Dementia is a memory function due to organic brain disease that is characterized by the premature death of large numbers of brain cells. It is a progressive, degenerative condition that involves the deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, resulting in memory loss and disorientation. This condition progresses over several years. It is estimated that 75 percent of people 65 years and older are plagued with symptoms of dementia. The disease rarely manifests itself before age 60.
As of today, there is no known cause for dementia. However, there are several theories including prolonged exposure to copper and aluminum present in food, cookware, antacids and antiperspirants. In addition, it has also been discovered that vitamin deficiencies including B12, zinc, potassium, selenium and boron was present in most dementia patients. Furthermore, it was also discovered that genetics, environmental and pharmaceutical toxins, autoimmune factors, brain injury/trauma, cholinergic nerve destruction due to excitatory amino acids, gluten sensitivity or allergy to wheat, hypothyroidism, elevated homocysteine levels and excess cortisol from adrenals, which destroy optimal brain functioning were additional factors in the cause of dementia.
Initial symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, cognitive decline, inability to carry out common tasks of everyday living, inability for abstract thought, and impaired judgment. As the disease progresses, forgetfulness becomes severe memory loss, particularly when dealing with short-term events. Later symptoms can also include loss of personal vitality, changes in personality (to include anxiety, mood swings and apprehension), and ineffective movement. Mathematical calculations may also become difficult, indicating a decrease in intellectual ability in addition to becoming unable to find the right words. These symptoms can typically intensify at night with involuntary actions, incontinence, belligerence and violent behavior. However, some victims become more docile and withdrawn.
Another important piece of information to keep in mind that the symptoms listed above can also be caused by prescription medications. These pharmaceuticals can also be linked to many psychological deficits and altered psychological behavior. It is imperative that a patient be checked thoroughly before prescribing these medications. In addition, preparing patients nutritious meals with plenty of vitamin B is also vital to their brain function. Research indicates that many elderly patients are malnourished and this can cause symptoms of dementia as well. Therefore, patients should be given a proper diet along with vitamin supplements to determine if these symptoms are related to nutrition.
There are two broad categories for dementia, the subcortical dementias and the cortical dementias, depending upon which part of the brain is affected.
Subcortical dementia results from a decline of function in the parts of the brain that are beneath the cortex. Typically, language difficulties and memory loss are characteristic of cortical dementias are not present. On the other hand, people with subcortical dementias, such as Parkinsons disease, Huntington's disease, and AIDS dementia complex, tend to show changes in personality and attention span. Furthermore, thinking tends to slow down.
The outer layer of the brain or the cerebral cortex is responsible for language and memory. This is the area affected by cortical dementia. Patients who are afflicted with this disorder experience acute memory impairment as well as the inability to recall words or understand common language or aphasia. Common diseases of the cortical dementia include Alzheimer's and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. However, there is the possibility of both areas of the brain being affected. In this case, it would be referred to as multi-infarct dementia.
As of today, there is no known cause for dementia. However, there are several theories including prolonged exposure to copper and aluminum present in food, cookware, antacids and antiperspirants. In addition, it has also been discovered that vitamin deficiencies including B12, zinc, potassium, selenium and boron was present in most dementia patients. Furthermore, it was also discovered that genetics, environmental and pharmaceutical toxins, autoimmune factors, brain injury/trauma, cholinergic nerve destruction due to excitatory amino acids, gluten sensitivity or allergy to wheat, hypothyroidism, elevated homocysteine levels and excess cortisol from adrenals, which destroy optimal brain functioning were additional factors in the cause of dementia.
Initial symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, cognitive decline, inability to carry out common tasks of everyday living, inability for abstract thought, and impaired judgment. As the disease progresses, forgetfulness becomes severe memory loss, particularly when dealing with short-term events. Later symptoms can also include loss of personal vitality, changes in personality (to include anxiety, mood swings and apprehension), and ineffective movement. Mathematical calculations may also become difficult, indicating a decrease in intellectual ability in addition to becoming unable to find the right words. These symptoms can typically intensify at night with involuntary actions, incontinence, belligerence and violent behavior. However, some victims become more docile and withdrawn.
Another important piece of information to keep in mind that the symptoms listed above can also be caused by prescription medications. These pharmaceuticals can also be linked to many psychological deficits and altered psychological behavior. It is imperative that a patient be checked thoroughly before prescribing these medications. In addition, preparing patients nutritious meals with plenty of vitamin B is also vital to their brain function. Research indicates that many elderly patients are malnourished and this can cause symptoms of dementia as well. Therefore, patients should be given a proper diet along with vitamin supplements to determine if these symptoms are related to nutrition.
There are two broad categories for dementia, the subcortical dementias and the cortical dementias, depending upon which part of the brain is affected.
Subcortical dementia results from a decline of function in the parts of the brain that are beneath the cortex. Typically, language difficulties and memory loss are characteristic of cortical dementias are not present. On the other hand, people with subcortical dementias, such as Parkinsons disease, Huntington's disease, and AIDS dementia complex, tend to show changes in personality and attention span. Furthermore, thinking tends to slow down.
The outer layer of the brain or the cerebral cortex is responsible for language and memory. This is the area affected by cortical dementia. Patients who are afflicted with this disorder experience acute memory impairment as well as the inability to recall words or understand common language or aphasia. Common diseases of the cortical dementia include Alzheimer's and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. However, there is the possibility of both areas of the brain being affected. In this case, it would be referred to as multi-infarct dementia.
About the Author:
A highly regarded editor and news reporter with more than 10 years of experience. Esther Dacanay is a featured writer on Clivir.com where she shares her knowledge about Dementia Cures and Dementia Intermediate Care on Clivir.com.
