Do you or someone you know have trouble remembering things the way you used to? Are familiar tasks and chores becoming so confusing it is interfering with daily life? Are you afraid dementia is setting in?
At iTherapy.com we can help your family cope during this confusing time.
Dementia is not a disease but rather a loss of mental functions (memory, reasoning, thinking) that is severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. While the most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, various diseases, conditions or infections can actually cause dementia. For instance, substance abuse, hormone/vitamin imbalance or certain combinations of prescription medications may trigger dementia. Such treatable causes of dementia are believed to account for about 20% of all dementia cases.
Alzheimer’s is a disease in which nerve cells in the brain gradually die. Since the disease often progresses slowly over a number of years, it may not be readily apparent. The disease is generally associated with older adults. In fact, some research indicates nearly half of all people over 80 develop Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s causes 50-60% of all dementias.
Symptoms and Solutions
- Changes in personality, mood or behavior
- Confusion and disorientation
- Poor judgment
There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s or Dementia, but there are a variety of medications that may help maintain mental function
Causes of Dementia
- Substance abuse
- Combinations of prescription medications
- Hormone or vitamin (especially B12 and folate) imbalances
- Degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s
- Infections that affect the brain and spinal cord
- Severe head injury or repeated head injuries
- Kidney, liver or lung diseases
If you or someone you know is struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s, please request an appointment with an iTherapy counselor to discuss your concerns.