Answers by verified professionals
Q. Which memory is most commonly damaged in dementia?
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Dr. Ipsa AroraMD (Internal Medicine) · 5 years of experience ·
USADementia usually affects short-term memory in the early stages. You could forget what you had for breakfast, or you might find yourself repeating yourself in conversation. However, as the condition advances, patients suffer from more significant long-term memory loss, commonly known as amnesia.
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Dr. Shobha S ReddyMBBS, Masters in Diabetology, General Practitioner & Diabetologist · 15 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, like memory loss and judgement. Symptoms include forgetfulness, limited social skills, thinking abilities that are so impaired that it interferes with daily functioning. Dementia has physical, psychosocial, economic impact on patients and family. Alzheimer’s dementia is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60- 70% of cases.
Dr. Sai Kiran Kumar KMBBS, MD · 9 years of experience ·
IndiaThe most common memory that is affected in dementia is short-term memory.
Hence, the formation of new memories is affected. And other common symptoms are difficulty in communication, personality changes. Psychiatric symptoms like anxiety depression hallucinations etc.
Dr. Rajesh MishraMBBS · Less than a year of experience ·
IndiaIn its early stages, Alzheimer’s disease typically affects short-term memory.
For example, this might involve forgetting what you ate for breakfast or repeating yourself in conversation. However, as the disease progresses, people gradually experience more long-term memory loss, also called amnesia.
5 Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease Most People Aren’t Aware of, Say Doctors (msn.com)
Q. How can we prevent dementia?
Dr. Howard E. LeWineM.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience ·
USAMany of the same practices that reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke also reduce the risk of dementia. Monitor and control your blood pressure and cholesterol, exercise every day, and eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, maintain a healthy body weight, avoid tobacco products and limit alcohol use. Also try to avoid head injury by always using seat belts, helmets and other protective equipment.
Dr. Alex T. ThomasMD · 40 years of experience ·
USAIt’s difficult to prevent dementia; however, it can reduce the risk by eating a balanced diet, practicing daily exercises, quit smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure, and reducing alcohol intake.
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Dr. Sindhura PulsaMBBS · 2 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia is hard to prevent because what causes it often is not known. But people who have dementia caused by stroke may be able to prevent future declines by lowering their risk of heart disease and stroke. -Don’t smoke. -Stay at a healthy weight. -Get plenty of exercises. -Eat healthy food. -Control high sugars, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. -Stay mentally alert by learning new hobbies, reading, or solving crossword puzzles. -Stay involved socially. Attend community activities, church, or support groups. -If your doctor recommends it, take aspirin.
Dr. Sai Kiran DonakantiMBB, DNB · 1 years of experience ·
IndiaA healthy diet may reduce your risk of a condition that leads to dementia.
1. Exercise, regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of dementia 2. Eat well, Good for heart, brain and overall health 3. Don’t smoke, Smoking affects blood circulation all around your body 4. Limit your brain exposure to alcohol.
Dr. Rajesh MishraMBBS · Less than a year of experience ·
IndiaBe physically active. Doing regular physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce
your risk of dementia. Eat healthily. Don’t smoke. Drink less alcohol. Exercise your mind.
Take control of your health.
Q. What are the possible complications of dementia?
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Dr. Alex T. ThomasMD · 40 years of experience ·
USAThe common complications of dementia include poor nutrition, decreased lifespan, frequent infections, loss of self-care, and loss of interaction with other people.
Dr. Ipsa AroraMD (Internal Medicine) · 5 years of experience ·
USAPossible dementia complications are 1. Loss of self-care 2. Loss of prior interactive abilities Other problems can occur as the illness progresses: 1. Forget about previous occurrences or talks. 2. It is hard to carry out several tasks at a time. 3. Problems issue fixing 4. Take longer to carry out more complex tasks 5. Language issues, such as difficulty locating familiar object names.
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Dr. Kiranmayi PagadalaMBBS DNB (General Medicine) General Physician · 15 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia people will forget frequently what they want to do. They will not recognize the known people. Age-related senile dementia is where nothing can be done. Brain stroke may lead to dementia due to reduced blood supply.
