Better Living Home Care Agency
(Sacramento)

9719 Lincoln Village, Suite 609
Sacramento, California 95827
(916) 361‑3000

Better Living Home Care Agency
(Walnut Creek/Concord)

2280 Diamond Boulevard, Suite 580
Concord, California 94520
(925) 680‑0300

Facts About Dementia

The term "dementia" is used to describe patients with impaired intellectual capacity. Dementia patients may also be labeled as having "presenile" or "senile" dementia, "chronic" or "organic brain syndrome," "arterio‑sclerosis," or "cerebral atrophy." Dementia is not a normal part of the aging process. Dementia can be caused by abnormal disease processes and can affect younger as well as older persons.

Symptoms of Dementia

• Short‑term memory loss
• Inability to think problems through
• Inability to complete complex tasks
• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• and paranoid, inappropriate or bizarre behavior

Possible Causes of Dementia

Deteriorating intellectual capacity may be caused by a variety of diseases and disorders. The National Institute on Aging states that some 100 conditions which mimic serious disorders are actually reversible. These are sometimes called "pseudodementias," and are often treatable. Examples of conditions causing reversible symptoms of dementia are:

• Reactions to medications: Older persons taking prescription drugs may suffer adverse reactions, including confusion. Sedatives, hypnotics, neuroleptics, antihypertensives and antiarthritic medications are among the most common. All medications, including over‑the‑counter drugs and herbal remedies, should be monitored by a physician to reduce the possibility of side effects.
  
  
• Emotional distress: Depression or major life changes such as retirement, divorce or loss of a loved one can effect one's physical and mental health. A physician should be informed about major stressful events. Severe delusional states should also be diagnosed by psychiatrists.
  
  
• Metabolic disturbances: Problems including renal failure, liver failure, electrolyte imbalances, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, hepatic disease or pancreatic disorders can provoke a confusional state, changes in sleep, appetite or emotions.
  
  
• Vision and hearing: Undetected problems of vision or hearing may result in inappropriate responses. This could be misinterpreted as dementia because an individual is unable to perceive surroundings or understand conversations. Hearing and eye examinations should be performed.
  
  
• Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies of B vitamins (folate, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine) can produce cognitive impairment. Special attention should be given to patients who have difficulty in chewing, swallowing, or digesting food. Loss of taste and smell, loss of appetite, poorly fitting dentures or even difficulty shopping or preparing food may lead to nutritional deficiencies.
  
  
• Endocrine Abnormalities: Hypothryroidism, hyperthyroidism, parathyroid disturbances or adrenal abnormalities can cause confusion which mimics dementia.
  
  
• Infections: Older persons can develop infections which produce a sudden onset of a confusional states. They should be brought to the attention of a physician. Confusion caused by an infection is often treatable.
  
  
• Subdural Hematoma (blood clot on the surface of the brain): Clots can form which create collections of fluid that exerts pressure on the brain. These clots can be treated by draining the fluid before it has caused permanent damage.
  
  
• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: The flow and absorption of spinal fluid, which is manufactured inside the brain, is interrupted. When the fluid is not absorbed properly, it builds up inside the reigning creates pressure. Surgery can be performed to drain the spinal fluid into the bloodstream to relieve the pressure.
  
  
• Brain tumors: Tumors in the brain can cause mental deterioration. Benign tumors can be surgically removed. For other tumors, a combination of surgery and radiation/chemotherapy can help patients.
  
  
• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries): Intellectual impairment can result when a series of small strokes occur (multi-infarct dementia). Although damage from small strokes is typically a irreversible, built up atherosclerotic placques can be surgically removed or medically treated in order to prevent future strokes from occurring. If action is taken early enough the person can be helped.
  
  

Irreversible Cognitive Impairment Conditions

• Traumatic brain injury: Traumatic brain injury can occur at any age. Trauma from a fall or an accident can precipitate personality, cognitive or behavior changes. If brain injury is mild, previous functioning may be restored over time. In cases of moderate to severe head trauma, brain impairment may be lasting. Careful attention should be paid to any blows to the head. Head injuries should be examined by an neurologist or rehabilitation specialist.
  
  
• Cerebral degenerative diseases: If dementia is caused by a degenerative disease, a progressive cognitive deterioration cannot be reversed. The most common irreversible dementia is Alzheimer's disease. Other degenerated diseases which can also cause dementia include dimension with Lewy's bodies, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea and Pick’s disease. Other causes of intellectual impairment include stroke, loss of oxygen to the brain, Creutzfeld‑Jakob's disease, Binswanger disease, AIDS and multiple sclerosis.
  
  

Diagnosing Dementia

To diagnose dementia, a complete medical and neuropsychological evaluation is recommended and a complete patient history is very important. Brain scans such as CT ("CAT" scans) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are an important part of the process. PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) are newer, less available techniques which cannot be done in all hospitals. Much of the diagnostic procedure is a process of elimination to rule out any treatable causes of dementia. In most cases, a definitive diagnosis is not possible until after an autopsy is performed. Nevertheless, diagnostic tests which roll out treatable causes of dementia are considered quite accurate when conducted by a qualified clinician.

Dementia Care

Chronic or irreversible dementia requires special care. Special arrangements and support must be offered to families who care for a dementia patient at home. Behavior management techniques (such as controlling wandering, disorientation, sleeplessness or incontinence), safety precautions for home care (such as attending to electrical appliances, car keys, supervision and doors that lock) and legal considerations (for arranging finances, conservatorships or durable power of attorney) should be attended to by family caregivers. Most care is provided at home but some patients may require placement in some type of residential facility in later stages.