Symptoms causes and possible solutions of Dementia

Symptoms causations and mathematical solutions of alienationIntroduction (source, NHS)Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) that is associated with an ongoing declineof the instinct and itsabilities. These embroilthinking,language,memory, at a pooh-pooh placestanding, andjudgement.People with hallucination whitethorn besides baffle problems viewling their emotions orbehaving appropriately in social situations. Aspects of their reputation may change. Most cases of insanity be ca utilise by constipation to the bodily structure of the virtuoso.How common is craziness?Dementia is a common condition. InEngland alone, there be catamenialy 570,000 quite a little living with frenzy. That derive is expected to effigy over the next 30 years.Usually alienation occurs in concourse who be 65or over. The older you get, the more likely you be to develop it.It is estimated that dementia occurs in1.4% of men and 1.5% of women senile in the midst of 65 a nd 69,3.1% of men and 2.2% of women aged between 70 and 74,5.6% of men and 7.1% of women aged between 75 and 79,10.2 % of men and 14.1% of women aged between 80 and 84, and19.6% of men and 27.5% of women aged 85 or over.Types of dementiaListed below be the contrastive typecasts of dementia.Alzheimers disease, where flyspeck clumps of protein, know as plaques, find to develop around brain cells. This disrupts the standard schoolings of the brain.Vascular dementia, where problems with alliance circulation leave behind in move of the brain non receiving decent air and group O.Dementia with Lewy bodies, where ab rule structures, known as Lewy bodies, develop inside the brain.Frontotemporal dementia, where the frontal and temporal lobes (two parts of the brain) begin to shrink. dissimilar new(prenominal)(a) types of dementia, frontotemporal dementia normally develops in dependable deal who atomic number 18 under 65. It is much r atomic number 18r than other types of d ementia.Thissection focuses on vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia. search Useful links for more entropy ab a right smart Alzheimers disease.OutlookIn clinical terms, the reveallook for dementia is not good. In roughly cases, there is no cureand symptoms go awaying get worse over while.However, train(p) if a soulfulnesss dementia washbowlnot be cured, there argon a number of effective interferences that mickle alleviate them to cope better with their symptoms and ameliorate their th polish offrical role of life.SymtomsVascular dementiaThe symptoms of vascular dementia tramp develop utterly and quicklyworsen.Or they cease develop gradually over many a(prenominal) months.Symptomsincludeincreasing difficulties with tasks and activities that learn concentration and designingning,memory deprivation,depression,changes in temper and temper,periods of mental confusion,low economic aid span,urinary incontinence,stroke-like symptom s, such(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) as massiveness weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, vagabond during the night, andslow and unsteady gait (the way that you laissez passer).Symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodiesThe symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies normally develop graduallybut getmore severe over the course of many years.The symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies includememory loss,low wariness span,periods of mental confusion,delusions (believing in things that atomic number 18 not true),difficulty planning ahead, go through stiffness,slower movement,shaking and trembling of arms and legs,shuffling while walking,problems sleeping,loss of facial deliverion, andvisual hallucinations (seeing things that atomic number 18 notthere). Usually muckle get out see other people or animals that be not real.Symptoms of frontotemporal dementiaFrontotemporal dementia is cause by damage to the parts of the brain that supporter control emotional responses and beha viour. Therefore, many of the initial symptoms of frontotemporal dementia involve changes in emotion, record and behaviour. manyone with frontotemporal dementia may snuff it little sensitive to other peoples emotions. This sess yield themseem cold and unfeeling.They may in addition doze off many of their inhibitions. This could lead to strange behaviour, such asmaking evokeually suggestive gestures in a public place, world rude to others or making tactless comments.Other symptoms of frontotemporal dementia includeaggression,compulsive behaviour,being easily distracted,an increasing overlook of interest in washing themselves, and personality changes. Aperson who was previously withdrawn may become genuinely outgoing, or vice versa.Some people with frontotemporal dementia overly permit problems with language.Symptoms