The Brain

The Brain

Problems with the BrainDementia group of symptoms affecting intellectual and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning. Caused by conditions or changes in the brain.Different types exist Alzheimers is the most common.Dementia indicates problems with at least two brain functions, such as memory loss with impaired judgment or language.Some causes are treatable and even reversible.Symptoms of DementiaMemory lossDifficulty communicatingInability to learn or remember new informationDifficulty with planning and organizingDifficulty with coordination and motor functionsPersonality changesInability to learnInappropriate behaviorParanoiaAgitationHallucinations

When to See the DoctorSee the doctor when you see memory problems or other symptoms in yourself or a loved one.Some medical conditions can cause dementia and are treatable. Early diagnosis is important.

CausesIt is not always from the same disease.Some occur on their own like Alzheimers.Much is still unknown.May be caused by a reaction to medication or an infection, but are reversible.

Progressive DementiasAlzheimers caused by destruction of brain cells. Two types of brain cell damage are common protein clumps (plaques) and protein strands (tangles). It progresses slowly with a decline in cognitive abilities. It can also be seen early as a result of a defective gene. It may also be genetic (FAD).

Progressive Dementias cont.Lewy body dementia abnormal clumps of protein in the brain. Also found in people with Parkinsons disease. Symptoms are similar to Alzheimers, but people will fluctuate between clear and foggy thinking, visual hallucinations, and tremors or rigidity. They may thrash out or kick in their sleep due to the development of a sleep disorder (RBD REM sleep behavior disorder).

Progressive Dementias cont.Vascular dementia damage to the brain as a result of a problem with arteries serving the brain and the heart. Symptoms are sudden, usually after a stroke, and may occur in people with high blood pressure, or previous strokes and heart attacks. May also be caused by an infection in the heart valve, or a build up of protein in the brains blood vessels (causing bleeding strokes).

Progressive Dementias cont.Frontotemporal dementia caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Symptoms will include problems with personality, behavior, and language. They may be seen between the ages of 40 and 65. The cause is really not known, but there is a link to certain genetic mutations. Sufferers usually do not have a family history of dementia. There is a protein link with ALS.

Disorders Linked to DementiaHuntingtons disease inherited disease causing nerve cells in brain and spinal cord to waste away.Dementia pugilistica caused by repetitive head trauma.HIV-associated dementia HIV destroys brain cells.Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease rare, fatal brain disorder that occurs sporadically with no known causes. May see problems with language, coordination, personality, and memory.Secondary dementias associated with disorders that affect movement (ex. Parkinsons)Dementia Causes That Can Be ReversedInfections and immune disordersMetabolic problems and endocrine abnormalitiesNutritional deficienciesReactions to medicationsSubdural hematomasPoisoningBrain tumorsAnoxia (not enough oxygen to the tissues in the body)Heart and lung problems

Risk Factors That Cannot Be ChangedAgeFamily History

Risk Factors That Can Be ChangedAlcohol useAtherosclerosisBlood pressureCholesterolDepressionDiabetesHigh estrogen levelsHomocysteine blood vessels (elevated level of an amino acid)Smoking

Problems Resulting from DementiaInadequate nutritionReduced hygieneDifficulty taking medicationsDeterioration of emotional healthDifficulty communicatingDeliriumProblems sleepingPersonal safety challengesTests Medical history and physical examCognitive testsNeurological evaluationBrain scans (CT, MRI, EEG Electroencephalogram)Lab tests (blood and urine)Psychiatric evaluation

Common MedicationsCholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne) help with memory and judgment. (Side effects nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.)Memantine (Namenda) help with learning and memory. (Main side effect dizziness)

Lifestyle and Home RemediesCarry a reminder calendar/keep a journalMaintain a calm and stable home environmentEstablish a nighttime ritualCreate a plan (for the future)

Alternative MedicineVitamin E theory that it slows Alzheimers. May cause bleeding.Omega-3 fatty acids essential nutrient for brain function.Coenzyme Q10 little testing has been performed. Ginkgo some believe that it helps with memory. No real benefit. May react with blood-thinning medication.Huperzine A has increased risk of toxic side effects.

PreventionKeep your mind activeBe physically and socially activeLower your homocysteine levelsLower your cholesterol levelsControl your diabetesLower your blood pressurePursue educationMaintain a health dietGet your vaccinations.