Symptoms of dementia in humans
Dementia can strike any person. In most cases, the symptoms of dementia are very good. The article describes the general symptoms that can accompany this disease, and in what cases it can occur. In what situations is dementia treated.
Conditions to be treated( reversible dementia) .These are the conditions in which dementia in humans is treated and is reversible or partially reversible.
- Head trauma. This refers to brain damage due to accidents, such as car accidents, falls, attacks, gunshot wounds, sports injuries( eg boxing).As a result, due to damage to the brain cells, this can lead to dementia.
- Infections. Infections that damage the cells of the brain are the main cause of dementia. Other infections, such as HIV( AIDS), syphilis, can affect cells at later stages of development. In all cases, any inflammation in the brain - damage to cells.
- Hydrocephalus. The brain is in a clear fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. It also fills the whole inner space in the brain. If too much fluid is collected outside the brain itself, then it causes hydrocephalus. This condition occurs when the fluid presses on the brain tissue from the outside. This leads to serious damage and death. If the liquid is collected in the brain itself, then the liquid presses on the tissue from the inside. Hydrocephalus can lead to typical symptoms of dementia or coma. With hydrocephalus, people can not walk, they begin to lose their mental functions.
- Tumor of the brain. Tumors can lead to dementia. A tumor can press on brain structures, such as the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which control the hormone secretion. It also affects the brain cells - presses on them, thereby damaging them. Treating a tumor with either a medical or surgical procedure can relieve the symptoms.
- Toxic effect. People who work with metal vapors( eg, lead), without protective equipment, may develop dementia. Some exposure to substances can be treated.
- Metabolic disorders. Disease of the liver, pancreas or kidney can lead to dementia, disrupting the balance of salts and other chemicals in the blood. Often, these changes occur quickly and affect the level of consciousness. This is called delirium. Although, a person with delusions, like a person with dementia, can not think well or remember.
- Hormonal disorders. These include the disease of the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, pituitary gland or adrenal gland. This leads to an imbalance of hormones that can lead to dementia, if this is not treated.
- Hypoxia. People who do not have enough oxygen in their blood may develop dementia, because blood must bring enough oxygen to the brain cells, and cells need oxygen to live. The most common cause of hypoxia is limiting the transfer of oxygen from the respiratory tract of the lungs into the blood. A frequent reason for this is smoking.
- Abuse of drugs. Some medications can cause temporary problems with memory and concentration in the elderly as side effects. The abuse of prescription drugs over a period of time, intentionally or accidentally, can lead to dementia. The most common culprits are sleeping pills and tranquilizers. Other drugs that cause dry mouth, constipation, sedative effects( anticholinergic side effects) can cause symptoms of dementia or dementia.
- Drug use. Illegal drugs, especially cocaine and heroin, which are very anticholinergic, can lead to dementia, especially in high doses or when consumed for a long time.
- Deficiency of nutrients. Deficiency of nutrients, especially vitamin B, can lead to dementia, if this is not treated.
- Chronic alcoholism. Dementia occurs in people with chronic alcoholism, resulting in complications such as liver disease and malnutrition.
Symptoms of dementia in humans
Symptoms of dementia are significantly different from individual and underlying causes of dementia. Most people with dementia have some( but not all) of these symptoms. Some people have symptoms that can manifest themselves strongly, others may not be noticeable and not manifest at all. The first sign of dementia is the loss of short-term memory. The person repeats what he just said, and forgets where he put the subject a few minutes ago. Other symptoms and signs are as follows:
Early Dementia
- Forgetfulness of names, events, words, loss of things.
- Difficulty in performing the usual tasks: driving, cooking, household chores.
- Personality change( for example, a sociable person becomes quiet and withdrawn, a calm person is irritable and rude)
- Uncharacteristic behavior of
- Swings in mood, often with short periods of anger and rage.
- Shortsight
- Paranoia and suspicion
- Decrease in the level of functioning, but the person is able to follow the established actions.
- Confusion, disorientation in an unfamiliar environment - wandering, an attempt to return to the habitual habitat.
Intermediate Dementia
- Not in a position to engage in daily activities( for example, bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet) without assistance.
- Sleep disorder
- Increased disorientation and absent-mindedness, even in familiar surroundings.
- Big risk of falls and accidents due to short-sightedness and confusion.
- Paranoid nonsense, aggressiveness, agitation, inadequate sexual behavior
- Hallucinations
- Fudge
- Inattention, poor concentration, loss of interest
- Abnormal moods( anxiety, depression)
Severe dementia
- Complete dependence on relatives in the use of everyday affairs.
- Not able to walk and move without help.
- Loss of other movements, such as swallowing - increases the risk of malnutrition and suffocation.
- Complete loss of short-term and long-term memory - it may be that a person is not able to recognize close relatives and friends.
When Medical Assistance Is Needed
People with dementia are not able to seek medical help. This is mainly done by close relatives or friends of the victim. You should see your doctor if you experience several of these conditions:
- Short-term memory loss is observed
- Change in personality behavior
- Uncharacteristic behavior
- Depressive mood
- Frequent swings in mood
- Impossibility to perform everyday tasks
- Hygienic negligence
- Difficulty in selecting the right words
- Short-sightedness
- Disorientation, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.