continueing language includespeaking far less than usual, or not speaking at all,having problems finding the right word of honors to convey themselves, an dusing many words to describe whatsoeverthing simple. For example, saying a metal and wooden tool apply for digging instead of a cut intoCauses of dementiaVascular dementiaVascular dementia is cause when there is an recess to the business supply to the brain.Like all organs, in order towork properly the brain chooses a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients that is provided by the livestock. If the supply of seam is restricted or stopped, brain cells begin to die, resulting in brain damage.The agate line supply to the brain can become hitched during a stroke where botha countercurrent foul blocks the supply of wrinkle to the brain, known as an ischaemic stroke, ora blood vessel becomes weakened and wherefore splits. This is known as a haemorrhagic stroke.Sometimes, less severe blockages to the brain do not result in a stroke, but they can damage the brain to a lesser extent. This is known as a silent brain infarct. non everyone who has had a stroke or a silent bra in infarction will go on toget vascular dementia. Butit unendingly remains a possibility, particularly in people who find triune strokes or silent brain infarctions.Vascular dementia can as well develop if the vessels inside the brain narrow and harden. Narrowing and hardening of the blood vessels is known as arteriosclerosis.Know gamble factors for arteriosclerosis includediabetes,obesity,smoking, drunkennesstoo much alcohol, neglect of exercise, andeating a soaring- change dietDementia with Lewy bodiesLewy bodies are small, circularlumps of protein that develop inside the brain. It is not known what causesthem. It is in like manner unclear howthey damage the brain and cause dementia. nonpareil theory is that they block the set up of two neurotransmitters squawked dopamine and acetylcholine.Neurotransmitters are messenger chemicals that send teaching from one brain cell to another.Both dopamine and acetylcholine are estimation to play an important role in tendinging to regulate many important mental functions, such as memory, learning, mood and attention. Therefore, by blockage their effects, Lewy bodies may trigger dementia.Frontotemporal dementiaFrontotemporal dementia is ca employ by two parts of the brain (the temporal lobe and the frontal lobe) becoming increasingly damaged and then shrinking.In an estimated 40 to 50% of cases, people who develop frontotemporal dementia take aim inherited a genetic mutation (an altered gene) from their parents. These genetic mutations are thought tohave a negative effect on a protein known as the tau protein.All brain cells contain tau proteins. They help to concord the brain cells st adequate. However, if tau proteins stop working properly, they can damage brain cells.Ifno genetic mutationis found, the causes of frontotemporal dementiaremain unknown.Less common causes of dementiaDementia or dementia-like symptoms can have a number of less common causes, some of which are accost commensurate. These inc lude usurpedinjury to the head,infections of the brain, such as meningitis or encephalitis,Huntingtons disease, a rare genetic condition that causes progressive brain damage,Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare and fatal condition that causes damage to the brain and nervous system,an overactive or underactive thyroid gland,dehydration,lack ofvitamin B in the diet,poisoning,for example from lead or pesticides,having a brain tumour, andcertain lung and ticker conditions that interrupt the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain. analyse dementiaConfirming a diagnosis of dementia can be difficult, particularly when the condition is in its early stages. This is because many of the symptoms of dementia can be caused by otherconditions.In orderfor dementia to be bring upd right, you shouldhave a number of different tests and assessments includingAreview of your medical exam history.A large assessment of your mental abilities.A range oftests,including blood tests to rule out othe r executable causes of your symptoms, such as a vitamin B deficiency.Imaging run outs, such as a magnetic plangency imaging (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, which can provide information round the physical bear witness and structure of your brain.Areview of any medication you may be taking, in case these are contributing to your symptoms.Some of these tests can be carried out by your GP. Others will be carried out by other specia slants, such as a neurologist (an expert in treating conditions that affect the brain and nervous system) or a psychiatrist with experience in treating dementia.Assessing your mental abilitiesThere are some questionnaires that can be used to helptest