Problems with the Brain Dementia 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.
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Symptoms of Dementia Memory loss Difficulty communicating
Inability to learn or remember new information Difficulty with
planning and organizing Difficulty with coordination and motor
functions Personality changes Inability to learn Inappropriate
behavior Paranoia Agitation Hallucinations
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When to See the Doctor See 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.
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Causes It 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.
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Progressive Dementias Alzheimers 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).
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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).
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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).
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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.
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Disorders Linked to Dementia Huntingtons 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)
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Dementia Causes That Can Be Reversed Infections and immune
disorders Metabolic problems and endocrine abnormalities
Nutritional deficiencies Reactions to medications Subdural
hematomas Poisoning Brain tumors Anoxia (not enough oxygen to the
tissues in the body) Heart and lung problems
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Risk Factors That Cannot Be Changed Age Family History
Slide 16
Risk Factors That Can Be Changed Alcohol use Atherosclerosis
Blood pressure Cholesterol Depression Diabetes High estrogen levels
Homocysteine blood vessels (elevated level of an amino acid)
Smoking
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Problems Resulting from Dementia Inadequate nutrition Reduced
hygiene Difficulty taking medications Deterioration of emotional
health Difficulty communicating Delirium Problems sleeping Personal
safety challenges
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Tests Medical history and physical exam Cognitive tests
Neurological evaluation Brain scans (CT, MRI, EEG
Electroencephalogram) Lab tests (blood and urine) Psychiatric
evaluation
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Common Medications Cholinesterase 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)
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Lifestyle and Home Remedies Carry a reminder calendar/keep a
journal Maintain a calm and stable home environment Establish a
nighttime ritual Create a plan (for the future)
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Alternative Medicine Vitamin 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.
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Prevention Keep your mind active Be physically and socially
active Lower your homocysteine levels Lower your cholesterol levels
Control your diabetes Lower your blood pressure Pursue education
Maintain a health diet Get your vaccinations.
