Dementia

When you notice that your loved one is exhibiting signs of forgetfulness and disorientation, dementia becomes a concern. 

The causes of dementia are varied: 

• Brain tumors
• Medication interactions
• Infections
• Thyroid Conditions
• Depression
• Vitamin Deficiency
• Abnormal protein structures in the brain (Lewy bodies)
• Vascular Dementia (generally caused by stroke)
• Alzheimer’s Disease

Some of these causes can be reversible, others however are degenerative.  It is imperative that you speak to your loved one about seeing a physician for assessment as soon as symptoms associated with dementia are noticed.  Forgetfulness is not a natural part of aging. 

Memory loss is generally the first sign of dementia, but there are other symptoms including:

• Changes in personality
• Loss of language ability
• Difficulty with problem solving
• Gait changes

Your physician will perform a number of laboratory tests and medical assessments to determine the cause of the symptoms.  Treatment will generally include medication, ensuring proper nutrition and getting enough rest.

For more information, the following articles are recommended:

Family Caregiver Alliance (2008).  Dementia- Is this Dementia and What does it Mean. http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=569.

National Institute on Aging (2008).  Forgetfulness, It’s not Always What You Think. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/forgetfulness.htm.

AARP (2008).  Dementia. http://assets.aarp.org/external_sites/adam/html/1/000739.html.

Sources Cited:

Family Caregiver Alliance (2008).  Dementia- Is this Dementia and What does it Mean.

National Institute on Aging (2008).  Forgetfulness, It’s not Always What You Think.
AARP (2008).  Dementia.