Dementia is a medical condition where a persons mental abilities end up restricting their ability to function in daily life.
Each part of the brain controls a persons ability to perform different tasks. When these mental functions deteriorate it could mean that dementia is taking hold on their lives. Mental tasks that commonly become difficult include: memory, judgement, orientation and speaking coherently.
Dementia is not always the root cause of problems. It can be a result of other diseases or medical conditions like head injury, Alzheimer's disease or a stroke.
Most of the time we see dementia in our elderly. The risk of it developing increases as we get older. Five percent of those over 65 and twenty percent of those over 80 have dementia. It can occur at any age but tends to be caused by other conditions or diseases in younger individuals.
Dementia advances at different rates depending on the individual and cause. It can sit idle for a period of time and come back every so often. Certain types of dementia can be recovered from. This all depends on how quickly it is treated and what caused it. Other types, such as dementia caused by Alzheimer's, cannot be reversed and will slowly affect the brain over time.
Dementia is a sneaky medical condition because a person who is afflicted with it may not even realize there is a problem. Cognitive skills can deteriorate so slowly that it can seem like a normal part of aging. The first symptom that usually stands out is a person's inability to remember things or complete a task. A person's personality often changes especially in those who already suffer from depression or anxiety disorders. As the condition progresses, disruptive or strange behavior starts to occur. This behavior is usually really out of character. Dementia takes a heavy toll on families and the medical care is usually long term.
If you are a family member of someone you suspect has dementia you might have to be the one to suggest a visit to the doctor. They will give a full physical and take a look at the patient's medical history. The doctor might have questions for you because it can be difficult for the patient to describe how they functioned in life prior to the incident.
Treatment of dementia is geared at curbing the symptoms and not attacking the condition at it's source. There are many types of treatment options available for dementia. The doctor might recommend prescription drugs and a visit to a psychologist. You can also use herbs to help curb the symptoms. Talk with a doctor and a homeopath in your area if you plan to do this.
Author Resource:-
Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Cert. Aromatherapist & natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Natural Holistic Health Blog which offers info on more natural home remedies & healing techniques for common health & emotional ailments and conditions at http://www.Natural-Holistic-Health.com/
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