Dementia
Dementia
Introduction Dementia is a progressive brain dysfunction (in Latin 'dementia ' means irrationality), which results in a restriction of daily activities and in most cases leads in long term need for care. Many diseases can result in dementia, the most common, Alzheimer 's disease (Dementia.com, 2007).
Description of Dementia
“Dementia describes a group of symptoms that are caused by changes in brain function. Dementia symptoms may include asking the same questions repeatedly; becoming lost in familiar places; being unable to follow directions; getting disoriented about time, people, and places; and neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition. People with dementia lose their abilities at different rates. Dementia is caused by many conditions. Some conditions that cause dementia can be reversed, and others cannot” (PsychCentral, 2007). “The two most common forms of dementia in older people are Alzheimer’s disease and multi-infarct dementia (sometimes called vascular dementia). These types of dementia are irreversible, which means they cannot be cured” (PsychCentral, 2007). “Reversible conditions with symptoms of dementia can be caused by a high fever, dehydration, vitamin deficiency and poor nutrition, bad reactions to medicines, problems with the thyroid gland, or a minor head injury. Medical conditions like these can be serious and should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible” (PsychCentral, 2007). “Sometimes older people have emotional problems that can be mistaken for dementia. Feeling sad, lonely, worried, or bored may be more common for older people facing retirement or coping with the death of a spouse, relative, or friend. Adapting to these changes leaves some people feeling confused or forgetful. Emotional problems can be eased by supportive friends and family, or by professional help from a doctor or counselor” (PsychCentral, 2007).
Symptoms of Dementia
“The most recent memories are
Introduction Dementia is a progressive brain dysfunction (in Latin 'dementia ' means irrationality), which results in a restriction of daily activities and in most cases leads in long term need for care. Many diseases can result in dementia, the most common, Alzheimer 's disease (Dementia.com, 2007).
Description of Dementia
“Dementia describes a group of symptoms that are caused by changes in brain function. Dementia symptoms may include asking the same questions repeatedly; becoming lost in familiar places; being unable to follow directions; getting disoriented about time, people, and places; and neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition. People with dementia lose their abilities at different rates. Dementia is caused by many conditions. Some conditions that cause dementia can be reversed, and others cannot” (PsychCentral, 2007). “The two most common forms of dementia in older people are Alzheimer’s disease and multi-infarct dementia (sometimes called vascular dementia). These types of dementia are irreversible, which means they cannot be cured” (PsychCentral, 2007). “Reversible conditions with symptoms of dementia can be caused by a high fever, dehydration, vitamin deficiency and poor nutrition, bad reactions to medicines, problems with the thyroid gland, or a minor head injury. Medical conditions like these can be serious and should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible” (PsychCentral, 2007). “Sometimes older people have emotional problems that can be mistaken for dementia. Feeling sad, lonely, worried, or bored may be more common for older people facing retirement or coping with the death of a spouse, relative, or friend. Adapting to these changes leaves some people feeling confused or forgetful. Emotional problems can be eased by supportive friends and family, or by professional help from a doctor or counselor” (PsychCentral, 2007).
Symptoms of Dementia
“The most recent memories are
References: Adams, M. (2004). Obesity causes Alzheimer’s. Massive wave of Alzheimer’s to strike America in the years ahead October 14, 2007, from http://www.dementia.com/bgdisplay.jhtml?itemname=dementia_about Healthscout.com Retrieved October 12, 2007, from http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/456/main.html PsychCentral docosahexaenoic acid content and risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease... Archives of Neurology, 63 (), 1545-1550. Retrieved from http://www.newstarget.com/z021939.html