Bumps In The Road: The Dementia Journey?

Answer 1

Dementia is a journey into a new realm for the individual developing the disease and their family and friends. Considered a disease, dementia is defined as a progressive impairment of language, memory and social skills and currently affects one percent of adults over 60. Causes for dementia are many and include strokes, brain tumors, encephalitis, Alcoholism and meningitis. However, dementia is most commonly caused by Alzheimer's disease. Although there are no known cures for dementia, there are drugs and activities that can slow the progression of the disease. Early detection of the symptoms is key to securing early help and possibly delaying the progression of dementia. Impairment of language is manifested in the individual struggling for common words when conversing with others or attempting to write. It is possible that the individual may forget how to form letters or spell words. Meanings of words once understood may be lost to an individual with dementia. Word meaning is not the only loss of memory that can occur. Memory loss is usually one of the most noticeable and earliest symptoms of dementia and can run the gamut from mild to severe. Dementia can lead to not being able to remember recent events, what day it is, names of people and pets, what time it is, and familiar places. In severe cases, loved ones and friends may not be recognized. Dementia can result in the inability to complete simple tasks such as balancing a checkbook, following a recipe, paying bills or performing simple calculations. Individuals may constantly repeat themselves or ask the same question repetitively. Judgment may be impaired and could impact the individual's ability to handle emergency situations. In in addition to memory loss, dementia can lead to the loss of basic social skills. Personality changes can result in aggressive moods and agitation. Individuals suffering from the disease can lose interest in maintaining personal hygiene. Individuals can become depressed causing withdrawal from favored activities. One type of depression can result in the individual exposing themselves in public, making rude statements or sexually explicit comments. The journey into the world of dementia is filled with obstacles. Early recognition of the symptoms can help ease some of the bumps in the road.