your mental abilities and how severe your symptoms are. One widely used questionnaire is theMini Mental State Examination (MMSE).The MMSE can be used to assess a number of different mental abilities includingshort- and long-term memory,attention span,concentration,language and communication skills,abil ity to plan, andability to understand instructions.The MMSE is a serial publication of questions, each carrying a score that can give a level best(p) result of 30 points.Example questions includememorising a short list of objects and then repeat the list back, composition a short fate that is grammatically correct, such as the dog sat on the floor, andcorrectly indentifying the current day of the week, followed by the date, the month, the season and the year.While the MMSE cannot diagnosis dementia by itself, it isuseful for assessing the level of mental impairment that a person with dementia may have.Ascore of 25 or supra is considered normal.Ascore of 18 to 24 indicates mild to moderate impairment.Ascore of 17 or below indicates serious impairment.Ruling out other conditionsThere arefurther tests that can be used to rule out other conditions that may be responsible for the patients symptoms. These tests are outlined below.A full blood countA full blood count can be used to asse ss your frequent health and check for a range of disorders, including anaemia and infection. A blood smack will usually be taken from a vena in your arm using a needle and syringe. The test will in like manner check for other illnesses.Blood glucose testA blood glucose test can be used to determine whether your blood glucose level is normal, and can too determine whether you have diabetes. A blood sample is taken to rule out whether your symptoms might be caused by unknown diabetes.Urine analysisUrine analysis is used to diagnose diabetes or problems with your kidneys. During the test, you will be asked to pass a small sample of body of water into a sterile container.Measurement of thyroid hormonesA measurement of your thyroid hormones may be taken in order to screen for thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).Measurement of vitamin B12 levelsYou may also have a test to checkwhether your symptoms are caus ed by a lack of vitamin B12. However, ifyou dohave a B12 deficiency, it is still realistic that you may also have dementia.Imaging scansImaging scans can check if there are any underlying problems with your brain, such as a brain tumour, that couldhelp explainyour symptoms.Imaging scans can also identify changes in the visual aspect of the brain that may indicate dementia. Several types of imaging scans can be used in the diagnosis of dementia. These are described below.Magnetic tintinnabulation imagingA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is the best way to rule out other brain problems, and to help diagnose the type of dementia.MRI scans help doctors determine whetherthere is any shrinking to the outer layer of the brain,there is any evidence of changes to the blood vessels, orthere are any blood clots that might have resulted in vascular dementia.The test will also show whether other conditions, such as a brain tumour, are causing your symptoms.Computerised topographyA figu rerised topography (CT) scan can be used as an alternative to a MRI scan. A CT scan takes a series of X-ray images of your brain. The images are fed into a computer to build up a small3D image of the inside of your brain.Single photon-emission computed tomographyA atomic number 53 photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan may be recommended if doctors are unsure whether you have Alzheimers disease, frontotemporal dementia or vascular dementia.A SPECT scan is similar to a CT scan, but the scanner used for a SPECT scan is able to take moving pictures of the blood flow in your brain. The results show if the blood flow in your brain is abnormal, which can frequently be used to help diagnose the type of dementia.Treating dementiaYour sustenance planIf you are diagnosed with dementia, your rising health and social care needs will be assessed and a care plan will be drawn up. A care plan is a way of ensuring that you receive the right intervention for your needs.Examples of qu estions that couldcome upwhile drawing up your care plan are listed below.Doyou have a family member or helpmate willing to act as a carer?What support do you or your carer need for youto remain as independent as possible? ar thereany changes that need to be made to your billet to secure it easier to live in?Would you benefit from physical and occupational therapy?Doyou need additional preaching and advice to help you cope with symptoms of incontinence?Might you require residential care at some point in the future?It is important to remember that this is your care plan. You should ask as many questions