Dementia, (Latin for deprived of mind), is a deterioration of intellectual faculties resulting from an organic disease of the brain. It is a serious cognitive disorder that affects areas of memory, attention span, speech, and problem solving. This illness can be the result of a brain injury, which would produce the symptoms quickly, or it may be a progressive illness that is a long-term decline in cognitive function. Dementia is generally thought of as a geriatric illness; however, it may occur in any stage of adulthood. In people younger than adult, the symptoms and disorders are given different names. In order to be diagnosed with Dementia, the patient must have had the symptoms for at least six months. Symptoms of Dementia for periods less than six months are termed as Delirium, which is a temporary state of mental confusion. In Dementia, as well as all types of general cognitive dysfunction, the higher mental functions are the first affected. In the later stages of Dementia, the person may become disoriented and not know what day, month or year it is, where they are, who you are, or who they are. Dementia is often treatable to some degree, but the progression of the causes of the disease makes it incurable. Some symptoms of Dementia can be reversible, depending on the causes; however, it is reported that less than ten percent of Dementia cases are due to causes that can be reversed with treatment. Alzheimer's disease is still the most frequent cause of Dementia. There is no cure for this illness, although scientists are progressing in making a type of medication that will slow down the process. Studies have shown that moderate consumption of alcohol (beer, wine, or other spirits) and a healthy, balanced diet may reduce a person’s risk of developing Dementia. Another study indicates that there may be a link between Dementia and high blood pressure that would increase the risk of developing the illness. Dementia is not just a problem with memory. Other mental and behavioral problems often affect those inflicted with Dementia. These problems can influence their quality of life, and increase the possibility of institutionalization. |
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