Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Diagnose Dementia

Dementia is often perceived as a disease. This condition, however, is actually a combination of symptoms that include loss of memory the ability to reason. Many of the details that surround dementia are unknown. There are a variety of issues that may be the catalyst for dementia.


Instructions


1. Observe major changes in mood or behavior. During the onset of dementia, symptoms may not be as pronounced. Subtle changes will occur in the patient’s ability to process through mildly stressful situations. If, for example, the potential sufferer goes into a rage because the mail man is late, this may be a sign of some issues related to dementia.


2. Find out about history of severe depression or stroke. Depression is often misdiagnosed as dementia. This is significant because depression is treatable whereas some forms of dementia are not. A history of stroke may lead to dementia because the constriction of blood vessels leads the neurological dysfunction that causes dementia.


3. Understand the link between Alzheimer’s and dementia. Alzheimer’s is the cause for approximately 50% of the cases of dementia. In cases where dementia is caused by Alzheimer’s, there is no cure. Preventive measures to slow the rate of Alzheimer’s are the best solution for dementia in these cases.


4. Read the statistics on dementia. Dementia is primarily relegated to people over 65. The likelihood of dementia is about eight percent for people over 65. That likelihood doubles every five years. Half the people over 80 are likely to have dementia.


5. Know the vitamin deficiencies that lead to the onset of dementia. The lack of vitamin B12 is a known link to dementia. Those in high risk group should make sure the recommended allowance of B12 is received.


6. Join online message groups. Dementia is something that occurs in every part of the world. Patients and their caregivers need support in dealing with the trials that accompany dementia. Joining these types of groups will give patients and caregivers a sense of community and a better understanding of the condition and the man ways people arrive at this juncture in their lives.


7. See a doctor. After reviewing all the steps listed, find a trusted healthcare professional that can iron out all the details of dementia and provide resources for the entire network of family and friends. Dementia affects it sufferer and those around him or her. The doctor will also provide the proper prescriptions, if the dementia is curable.

Tags: people over, onset dementia