Dr. Shobha S ReddyMBBS, Masters in Diabetology, General Practitioner & Diabetologist · 15 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia is not a specific disease, but it is a group of conditions characterized by deterioration in memory, thinking, behavior, and ability to perform daily activities. Although dementia affects elderly people, it is not a normal part of aging. It happens when parts of the brain used for learning, memory, decision making, and language are damaged or diseased. Alzheimer’s dementia is most common. Other causes include Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Vascular dementia, Traumatic brain injury, Infections of CNS, Long term alcohol or drug use, Hydrocephalus. Possible complications of dementia include personality changes, delusions, hallucinations, wandering, inadequate nutrition, frequent infections, and death in later stages (due to secondary diseases and infection).
Dr. Sadhvi MythiliMBBS,DNB psychiatry · 6 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. It affects cognitive functioning, moods and personality. People who don’t get enough care will face significant worsening of their emotional, physical and financial well being. Poor self care, getting lost easily, poor hygiene can be seen in severe stages. It impairs the quality of life.
Q. How do I reduce my risk of developing dementia?
Dr. Ilya AleksandrovskiyM.D., MBA · 5 years of experience ·
USAThere is good evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing dementia. Staying socially engaged, enjoying a diet healthy for the brain, avoiding smoking, and getting plenty of exercises can reduce the risk of developing dementia.
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Dr. Akshitha MudigondaMBBS · 2 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia is defined as acquired deterioration in cognition leading to difficulty in daily activities. Dementia risk increases inevitably with age. Its causation is multifactorial. Prevention is difficult but the following may help: Weight loss if overweight, regular exercise, healthy diet, no smoking, socializing, learning new hobbies, solving puzzles etc.
Dr. Sarath Kumar SarMBBS · 1 years of experience ·
IndiaAvoid smoking. Stay at a healthy weight. Get plenty of exercise.
Eat healthy food. Stay involved socially.
Dr. Rajesh MishraMBBS · Less than a year of experience ·
IndiaBe physically active. Doing regular physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia. Eat healthily. Don’t smoke. Drink less alcohol. Exercise your mind. Take control of yours.
Q. Can a person with dementia/Alzheimer’s’
actions be a deep-rooted problem from childhood?
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Dr. Marcella Abunahman PereiraSpecialization in Clinical Cardiology · 12 years of experience ·
BrazilThere are still no studies stating that. Alzheimer is a progressive disease that compromises memory and other important mental functions, affecting older people.
Dr. Manju NarayaniDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 10 years of experience ·
IndiaYes, dementia/ Alzheimer’s actions can be a deep rooted problem from childhood. Studies show significant relation between childhood stress and dementia/ Alzheimer’s in later part of life. Thus the physical and social environment of a child can affect the later part of the life. Support system should be created for children undergoing stressful conditions.
Dr. Marcelle FreireDoctor of Medicine · 3 years of experience ·
BrazilTo date, there are no studies proving a relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and behavioral problems that persist since childhood. It is believed that Alzheimer’s disease has a genetic basis and can be triggered by factors resulting from other acquired diseases or the patient’s lifestyle, such as a sedentary lifestyle, inadequate diet, brain trauma or even chronic diseases such as hypertension and high cholesterol.
Q. Does eating a balanced diet help control dementia?
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Dr. Marcella Abunahman PereiraSpecialization in Clinical Cardiology · 12 years of experience ·
BrazilReduction in alcohol intake and eating a balanced diet, low in fat, sugar and salt, help control dementia. In addition, the person must do physical activity, stop smoking and control their chronic diseases, especially hypertension, diabetes and high blood cholesterol.
Dr. Christa KingstonDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 9 years of experience ·
IndiaEvidence shows that leading a healthy lifestyle with adequate physical activity and intake of a balanced diet reduces the risk of getting dementia in the later stages of life. Eating a balanced diet helps in maintaining normal blood [pressure and cholesterol level, which may in turn help in reducing the risk of developing problems with memory.
