What is Dementia? Is it treatable?





Dementia in which there is a progressive loss of memory, and reduction in cognitive ability occurs. Alzheimer is other disease with neural disorder. With the age, the structure of the brain changes. Buy Seeker's Thoughts Magazine for April 2020- Corona Special Edition

T he part which is associated with learning, acquiring, and maintaining memory it has neural cells. These neural cells get damaged or reduced.

activity. Memory loss is also an example of dementia. In simple words, dementia is a term for ‘diseases and conditions’ characterised by a decline in memory, language, problem solving ability to perform everyday’sactivity. Memory loss is also an example of dementia.





How to recognize, if a person has dementia?





E arly signs of dementia can include:

Changes in short-term memory.

Changes in mood.

Trouble finding the right words.

Apathy.

Confusion.

Being repetitive.

Finds it hard to follow a storyline.

Trouble completing everyday tasks.

Poor sense of direction.

Difficulty adapting to changes.





Is Alzheimer similar to dementia?





No. Alzheimer can be the most common cause of dementia, but as it is mentioned earlier that dementia can be a group of diseases too.









What are the causes of dementia?





Dementia is often associated with the degeneration of neurological cell, which can be due to Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.





Dementia is not a single disease in itself, but a general term to d escribe symptoms of impairment in memory, communication, and thinking.





However, the following diseases can be causing the dementia-

Alzheimer's disease Vascular cognitive impairment Dementia with Lewy bodies Frontotemporal dementia Parkinson’s disease Huntington’s disease HIV Traumatic brain injury





How many stages are of Dementia?





Forgetting your key and wallet often make you feel like you are losing your memory, however, these can be very normal habits.

However, when it comes to dementia, there are seven stages associated to it.





Stage 1- No impairment





Everyone starts at stage 1. There are no symptoms of cognitive impairment, mental function is normal.





Stage 2- Very mild cognitive decline





This stage can vary between typical age-related memory problems that most seniors face (such as forgetting certain dates) or could include some of the beginning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the side effects that correspond with this stage include:

· forgetting everyday phrases

· forgetting the location of important objects (such as where your father left his keys)





Stage 3- Mild Cognitive Decline





Stage 3 is where symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s can become more noticeable to friends and family. This stage won’t have major impact on your loved one’s day-to-day life, but you may notice these signs:

· Impaired work performance

· Memory loss/forgetfulness

· Verbal repetition

· Poor organization and concentration

· Trouble with complex tasks/problem solving

· Difficulty driving





Stage 4- Moderate Cognitive Decline





This stage is commonly defined as early on set Alzheimer’s or dementia. Symptoms of cognitive decline are apparent and your loved one should be seeing a health care professional. Signs at this stage include:

· Social withdrawal

· Moodiness

· Non-responsive

· Trouble with routine tasks

· Denial





Stage 5- Moderately Severe COnginitive Decline





Stage 5 is when your loved one is likely to need help with routine tasks like dressing or bathing, requiring a home caregiver or a move to a memory care community. Other symptoms include:

· Confusion/forgetfulness

· Memory loss of personal details and current events

· Reduced mental acuity and problem-solving capacity





Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline





Also known as middle dementia or moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease, this stage will find your loved one requiring help for Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) such as using the bathroom or eating. Your loved one may also experience difficulty sleeping, increased paranoia or delusions, anxiety, and difficulty recognizing loved ones.





Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline