Dementia

Dear Linda:
       My mother repeats stories, gets lost in familiar places, forgets to eat and bathe, and is often disoriented. I don’t know if she has dementia or Alzheimer’s. Can you explain the difference?
Confused Daughter


Dear Daughter:

       The classic symptoms of dementia include the ones you’ve identified and also impaired judgment, behavioral problems, mood swings, and difficulty with language and abstract thinking. Caused by changes in brain function in those over 65 years old, dementia (nerve cell mutation or destruction) affects a person’s ability to do Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s).

       The two most common types of dementia are Multi-infarct (vascular dementia caused by stroke) and Alzheimer’s (progressive disease destroying communication pathways). Neither condition is curable. Of those with vascular dementia, about half also have Alzheimer’s disease. Several drugs are effective in slowing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and in reducing associated anxiety, depression or problems with sleeping. With Multi-infarct dementia patients, physicians often prescribe medication to control blood pressure and prevent new strokes.

       Dementia is caused by many conditions. Some are treatable: high fever and dehydration, poor nutrition and vitamin deficiency, head trauma, medication reactions, and problems with thyroid gland. Seek diagnosis and treatment options.

       Emotional problems can be mistaken for dementia. Seniors face the loss of work, family and friends, and physical wellness. Adapting to these changes and resulting emotions—anger, sadness, loneliness, worry and boredom—can result in being confused and forgetful. These problems can be eased by supportive friends and family, a professional counselor, and appropriate medication.

       A physician can conduct a thorough physical examination (blood and urine tests), can assess medical history, prescription use and diet, and may recommend a neurological and/OR psychiatric evaluation. A CT scan may be ordered to rule out a curable disease and identify brain changes.

       Delay disease onset by keeping the mind sharp. Keep working or volunteer after retirement, stay involved in stimulating interests, maintain physical fitness and a positive attitude.

       Visit www.dementia.com and contact the the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900 or www.alz.org for more information and critical support services.