as you want and arrive at sure that your wishes are known.Patient consent and advance(a) guidingPatient consent means that you have to give express permission before any medical handling can be carried out on you. Consent is needed for all manipulations, whether its a simple blood test or an organ donation.The onlytime when treatment can go ahead without yourpermission is if youa re unable tomake a decision on your own, and thedoctors responsible for your care believe that treatment is in your best interests.There may be a time in the future when your symptoms mean that youare no longer ableto give consent.Therefore, you may wish to draw up an advanced directive after first receiving a diagnosis of dementia. An advanced directivemakes your treatment preferences known now, in case you are not able to do this later.Subjectscovered byan advanced directive can includewhat treatment you would consider having and in what circumstances,what types of treatment you would never wish to have, no reckon what the circumstances,what type of end-of-life care you would wish to have, for example, whether you would want to be resuscitated by artificial means, such as having a hinting tube inserted into your cope if youhave lung failure, andwhether you would be willing to donate organs after your death.You cannot orison anything illegal in your advanced directive, such as assisted suicide. Your care team will be able to provide you with more information and advice about advanced directives.You may wish to appoint a fellow or family member to take care of your financial and legal affairs. This is known as granting power of attorney.SeeUseful linksfor information and advice about granting power of attorney.Psychological treatmentsThere are a number of different psychological treatments that can be used to help you copewith the symptoms of dementia and slow down thesymptoms. Theseare describedbelow.cognitive rousingCognitive stimulation involves taking part in activities and exercises that are designed to improve your memory, problem-solving skills and language ability.Itis provided by a trained carer, and usually consists of two 45-minute sessions a week. During these, you will be involved in discussions about a physique of topics, as well as taking part in word and memory games, and other activities, such as trying to identify pictures of famous p eople. behavioral therapyBehavioural therapy is used to help treat many of the behavioural problems that are associated with dementia, such as depression, aggression and delusional thinking.Behavioural therapy is usually provided by a carer, who can be a trained friend, comparative or an employed carer. It issupervised bya health professional.Behavioural therapy uses a problem-solving approach where possible motivations and reasons for troublesome behaviour are identified. varied strategies are adopted to try to change that behaviour.For example, a person with dementia may have a history of wandering out of their home or care centre because they feel restless. Therefore, a strategy that involves supporting them to take part in regular physical exercise maylessen their restlessness.Reality penchant therapyReality orientation therapy is a type of therapythat reducesfeelings of mental disorientation, memory loss and confusion, while improving feelings of self-esteem.Reality orientat ion therapy may involve group work in a classroom, in which a board prominently displays information such asthe current day and date,the location of the classroom, andthe names of the people in the group.The group members repeata series of tasks that are designed togive mental stimulation. These tasks alsoreinforce information regarding the time, the placeand the people involved in the group.Multisensory stimulationMultisensory stimulation is a way of stimulating the brainusing different elements. These includelighting, relaxing music and sounds, massage cushions, aromatherapy (scents) and different touch sensations.By stimulating different areas of the brain, multisensory stimulation aims to lessen feelings of confusion and restlessness, andimprove mood and language skills.However,this treatment is not suitablefor everyone with dementia, as some people find the effects of stimulation upsetting and unpleasant.Exercise therapyExercise therapy consists of either general fittingness t raining or a structured fitness programme. It is designed to improve a persons physical mobility, as well as benefiting mental function and mood.MedicinesAcetylcholinesterase inhibitorsAcetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AIs) are widely used to treat Alzheimers disease. They are not usually recommended for other forms of dementia because the evidence for their effectiveness is restrain and, in some cases, may make symptoms worse.One exception is for people living with dementia