Helpful Information
What is Dementia?
Dementia is the primary diagnosis or an “umbrella” term for disorders of the brain that cause specific memory problems-short term memory problems.
The diagnosis of dementia includes disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, mixed dementia, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia.
How is Alzheimer’s different?
EXCERPT FROM Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often used interchangeably as many people believe that one means the other. In fact, the distinction between the two diseases often causes confusion on the behalf of patients, families, and caregivers. Discover how the two diagnoses, while related, are remarkably different. Read more….
What are some of the symptoms?
The person can have difficulty solving problems, irritability with schedule changes, personality changes or may be easily confused (all are short term memory problems). There are many conditions that can cause memory problems but may not result in dementia such as medication interactions, infections, decreased oxygen availability, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease to name a few.
What can I do?
The most important preventative action a person can take is to maintain overall good health which includes maintaining regular sleeping, eating, water intake and exercise patterns. It’s very important to follow your primary providers’ recommendations for controlling high blood pressure, diabetes and other chronic conditions. There is no cure yet. Though we don’t understand all the causes of dementia, there are medications available that help slow the process of brain cell loss.