Dr. Marcelle FreireDoctor of Medicine · 3 years of experience ·
BrazilDementia is a generic term used in medicine to describe persistent cognitive impairment. There are several types of dementia, some with reversible causes, but in general, especially when referring to elderly patients, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s dementia) are the most frequent causes of dementia. In this context, effectively, a balanced diet increases the chances of preventing or delaying the progression of dementia from any cause, but when the patient has an established disease, especially in the most advanced, although a balanced diet can help to prevent a more rapid deterioration, it is not usually responsible for great cognitive improvements.
Q. When can dementia start?
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Dr. Manju NarayaniDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 10 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia as such is not a disease. It is a collection of symptoms that occurs in elderly people over 60 years of age. It is characterised by loss of cognitive functions like confusion, loss of memory, loss of ability to reason or think. There are many types of dementia that can occur at different ages.
Dr. Christa KingstonDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 9 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia is a broad term which describes a collection of symptoms. Dementia most commonly occurs in the elderly, but this can occur in any age. A person with dementia may have issues with memory, impairments affecting language skills, problem solving abilities, attention and also communication. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause of dementia.
Dr. Tiago Bittencourt EspindulaDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 9 years of experience ·
BrazilUsually, dementia starts in the elderly, but there are rare cases of early dementia which can start on younger adults. Dementia also can start early if caused by a vascular incidente, like a stroke or venous thrombosis.
Dr. Gustavo CamposDoctor of Medicine · 9 years of experience ·
BrazilDementia can afflict adults in their 30s, even though it is rare. That would be a case of young-onset dementia. However, it is more frequent in adults over the age of 65.
Dr. Matheus R CerqueiraSpecialist in Family and Community Medicine · 7 years of experience ·
BrazilDementia is a neurological disease, caused by different factors, known or not, that cause cognitive decline, mainly affecting speech and behavior. Due to its various causes, it can be started at any stage of adult life, but it is more prevalent in the elderly.
Q. Can exposure to contaminated water contribute to dementia?
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Dr. Shashanka ChillapuramDoctor of Medicine – MD · 6 years of experience ·
IndiaExposure to heavily contaminated water which may contain Organic chemicals, neurotoxic substances may pose a threat in damaging brain parenchyma thereby contributing to dementia like illness. Evidence reveals that Aluminium levels in contaminated drinking water are related to the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Park J. JinmyeongDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 3 years of experience ·
KoreaContaminated water has nothing to do with senile type dementia. But brain amoebiasis can be linked. Exposure to contaminated water, most commonly lake water, that contains pathogenic amoeba can induce demolition of brain structure for extreme cases.
Dr. Paul LeeDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 2 years of experience ·
AustraliaContaminated water may contain harmful pathogens and toxins. Your skin acts as a natural protective barrier. Breaching of the skin or ingestion of contaminated food may cause you to become unwell or develop an infection. You should always seek medical attention if you become unwell after ingestion of contaminated water. However, currently there is no clinical evidence to suggest exposure to contaminated water can directly cause dementia.
Q. How do I know if I have dementia?
Dr. Howard E. LeWineM.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience ·
USAPeople with dementia often don’t recognize they have a problem. So, once you have dementia, you usually can’t self-diagnose it. The stage prior to dementia is known as mild cognitive impairment, when memory and thinking are somewhat impaired but function is normal. With age, people often worry about subjective cognitive decline, when individuals are concerned about their thinking and memory, but both cognition and function are normal.
Answers from other countries/regions
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Dr. Rachel C. SitumorangDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 5 years of experience ·
IndonesiaDementia is the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities, but to know if you have dementia, you need to visit a doctor. They need to assess whether a person has an underlying, potentially treatable, condition that may relate to cognitive difficulties. There are several procedures to diagnose it such as cognitive and neurological test, brain scans, psychiatric evaluation and blood test,
Dr. Marcelle FreireDoctor of Medicine · 3 years of experience ·
BrazilDementia is not exactly a disease, but a generic medical term used to describe a heterogeneous group of diseases that have in common the fact that they present with the patient’s cognitive impairment. The symptoms of a given dementia syndrome can develop acutely or chronically, be from a reversible or irreversible cause. Dementia syndromes compromise cognitive domains such as memory, language, executive decisions, and learning. Thus, any individual who presents a sustained loss of some aspect of cognition (such as memory loss, difficulty in making decisions, carrying out plans, performing tasks that they used to do normally, presents more uninhibited or aggressive behavior, etc). This loss, as a criterion, must impair their daily functioning, that is, that disturbs or noticeably changes their daily life at home or at work, should be investigated for dementia.