with Lewy bodies that have behavioural problems, such as delusions or hallucinations,which are causing them significant distress or leading to thought-provoking behaviour.AIswork by delaying the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, as low levels of acetylcholine have been linked to behavioural problems.Side effects includenausea,vomiting,diarrhoea,muscle cramps,fatigue,loss of appetite,agitation, competitive behaviour,dizziness and fainting,insomnia, andurinary incontinence.AntipsychoticsAntipsycho tics are medicines that can be used to treat challenging and disruptive behaviour, such as aggression or agitation.However, antipsychotics are not usually recommended for the treatment of dementia becausethey can summation the risk of a person experiencing cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes, andthey can make the symptoms of dementia worse.Also, in people who have dementia with Lewy bodies there is evidence that antipsychotics can cause a range of serious side effects, such asrigidity,immobility,being unableto perform tasks,being unableto pass on and,possibly,sudden death.Antipsychotics are usually only used in cases where there are severe symptoms of challenging and disruptive behaviour that is judged to place you and/or others at risk of harm. They are only used if there is a full discussion between yourself and/or your carer and your care team about the benefits and risks of treatment.Antipsychotics will be prescribed at the lowest dosepossible, and for as short a time as possible. Your health will also need to be carefully monitoredif you are taking antipsychotics.Side effects of antipsychotics can includedrowsiness,shaking,trembling,muscle twitches,spasms,weight gain,blurred vision,constipation,lack of sex drive, anda dry mouth.Preventing DementiaPreventing vascular dementiaWhile it is not possible to prevent all cases of dementia, there are some measures thatcan helpprevent vascular dementia, as well as cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes and heart attacks.As experts in treating dementia often say, What is good for your heart is also good for your head.The best ways to prevent vascular dementia areEat a tidy diet. take hold a healthy weight.Get commensurate and regular exercise.Drink alcohol in moderation.Dont smoke.DietTo help prevent dementia, a low-fat andhigh-fibre diet is recommended. This includes hatful of unused fruit and vegetables (five portions a day) and wholegrains.Limit the amount of season that you eat to no more thansix g ramsa day. Too much salt will increase your blood pressure, which puts you at risk of vascular dementia. One teaspoon of salt is about six grams.Avoid eating foods that are high in double-dyed(a) fat because this will increase your cholesterin level, which also puts you at risk of vascular dementia.Foods high in saturated fat includemeat pies,sausages and fatty cuts of meat,butter,ghee (clarified butter, often used in Indian cooking),lard,cream,hard cheese,cakes and biscuits, andfoods that contain coconut or palm oil. have some foods that are high in unsaturated fat can lessening your cholesterol level. Foods high in unsaturated fat include saponaceous fish,avocados,nuts and seeds, andsunflower, rapeseed and olive oils.WeightBeing overweight can increase your blood pressure, which increases the risk of vascular dementia. Thisrisk is higher if you are obese.The around scientific way to measure your weight is to calculate your dead body circle Index (BMI). This is your weight in kilograms divided by your pinnacle in metres, squared. In the UK, people with a BMI of between 25 and 30 are overweight, and those with an index above 30 areobese. People with a BMI of 40 or more are morbidly obese.The best way of tackling obesity is to reduce the amount of calories that you eat, and ensure that you take regular and sufficient exercise. Your GPcangive you further information and advice about how you can do this.http//www.nhs.uk/Tools/PublishingImages/bmi_tease.gifExerciseRegular exercise will make your heart and blood circulatory system more efficient. It will alsolower your cholesterol level andkeep your blood pressure at a healthy level, all of which will lower your risk of developing vascular dementia.For most people, 30 minutes of vigorous exercise a day, at to the lowest degree five times a week, is recommended. The exercise should be arduous enough tomake your heart beat faster, and you should feel slightly out of breath afterwards. Examples of vigorous exer cise include going for a marvellous walk or walking up a hill.Alcohol inebriety excessive amounts of alcohol will cause a rise in your blood pressure, and raise the cholesterol level in your blood.Sticking to the recommended limits for alcohol usage is the best way to ensure that you reduce the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and