What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a condition, which affects function of the brain. It usually involves the cortex of the brain in general, though sometimes in some places. This condition causes a progressive decline of intellectual function. Dementia is more likely to affect the elderly; however young people may also develop the disorder. It affects 10 % of the population over 65 years, and 20 % over 80 years. Dimentia is a significant cause of morbidity in elderly population and has serious social and economic effects. Symptoms of dementia may differ from one person to another and usually become worse with time. When they become very severe, it is hard for the particular person to perform many day to day activities or to take care of him or herself.


Symptoms of dementia

• Confusion
• Agitation (irritability)
• Memory loss
• Difficulty thinking
• Difficulty understanding
• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Language problems (difficulty reading and writing)
• Difficulty managing movements of the body
• Loss of emotional control
• Loss of motivation
• Deterioration of social behaviour

Different types of dementia

• Alzheimer's disease
• Fronto-temporal dementia
• Vascular dementia
• Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)

Additionally, there are various other dementia.


Diagnosing dementia

Dementia can be diagnosed from the clinical history and basic examination. History of the condition should be taken from a person, who is a closed relative or has well known the patient for a long period. The GP will do cognitive testing (The mini-mental state examination) and psychometric testing to confirm the diagnosis of dementia. Psychometric testing evaluates individuals' behaviour and mental capabilities, including memory, use of language, ability to concentrate, and pay attention. If examination shows that the patient has a problem of intellectual functions, the health-care professional will offer additional investigations to look for features of dementia. The patient should be provided a physical examination, and a CT, PET or MRI scan of the brain. The health-care professionals may ask to do other tests to exclude or confirm additional medical conditions, which can cause dementia. For younger patients with dementia, they will offer EEG, CSF examination, and brain biopsy; the last mentioned only usually performed in specialised dementia units.



Related Links:

Dementia: What Goes on When a Person Is First Diagnosed - Part 1