Dr. Park J. JinmyeongDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 3 years of experience ·
KoreaYou can take a screening test that can be taken for 10 minutes in person. The name of the test is MMSI. If you have any symptoms like amnesia or disorientation that affect your daily life, you should meet your doctor and get an appropriate medical evaluation.
Q. What are the different stages of dementia?
Dr. Howard E. LeWineM.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience ·
USAStages of decline in cognitive function can be divided into three main categories: • Subjective cognitive decline is when individuals are concerned about their thinking and memory, but both cognition and function are normal. • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is when there is cognitive impairment, but function is normal. • Dementia is when cognitive impairment leads to impaired function.
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Dr. Eduarda MucelinDoctor of Medicine – MD · 1 years of experience ·
BrazilMean behavior associated with anger can be one of the symptoms of dementia. Those moments can appear suddenly, without an apparent reason, or as a result of frustration. Frustrating situations include experiencing the loss of an ability they previously had by failing a task, for example. Is it important to note, though, that and aggressive behavior alone does not mean a dementia diagnosis.
Dr. Richu Mary GraceDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1 years of experience ·
IndiaIn dementia there is loss of cognition. So they get easily frustrated by situations or by unintentional criticism. So this leads to anger in individuals with dementia. They feel like they are being made fun of or that they are not receiving enough respect because of their health condition.
Q. Is dementia dangerous?
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Dr. Marcella Abunahman PereiraSpecialization in Clinical Cardiology · 12 years of experience ·
BrazilDementia can be dangerous because the patient has memory loss and forgetfulness. Thus, he or she can get lost and/or strangers can take advantage of him or her. Not to mention that dementia can cause agitation, which can be a risk for the patient and people around.
Dr. Gustavo CamposDoctor of Medicine · 9 years of experience ·
BrazilDementia is not an urgent medical condition. However, they may be catastrophic for the patient and his or her family. As dementia is generally degenerative, it may be one of the patient’s leading causes of death.
Dr. Geetha Sree NamalaDoctor of Medicine – MD · 4 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia is a syndrome in which there is deterioration in cognitive function. It results from various diseases that primarily or secondarily affect the brain. It is one of the major causes of disability among the older population globally. It has psychological, physical, social and economic impacts. These progressive brain disorders can eventually cause death.
Q. What are the symptoms of dementia?
Dr. Nancy AnoruoM.D. Faculty – Harvard Medical School · 5 years of experience ·
USADementia is a pattern of mental decline caused by different diseases or conditions. Most commonly, dementia occurs when brain nerve cells (neurons) die, and connections between neurons are interrupted. Symptoms of dementia emerge slowly, get worse over time and limit the person’s ability to function. Most often the first symptom is memory loss. Along with memory loss, a person with dementia may have trouble with complex mental tasks. They may have difficulty balancing a checkbook, driving, knowing what day it is and learning new things. They may be inattentive, and display poor judgment. Their mood and behavior also may change.
Answers from other countries/regions
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Dr. Manju NarayaniDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 10 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia is not a disease, it is a symptom. The symptoms of dementia or memory loss, confusion, difficulty on concentration, mood swings, problem in asking questions, mood changes like loneliness, hallucinations, disorientation.
Dr. Gustavo CamposDoctor of Medicine · 9 years of experience ·
BrazilDementia impairs cognitive function, and the most noticeable symptoms are memory loss and confusion. It can, however, manifest as communication difficulties, getting lost in familiar places, difficulty handling mental tasks, loss of coordination, hallucinations, agitation, and changes in one’s behavior, mood, and even personality.
Dr. Carlos Augusto Lima De CamposDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 8 years of experience ·
BrazilThe symptoms of dementia depend on the severity of the condition. Usually the individual will experience memory loss, difficulty with language, difficulty performing daily activities, and changes in behavior. As symptoms progress, the individual may become dependent on assistance to perform daily activities.
