Dementia

What is dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms of cognitive decline which interfere with your ability to perform your usual responsibilities and activities. 

Several conditions cause dementia symptoms. Alzheimer’s disease is the most well-known and prevalent. The second most common type of dementia is vascular dementia, which develops after a stroke. Other types of dementia include:

• Lewy body dementia
• Frontotemporal dementia
• Huntington’s disease
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Parkinson’s disease
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Conditions such as thyroid disease and vitamin deficiencies can also cause dementia symptoms. 

What are the signs of dementia?

Dementia symptoms include a mix of cognitive and psychological changes, such as:

• Memory loss
• Trouble finding the right words
• Impaired visual and spatial abilities
• Decreased problem-solving skills
• Problems with planning, organizing, and complex tasks
• Confusion and disorientation
• Lost coordination and motor skills
• Personality changes
• Inappropriate behavior
• Agitation 
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations

Dementia is usually progressive, with symptoms developing gradually. In fact, you might not even notice that your cognitive abilities have changed. Your spouse, partner, or children will probably see the symptoms first. 

How is dementia diagnosed?

Unfortunately, there’s no single test to diagnose dementia. Revived Soul Medical P.C. offers thorough assessments to identify dementia.  

Your assessment may include cognitive and neuropsychological tests to evaluate your memory, orientation, judgment, and language skills. They also offer neurological evaluations of your memory, problem-solving skills, balance, reflexes, and other senses. 

They may also recommend a psychiatric assessment to gauge if depression or another mental health condition is causing your dementia symptoms. 

In some cases, your provider may order brain scans such as MRIs, CT scans, or PET scans. Blood tests can also show if a vitamin deficiency or hormonal problem contributes to your symptoms. 

How is dementia treated?

Revived Soul Medical P.C. provides highly customized treatments for dementia. While in most cases dementia can’t be cured, the team can help you manage your symptoms and slow or even halt the progression of the disease. Your treatment plan may include:

• Medication such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine
• Occupational therapy
• Environmental modification
• Task simplification 

Your provider may also recommend dietary changes or nutritional supplements if your symptoms are due to a vitamin deficiency.

If you’re concerned about dementia, either for yourself or a loved one, call Revived Soul Medical P.C. or make an appointment online today.