worsening, for a period of time.
The herb, gingko biloba, has been reported to have a small but significant improvement in symptoms like forgetfulness and confusion in Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
Non-cognitive symptoms are treated with a variety of non-pharmacological therapies e.g. aromatherapy, music, dance, contact with pets, massage, and exercise.
Anti-psychotic medicines are prescribed for a period of time for those who have severe symptoms like psychosis and agitation. Cognitive behavioural therapy may be prescribed for depression and anxiety. Anti-depressant medicines may also be prescribed
It is my personal view that many of these drugs given a proper treatment regime and suitable diet and exercise are not necessary, but in some conditions there does not appear to be any alternative.
So, as prevention is better than cure, may I suggest you do whatever you can to maintain body and mind health from an early age.
Youth does not last long but an awful lot of damage can be done in this period of life. Best avoid that if you can and if you will
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Comment by tlcorbin-raginravensview
I wonder what affect agent orange will have on my mental state as I get older. Timely post.
Raven
Comment by katyzzz
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