Q. When should a person visit a doctor for dementia?
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Dr. Marcelle FreireDoctor of Medicine · 3 years of experience ·
BrazilDementia is a generic term used in medicine to describe cognitive loss with impaired functionality and quality of life of the patient. There are several types of dementia, some with reversible causes, but in general, especially when referring to elderly patients, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s dementia) are the most frequent causes of dementia. In this context, as soon as a cognitive impairment is identified that leads to a loss (albeit mild) of the patient’s quality of life and functionality, a doctor should be consulted to carry out an accurate diagnosis and early implementation of the most appropriate therapeutic proposal.
Q. What are the tests for dementia?
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Dr. Gouri RameshDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia means loss of memory. There are many types of dementia: Alzheimer’s Vascular Lewy body Fronto temporal Others: Associated with Parkinsons, Huntington disease, Hiv, creutzfeldt-jakob disease etc.
Q. Could medication have a role in dementia?
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Dr. Mario J. Do Canto FilhoDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 20 years of experience ·
BrazilThis is a very important question, because this is something that is often overlooked when evaluating a patient with dementia. Yes, we have several medications that can worsen brain/cognitive/memory functions, including sleeping pills (including non-prescription anti-allergy syrups), old-time antidepressants (amitriptyline, imipramine, etc), urinary incontinence medication, among others.
Q. Does dementia advance quickly?
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Dr. Mario J. Do Canto FilhoDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 20 years of experience ·
BrazilDementia is the term used mainly for the loss of memory and other cognitive functions, but it can be caused by several different diseases, so the evolution of dementia will depend on its cause. For example, in Alzheimer’s disease, it develops very slowly (sometimes family members only notice when it is already advanced), in diseases such as stroke, it can be quickly.
Q. What is the average age that dementia affects a person?
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Dr. Rajeev ArdeyDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 31 years of experience ·
IndiaThe risk of dementia rises with increasing age. Risk increases especially after the age of 65 years. However it does not mean that dementia can occur in younger people too.
Q. What makes me unsteady and affects my sense of balance?
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Dr. Ramandeep KaurDoctor of Medicine – MD · 9 years of experience ·
IndiaLosing your balance while walking or feeling unsteady can result due to problems in the vestibular apparatus of the body. It can also be due to peripheral neuropathy in the lower limbs. Joint, muscles and vision problems can also lead to loss of balance. Certain medicines and neurological conditions can also lead to unsteady gait.
Q. Can you have a sudden loss of memory?
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Dr. Gustavo CamposDoctor of Medicine · 9 years of experience ·
BrazilYes, for sure. Amnesia may be the result of brain injury or damage. Nevertheless, there is also the chance of transient global amnesia. In this situation, short-term memory is temporarily impaired. It often resolves after a few hours, and the patient has no lasting effects.
Q. How can I handle aggression and agitation in a person with dementia?
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Dr. Gustavo CamposDoctor of Medicine · 9 years of experience · Brazil
Stay calm and avoid confrontation if a dementia patient exhibits aggressive behavior. Remove any potential sources of stress and ensure the patient is not in any discomfort. Distract the patient with something unrelated to the potential cause of stress. Leave the room if necessary. In certain circumstances, medication, such as antipsychotics, may be required.
Q. Can dementia symptoms come and go within minutes?
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Dr. Park J. JinmyeongDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 3 years of experience ·
KoreaThe symptoms of dementia can wax and wane from time to time. It depends on the medical condition of the patient and their general health condition.
Q. How can I slow down dementia? – Bing video
Q. Does dementia shorten life span?
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Dr. Nelson LauDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 18 years of experience ·
AustraliaYes, unfortunately, statistics have shown that regardless of the form of dementia that a person has been diagnosed with, their lifespan will be shorter on average.
Q. What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
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Dr. Manju NarayaniDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 10 years of experience ·
IndiaAlzheimer’s is a specific degenerative brain disease which leads to dementia. Dementia is a group of symptoms that causes mental disability to perform day to day activities. Dementia is a result of brian cell damage that causes difficulty in communication, thinking and affects behaviour. Alzheimer’s disease is more common in elderly people and the earliest symptom is trouble in remembering, disorientation and confusion.