vascular dementia.The recommended daily levels of alcohol expenditure arethree to fourwholes of alcohol for men, andtwo to threeunits for women. A unit of alcohol is equal to about half a pint of normal strength lager, a small glass of wine or a pub measure (25ml) of spirits.http//www.nhs.uk/Tools/PublishingImages/do_you_drink_tease.gifSmokingSmoking can cause your arteries to narrow, which can lead to a rise in your blood pressure. It is also a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases, malignant neoplastic disease and vascular dementia.The NHS Smoking Helpline offers advice and encouragement to helpyou stop smoking. You can call on 0800 022 4332 or visit the NHS Go Smokefree website (see Useful links).Your GP or pharmacist will also be able to give you help and advice about giving up smoking.Preventing other types of dementiaThere is some evidence that rates of dementia are lower in people who remain as mentally and physically active as possible throughout their lives, and have a wide range of different activities and hobbies.Some activities that may reduce the risk of developing dementia includereading,writing for pleasure,learning foreign languages,playing musical instruments,taking part in adult education courses,playing tennis,playing golf,swimming,group sports, such as bowling, andwalking.There is no evidence that playing brain training computer games reduces the risk of dementia.Dementia (souce,Bupa)reventing vascular dementiaWhile it is not possible to prevent all cases of dementia, there are some measures thatcan helpprevent vascular dementia, as well as cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes and heart attacks.As experts in treating dementia often say, What is good for your heart is also good for your head.The best ways to prevent vascular dementia areEat a healthy diet.Maintain a healthy weight.Get sufficient and regular exercise.Drink alcohol in moderation.Dont smoke.DietTo help prevent dementia, a low-fat andhigh-fibre diet is recommended. This includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (five portions a day) and wholegrains.Limit the amount of salt that you eat to no more thansix gramsa day. Too much salt will increase your blood pressure, which puts you at risk of vascular dementia. One teaspoonful of salt is about six grams.Avoid eating foods that are high in saturated fat because this will increase your cholesterol level, which also puts you at risk of vascular dementia.Foods high in saturated fat includemeat pies,sausages and fatty cuts of meat,butter,ghee (clarified butter, often used in Indian cooking),lard,cream,hard cheese,cakes and biscuits, andfo ods that contain coconut or palm oil.Eating some foods that are high in unsaturated fat can decrease your cholesterol level. Foods high in unsaturated fat includeoily fish,avocados,nuts and seeds, andsunflower, rapeseed and olive oils.WeightBeing overweight can increase your blood pressure, which increases the risk of vascular dementia. Thisrisk is higher if you are obese.The most scientific way to measure your weight is to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI). This is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres, squared. In the UK, people with a BMI of between 25 and 30 are overweight, and those with an index above 30 areobese. People with a BMI of 40 or more are morbidly obese.The best way of tackling obesity is to reduce the amount of calories that you eat, and ensure that you take regular and sufficient exercise. Your GPcangive you further information and advice about how you can do this.http//www.nhs.uk/Tools/PublishingImages/bmi_tease.gifExerciseRegular exercise will make your heart and blood circulatory system more efficient. It will alsolower your cholesterol level andkeep your blood pressure at a healthy level, all of which will lower your risk of developing vascular dementia.For most people, 30 minutes of vigorous exercise a day, at least five times a week, is recommended. The exercise should be strenuous enough tomake your heart beat faster, and you should feel slightly out of breath afterwards. Examples of vigorous exercise include going for a brisk walk or walking up a hill.AlcoholDrinking excessive amounts of alcohol will cause a rise in your blood pressure, and raise the cholesterol level in your blood.Sticking to the recommended limits for alcohol consumption is the best way to ensure that you reduce the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and vascular dementia.The recommended daily levels of alcohol consumption arethree to fourunits of alcohol for men, andtwo to threeunits for women. A unit of alcohol is equal to about half a pint of normal strength lager, a small glass of wine or a pub measure (25ml) of spirits.http//www.nhs.uk/Tools/PublishingImages/do_you_drink_tease.gif