Dementia, the disease of forgetfulness

And forget to go back something is, certainly, no reason to panic, because in the age to take not only the physical but also the mental faculties from. However, the forgetfulness occurs more frequently, which can be a sign of dementia, a disease in which little by little the ego edges away.

Several million older people find on the question of the date or what made them yesterday and have no answer. You suffer from dementia, which translates as means without spirit and its main risk factor is age. The most common and best known form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, in which it causes pathological changes in the brain. Therefore, this form of dementia is also known as neurodegenerative. The second most common form of dementia called vascular dementia is caused by vascular contrast, for example, as a result of high blood pressure. Not always, however, a clear distinction between these two forms of dementia is possible because often meet different triggers. More rarely occur in neurodegenerative dementias such as frontal lobe dementia, Lewy body dementia or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In addition, a so-called secondary dementia may also develop as a result of another disease.

Different names for similar symptoms.

Although today are known over 50 different types of dementia, all have noticeable by similar symptoms. So does the diagnosis of dementia for those affected almost always irreversible loss of cognitive abilities, ie the reduction of intellectual functions such as thinking and remembering. In addition to the forgetfulness are typical symptoms of dementia and disorientation, language problems, delusions, personality changes, and difficulty with routine tasks such as eating, washing or wearing. However, the course of the disease and the severity of the symptoms may vary from case to case. To better understand the progressive course here, this is often described in terms of three stages, the last stage is characterized by the utter helplessness of those affected.

Not salutary but treatable.

Although dementia is not currently incurable, but the disease process can be slow down with appropriate therapies. Not only does the brain disorders are treated, but also the side effects. So come, for example, in Alzheimer medicines against symptoms such as anxiety or depression. In addition, diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes are treated to prevent further damage to the blood vessels. Positive effect on the course of dementia also affect the supply of the brain of oxygen and nutrients, regular training of mental efficiency, a healthy diet with adequate fluids and appropriate psychological and behavioral therapies, the latter not only the victims themselves, but also their families can provide help and support in dealing with the disease.