Dr. Ramsi NazarDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 3 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia is a general term for loss of memory due to advancing age or any other pathology of the brain. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative brain disorder causing dementia and impaired cognitive and behavioral symptoms.
Q. Does a person realize when they have dementia?
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Dr. Christa KingstonDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 9 years of experience ·
IndiaNo. Most of the people with dementia are not aware of their physical, behavioral changes and mental limitations. Infact, dementia has impact on the physical, psychological, social and economic aspect of not only the patients but also their care givers. Majority of the people with dementia insist on going to work and refuse taking medicine.
Q. What are the early signs of dementia?
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Dr. Sanju SaranganDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 2 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia is the deterioration of the cognitive function of the brain that causes a fall in memory and hence affects social life. The signs of dementia include memory loss, communication issues are common early signs where the patient fails to communicate properly, lack of focus in the patients, cognitive issues and failure to solve problems or issues and poor lack of judgement.
Dr. Mayank SaxenaDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia is caused due to death of brain tissue which may cause multiple symptoms like memory loss, difficulty in concentrating and mood changes which are considered as the early signs of dementia.
Q. When does dementia start?
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Dr. Ramsi NazarDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 3 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia can occur due to both neurodegenerative disease and vascular disease. Dementia most commonly occurs in elderly individuals with advancing age. In Alzheimer’s disease one of the main symptoms is loss of memory or dementia.
Dr. Park J. JinmyeongDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 3 years of experience ·
KoreaAlzheimer’s disease is typically an old age disease. Alzheimer’s disease rarely strikes anyone under the age of 60. After the age of 65, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease virtually doubles every five years, increasing exponentially with age.
Q. What should we do if a person with dementia is unable to sleep at night?
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Dr. Mayank SaxenaDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia patients usually find it harder to sleep during night due to disturbed sleep-wake cycle which can occur due to disturbed circadian rhythm in such patients. Bright light therapy can help such patients improve the circadian rhythm. Doctors may also prescribe melatonin which is known to improve the sleep-wake cycle thus eliminating the problem.
Dr. Manju NarayaniDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 10 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia is a condition where there is loss of cognition and memory. It can be caused by old age or brain trauma or injury. Clinical examination helps in diagnosis of dementia. Neuroimaging such as an MRI or Ct can help with the diagnosis of dementia.
Dr. Richu Mary GraceDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1 years of experience ·
IndiaEarly signs of dementia may be noticed through a test called SAGE. It can be taken online or at a doctor’s office. The exam poses a series of questions involving identification of objects, math problems, and thinking tasks. This test is repeated every 6 months and if the score declines over the years that could be a sign of developing dementia.
Q. What is the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy for dementia?
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Dr. Richu Mary Grace
Doctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1 years of experience ·
IndiaPhotobiomodulation using red and/or near infrared light from lasers or LED is shown to improve a wide range of medical disorders including dementia. But more studies are required for finding the efficacy of this therapy in dementia.
Q. How can pain in my ankle be an early sign of dementia?
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Dr. Anet VargheseDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1 years of experience ·
IndiaRecent studies show that dementia is linked to increased levels of pain almost 16 years before their diagnosis. Dementia and chronic pain, both cause changes to the brain and affect a person’s brain health. The study says that brain changes associated with dementia start decades before diagnosis, thus chronic pain might be an early symptom of dementia or simply correlated with dementia.
Q. Can trouble swallowing medications be a form of dementia?
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Dr. Mayank SaxenaDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1 years of experience ·
IndiaYes, difficulty swallowing is one of the common symptoms in dementia patients. It is primarily caused due to damage to brain tissue leading to weakness of muscles involved in swallowing, thereby producing the symptom.
Q. Is the inability to put together sentences the start of dementia?
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Dr. Park J. JinmyeongDoctor of Medicine (MD) · 3 years of experience ·
KoreaThat symptom appears to be dysarthria. It could be generated from dementia over the long term. However, stroke should be excluded for short courses.
