Understanding Dementia

Dementia symptoms, and the risk associated with it can vary, depending upon the part of the brain that is affected. Thus, lowering the risks associated with dementia is problematic to some extent, depending upon whether it is cortical dementia or sub-cortical.

How are the two different?

Cortical dementia has to do with memory loss and aphasia, whereas sub-cortical dementia has to do with slow thinking and the inability to initiate activities. Memory loss is generally associated with Alzheimer's disease where short term memory is affected in varying degrees. Aphasia or the inability to speak is associated with stroke activity. Slow thinking is perceived as being a mental disability. The inability to initiate activities is related to personality or more specifically, being an extrovert or an introvert.

In other words, all four of these are realms with which we are relatively familiar. Thus, lowering dementia risk is possible, at least to some extent, when one is aware of the kind of dementia that is evident.

Note that dementia has been regarded in many different ways over the years including insanity, senility, madness, lunacy or being mentally deranged. Part of the problem with lowering dementia risk, has to do with degree of severity of symptoms. This can vary considerably from patient to patient. Dementia is a progressive brain disease. In other words, over time, the symptoms are likely to increase in severity. This must also be taken into consideration when it comes to risk assessment.

Patient safety is of primary importance with respect to lowering dementia risks and must be considered in terms of memory loss and aphasia, as well as slow thinking and the inability to initiate activities. For example, a patient with memory loss may need to be continually reminded of different aspects of his or her own personal care in order to stay healthy. A patient with aphasia may need to learn another way to communicate his or her needs. A patient who has slow thinking processes may need continual stimulation. A patient who is not able to initiate activities may need ongoing encouragement or added incentive in that realm of life.

Health wise, dietary management and exercise can improve both brain and heart function, reducing dementia risks. Other treatment options may include vitamin or hormone therapy. Drug and alcohol supervision may be indicated. Treating disease processes appropriately in situations where there is Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease may also help to reduce dementia risks.