Dementia

Dementia

Dementia is the loss of mental functions such as thinking, memory, and reasoning this is severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily functioning. Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain. It is not a specific disease. People with dementia may not be able to think well enough to do normal activities, such as getting stressed or eating. They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions. Their personalities may change.

Causes of Dementia:

• Neurological disorders
• Infection- HIV
• Inherited disorders
• Vascular disorders
• Advancing age
• Genetics
• Head or brain injury
• Brain tumors
• Kidney, liver, lung disease
• Positioning
• Hypoxia and dehydration

Symptoms of Dementia:

• Memory loss
• Loss communication skills
• Language problem
• Inability to learn
• Difficulty with planning
• Impairment of judgment
• Inappropriate behaviour
• Change personality and mood
• Disorientation
• Severe confusion
• Neglect personal care
• Agnesia ( unable to recognize the object of a family member)
• Change in mood and change

Stages of Dementia:

Stage 1: Early stage (2 to 4 years)

• Forgetfulness
• Loss of interest
• Poor performance at work

Stage 2: Middle stage (2 to 12 years)

• Fear forgetfulness
• Social isolation
• Irritable, anxious
• Neglects personal hygiene

Stage 3: Final stage (1 year)

• Forget family
• Made to communicate
• Loss of ability to sit and stand
• Weight loss
• Even death

Diagnostic Test:

1. Family history
2. Physical examination
3. Neurological examination
4. Mini-mental status examination
5. CT scan and MRI
6. KFT, LFT
7. CSF culture
8. Electroencephalogram
9. Spinal fluid analysis ( show amyloid deposits)

Management of Dementia:

1- Anticholinesterase drugs

• Galantamine
• Rivastigmine

2- Antipsychotic drugs

• Haloperidol

1. Behavioural therapy
2. Maintain hygiene
3. Antidepressants
4. Anxiolytic agents