Helping Loved Ones by Understanding the Symptoms of Dementia

For some, dementia conjures up images of difficult behavior and loss of control. Dementia is not a specific physiological or psychological disease. Rather, it is the progressive deterioration in cognitive functions due to


brain damage, leading to symptoms of dementia. In many instances, progressive deterioration in cognitive function is part of normal aging. According to a study published in The Lancet, the number of people with dementia is expected to double every two decades, reaching 8.1 million in 2040.


Symptoms of dementia can be classified as reversible or irreversible. Not all symptoms of dementia are permanent. About 10 percent of all dementia are reversible. Reversible dementia can be triggered by reactions to medication or endocrine abnormalities.


In general, irreversible dementias are degenerative and incurable. Alzheimer's or strokes can cause them. Symptoms include memory loss, cognitive confusion, and the inability to problem-solve and complete multi-step activities, such as preparing a meal or balancing a checkbook. The three most common dementia causes are Alzheimer's, vascular dementia (induced by strokes), and dementia cause by Lewey bodies. They often bring


on memory loss (normally the initial symptom of dementia). When this occurs, the individual should seek a medical evaluation to determine the cause. Proper differential diagnosis between the types of dementias requires


thorough and comprehensive mental and physical exams by a qualified specialist such as a geriatric internist, neurologist, neuropsychiatrist, or geropsychologist.


The earlier the symptoms of dementia are diagnosed, the sooner the implementation of several agents and lifestyle changes (i.e. eating a balanced diet, increased physical, social, and mental activities) can be put in place to slow down the progression of cognitive decline. The benefit is


that this will allow people with dementia a better chance at maintaining their independence and quality of life for a longer period of time. In understanding the symptoms of dementia, family members will be able to cope more effectively with their loved ones' changes in personality and functioning. For instance, it's very helpful for a family member to understand that in the middle stage of dementia, their loved ones' ability to formulate sentences and comprehend complex directions have deteriorated.


At this stage, the family member will communicate baby-step instructions that involve one action at a time. For example, teeth brushing require multiple steps, from picking up the toothbrush and putting toothpaste on the


brush to brushing one's teeth, rinsing.


Since agitation and irritability increases as dementia progresses, family members will know to speak only in a positive manner. Positive instructions and statements are made while avoiding using the word "don't" or "can't".


Negative commands are avoided, so instead of saying, "Don't go in that room", say instead, "Let's go over to the other room."

Scott Windford is a retired freelance writer from Torrance, CA. For additional information on dementia symptoms, prognosis, and support resources, log onto dementiaguide.com.

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What the Baby Boomer Generation Should Know About Dementia Alzheimers and Memory Loss

As the baby boomer generation retires, many are concerned about dementia, Alzheimer's and memory loss. Modern technology and scientific advancements in health care are helping individuals live longer and healthier lives than any previous generation. The statistics of past generations indicate that 10 percent of individuals over the age of 65 years of age develop memory problems. By the age of 85 years of age, the percentage of memory problems increases to 50 percent.





Baby boomers are a generation that expects to grow old gracefully, physically and mentally. They expect to remain youthful and full of vitality as they age. Boomers do not want to know or experience the ill effects of aging, such as mental decline. This has been a driving force resulting in the research and studies done on the cognitive (thought) processes of the brain.





Although there is still much research to be done, there are some very promising findings being reported. Science now confirms that memory loss is not a normal part of aging. Proper nutrition, physical exercise and challenging the brain frequently are linked to brain fitness.





The causes of memory loss can occur gradually over time. The symptoms are not the average forgetfulness we all experience. As a society that is inundated with audio and visual stimulation everyday forgetfulness is a result of multitasking and stimulation over load.





It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of early memory loss, as intervention can prevent or delay the process.





What the Baby Boomer Generation Should Know about Dementia, Alzheimer's and Causes of Memory Loss





Some causes of loss of memory for the aging population can be due to alcohol abuse, use of illicit drugs, smoking and poor nutrition. There are many health related medical conditions and prescription medications that can have a negative effect on the aging brain. Many of these conditions and the effects they have on the memory can be treated with early intervention.





The aging baby boomer generation can be proactive in preventing memory loss from occurring. Studies show that physical activity such as aerobic exercise helps brain fitness. A study, done on a group of individuals over the age of 55 years old, used brain imaging on individuals that were active versus a sedentary group of the same age. Over a period of 6 months the physically active group exercised 3 hours a week. Both groups had brain imaging studies done prior to the start of the study. At the end of 6 months, the results were astonishing. Several areas of the brain showed an increase in the brain volume of the physically active participants.





The increase in brain volume occurred in the areas of the brain responsible for memory and thought process. Scientists are not sure why this increase in brain volume occurred, but it is thought that an increase in blood supply and connections between the neurons of the brain. Research scientists now feel that an active life style can prevent or delay dementias and Alzheimer's.





Baby boomers are a generation of ground breakers. They have pushed themselves to the limit and have tried new and different things. This is an important trait to continue to possess as they move into their retirement years. The brain can continue to form new connections between the neurons. This improves the ability to communicate, store and retrieve memory.





Being open to experiencing some new and different often is a key to maintaining a good memory and brain fitness. If you do crossword puzzles or Sudoku and become proficient at that task, you are no longer challenging your brain to continue to form new connections. Take a proactive approach and get out of your comfort zone. Your memory and mind will be glad that you did.





Traveling, meeting new people, dancing and even learning to use the computer are ways to keep the brain growing and firing up those neurons! Consider a brain fitness program.





A brain fitness program should test your abilities in a variety of different categories and identify your strengths and weaknesses. A good program will then build an individualized program based on your initial results. It will assist you to build your weak areas and continue to maintain or improve upon your strengths. A brain fitness program should also be able to give you feed back on a regular basis as to where you have improved and what changes your have made. Research shows that developing new connections occur and the brain can be revitalized by participating in a brain fitness program just 20 minutes three times a week.





The baby boomer generation should know that dementia; Alzheimer's and causes of memory loss can be prevented or delayed by taking a proactive approach to their health. Physical activity, trying something new and challenging can not only be fun but help your brain remember the good times you have!

Diane Carbo RN Please visit Diane's web site and learn more about the baby boomer generation and memory loss, dementia and Alzheimers here. While visiting sign up for "The Caring Advocate" her free newlsetter and get the opportunity to take a Health Care Advocacy e-course.

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