We all tend to forget things in our daily life activities. Often it happens when we do not pay much attention to the subject. Or it can also happen when we are overstressed or doing so many things simultaneously. Forgetting can be normal. But when forgetfulness starts to interfere with your daily life activities, it can be a sign of dementia.


What is Dementia?

Dementia is a broad term that is used to describe the loss of memory, impaired thinking ability, inability to answer logical questions, and other mental abilities. Impairment of these activities can interfere with daily life activities.


What are the Symptoms of Dementia?

The most common sign and symptom of dementia is memory loss. At the initial stages, the person may notice it by themselves too. They may struggle in remembering little details of day-to-day events. However, the family members may notice it easily. The signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s are as follows.


Memory loss

We all have a little loss of memory or confusion from time to time in our lives. But with dementia, is profound memory loss. The people may keep their things at illogical places, may get lost in the streets, may be unable to reach back home on their own. Moreover, they may forget conversations, commitments, and appointments. They may also not remember what they had in their last meal, and either they have had it or not. People with dementia may repeat statements and ask the same question again and again. If you suffer from this condition and consult with the best psychologist in Lahore book an appointment through InstaCare.


Thinking and logical reasoning

People with dementia find it difficult to think and do logical reasoning. They find it hard to perform mathematical calculations and abstract concepts. Multitasking is difficult for them, like paying the bill and signing checkbooks at the same time.


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Judgments and decision-making power

Over time, people with dementia find it so difficult to pass on the right judgment and making wise decisions. They may choose inappropriate choices according to the condition, like dressing improperly according to the weather. You may find them with inappropriate dressing in winters. They may not have the right sense to dress properly according to the situation. Moreover, they may not respond appropriately to day-to-day situations, like they may not have a sense of food burning at the stove. Due to these reasons, they need someone to attend to them, accompany them. Otherwise, they may harm themselves.


Skills

People with dementia cannot read a book or do other activities like singing, listening to music, or writing. The fine skills deteriorate as the disease progresses.


What are the types of dementia?

Dementia can be classified into the following types;

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Frontotemporal dementia (Pick's disease)
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
  • Vascular dementia
  • Dementia from Parkinson's disease and similar disorders
  • Dementia with Lewy bodies

According to the part of the brain affected, dementia can be classified as;

  • Cortical dementia- occurs due to a problem in the cerebral cortex- an outer layer of the brain.
  • Subcortical dementia- that occurs due to problems in the areas beneath the cerebral cortex.

What are the Causes of Dementia?

The causes of dementia can be;

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington’s disease, and some types of multiple sclerosis.

Vascular disease- they are the conditions that affect the blood circulation in your blood. It can occur due to;

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Infections of the central nervous system such as meningitis, HIV, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
  • Long-time alcohol
  • Long term drug use
  • Certain types of hydrocephalus

Other causes for dementia that are reversible can be;

  • Alcohol or substance use disorder
  • Tumors
  • Subdural hematomas- a condition in which a blood clot occurs beneath the outer covering of the brain
  • Normal-pressure hydrocephalus- a condition in which fluid buildup occurs around the brain
  • Metabolic disorders such as a vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Hypothyroidism- or low thyroid hormones
  • Hypoglycemia- Low blood sugar
  • HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND)


What are the Risk Factors for Dementia?

There is no such cause for dementia. It occurs due to the accumulation of proteins in the brain. The risk factors associated with it are;

  • Family history and genetics
  • Increasing age
  • Down syndrome
  • Female gender
  • Head trauma/ accidents
  • Mild cognitive impairment
  • Exposure to air pollution
  • Poor sleep patterns
  • Lifestyle habits like lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and uncontrolled type II diabetes.

Conclusion

Dementia is often a progressive disease. Medicines may be given as symptomatic treatment. If anyone in your family has symptoms of dementia, you should take them to the best psychologist in Pakistan through InstaCare.