Q. Is forgetting a grocery list a sign of dementia?
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Dr. Mayank SaxenaDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1 years of experience ·
IndiaIf the person was originally able to remember the grocery list earlier and can’t do the same now, it can be a sign of dementia. Although, other signs and symptoms have to be cross checked before diagnosing the condition.
Q. Can exposure to heavy metal cause progressive dementia?
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Dr. Anet VargheseDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1 years of experience ·
IndiaChronic exposure to heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury can cause progressive dementia. These metals cause neurotoxicity, thereby leading to damage to your cognitive functions.
Q. Could difficulty in speaking be the start of dementia?
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Dr. Dency ChackoDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 9 years of experience ·
IndiaYes, early signs can be seen as speech difficulty in a person suffering from dementia. Language difficulties are a major problem for most patients affected by dementia, especially as the disease progresses. Difficulties finding words, especially when naming people or objects, are early indicators that a person with dementia may have communication issues. People with dementia have a restricted vocabulary since they have trouble finding the correct words.
Q. Are spasms commonly associated with dementia?
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Dr. Nelson LauDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 18 years of experience ·
AustraliaSpasms or jerking of the muscles may occur with dementia and may vary in severity from a single limb to the whole body. They are known as myoclonic jerks and can often occur during sleep.
Q. Are dementia and aphasia related?
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Dr. Nelson LauDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 18 years of experience ·
AustraliaAphasia is a condition where the patient has difficulty expressing and understanding speech and the written word. It can occur as a result of brain damage due to stroke or brain cancer, but it can also be seen as a symptom of dementia.
Q. What are the similarities between dementia and Alzheimer’s?
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Dr. Richu Mary GraceDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1 years of experience ·
IndiaAlzheimers is a type of dementia. It is associated with memory loss and decline in reasoning. Alzeimers accounts for 60-80%of dementia cases.
Q. What are the similarities between dementia symptoms and Dementia Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms?
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Health advice can vary across countries and regions. Use discretion or consult a local health professional.
Dr. ANUVITHA KAMATHMBBS · 3 years of experience ·
IndiaPost-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by either experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event in the past. The cause for developing this condition is inherited mental health risks such as a history of anxiety or depression in the family, lack of emotional support from family and friends, long history of intense mental trauma, and history of child abuse in a workplace which increases the exposure to trauma such as abuse, sexual harassment. People with this condition develop symptoms like suicidal tendencies, repeated nightmares, anxiety, and depression disorders, substance abuse, avoiding social life, sleeplessness, and negative thoughts about themselves and the world. In such cases, strong emotional support and good counseling will help them recover from it. It has a high risk of developing dementia. Dementia is a gradual onset of memory loss triggered due to various factors, one of the factors being PTSD. The symptoms of dementia and PTSD are almost the same. The treatment for both consists of psychotherapy and counseling. Behavioral therapy and cognitive and exposure therapy also play a major role. In severe cases, medicines like antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs can be used. Strong emotional support helps in a quick recovery.
Q. Can dementia occur without the presence of Alzheimer’s?
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Health advice can vary across countries and regions. Use discretion or consult a local health professional.
Dr. Sravya VuppalapatiMBBS · 1 years of experience ·
IndiaDementia is a term used to describe a decline in cognitive function, including memory loss, difficulty with language and communication, and changes in behavior and personality. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia, but there are other causes of dementia such as vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal dementia. Each type of dementia has its unique symptoms and causes. It’s essential to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for any type of dementia, as early intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Q. At what age does Lewy Dementia start?
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Health advice can vary across countries and regions. Use discretion or consult a local health professional.
Dr. Himabindu SreenivasuluMBBS · 1 years of experience ·
IndiaLewy body dementia (LBD) can start at different ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 50. However, it can also occur in younger individuals, known as early-onset LBD. The exact age of onset can vary from person to person, and it’s essential to recognize early symptoms and seek medical evaluation to receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.
Brain expert outlines Alzheimers warning – beware of early signs that aren’t memory loss (msn.com)
Disclaimer: This is for information purposes only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors or nutritionists and not to be considered as the opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Medical advice varies across regions. Advice from professionals outside your region should be used at your own discretion. Or you should contact a local health professional. Dementia: Ask Health Professionals (msn.com)
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