Dementia is a harsh and heartbreaking diseases. Dementia is the umbrella term used when describing symptoms of a number of illnesses. These illnesses cause a slow progressive decline in your functioning. Symptoms that are looked for include memory loss, loss of intellect, rationality, social skills, and physical functioning. Although before these symptoms are diagnosed as dementia, they must be affecting two or more brain functions. Brain functions doctors look for include memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behaviour.
Types of Dementia
There are two main types of dementia, these
are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. However, there are more types
such as frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body disease, and dementia from
Parkinson’s disease.
Causes of Dementia
Dementia develops as a result of the degeneration of neurons or disturbances in
the body that affect how neurons function. Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s
disease, with dementia, and vascular dementia are included in neurodegenerative
diseases. There are factors that can cause neurodegenerative diseases such as
side effects of medication, chronic alcoholism and also some tumours or
infections of the brain. Other causes of dementia include frontotemporal lobar
degeneration. This is when there is damage to the frontal and temporal lobes in
the brain. Also, metabolic disorders and toxins like lead can cause dementia. People
with Alzheimer’s disease have high levels of brain inflammation.
Genetics
Some people may be worried if they have seen
loved ones suffer from dementia, that they too are at risk. That is not always
the case. There is a particular gene, the apoliprotein E, including ApoE2,
ApoE3, and Apo4 associated with some cases of dementia. This though, is only
one risk factor among many. Regarding Alzheimer’s specifically, only 40 – 50%
of what causes the disease is attributable to genetics. In rare cases the
attributable cause is gene mutations. This is thought to be at only 5% of
cases. This means that for some, dementia may be preventable.
Symptoms
Some symptoms can include, having a hard time when
it comes to accepting changes in schedules. There can also be small changes
in short-term memory. This can cause remembering things such as childhood or
events that happened 30-years-ago feel as though they happened yesterday but at
the same it can be a struggle to remember things that happened that day, such
as what was eaten at breakfast. There can be difficulty with word recollection
or association. Some words can be repetitive and sometimes there is a confused sense
of direction, even though the person may have driven the same way for years. Also,
when watching television, the person may struggle to follow story lines or
descriptions. There may also be changes in mood, resulting in people feeling depressed,
frustrated or angry more often. There can also be a loss of interest in the hobbies
or activities they used to enjoy. Confusion can cause them to feel as though people,
places, and events are no longer familiar and they may have difficulty
completing everyday tasks that used to cause them no issues before.
What
to do
All of the above make Dementia a difficult illness
for the person having it and for their loved ones. By all means take assistance
from doctors and other organisations that offer it but don’t discount a visit
to the naturopath/nutritionist as to what would be an ideal diet to lower
inflammation. Also get some testing as to what is causing the inflammation in
the first place. Inflammation in the body causes illness. Find out what
pollution is upsetting them, what Wi-Fi they are exposed to and if there is a
balance of sleep, exercise, social interaction and nurturing. This clinic looks
at all those issues and can help you discover new information about yourself or
a loved one which will improve the quality of lifestyle. Feel free to give us a
call to discuss your needs.
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