Dementia Causes Signs And Symptoms Presentation Essay

Dementia Causes Signs And Symptoms Presentation Essay

1 Dementia 2 Introduction Every individual aspires to attain an old age while happy. However, as age progresses, severe events such as losing a loved one or other chronic ailments such as cancer occur. Amongst the conditions that befall older adults is dementia. This study presents important facts and information that can be used to create public awareness. Dementia is a syndrome that befalls individuals as a consequence of biological aging. Dementia Causes Signs And Symptoms Presentation Essay

 ORDER HERE A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

Healthcare professionals affirm that dementia impairs an individual’s cognitive functioning and may alter one’s daily activities. According to WHO (2022), dementia is a major cause of disability among older people. WHO’s research also reveals that by 2050, over 130 million people will be living with dementia. Medical institutions should thus develop an urgent plan to tackle the syndrome. In this bid, the paper highlights the causes, signs, diagnosis, types, risk factors, treatment and prevention of dementia to enlighten the public. Outline Cause Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells or loss of nerve cells in the brain. Signs and Symptoms Based on clinical evidence, the signs and symptoms of dementia occur when nerve cells and neurons that were once healthy lose links with other brain cells. Even though every individual loses some brain cells as age progresses, persons with dementia experience a greater loss. It is important to note that these signs and symptoms can vary. The most common signs and symptoms include: • Memory loss which other individuals notice • Poor judgment 3 • Disorientation and confusion • Anxiety • Personality changes • Difficulty with organizing and planning • Difficulty with communication • Hallucinations • Paranoia • Problems with movement Noticing these signs and symptoms can be hard, especially when an individual has developmental disabilities. Therefore, it is fundamental to note an individual’s current abilities and monitor for changes that could indicate dementia over time. When any behavior changes are noted, one should see a doctor. Types of dementia • Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia among older adults. It is caused by a change in protein levels in the brain. Medical experts state that children can inherit these genes. • Vascular dementia- this dementia damages blood vessels that supply the brain with blood. Individuals with vascular dementia may also suffer from stroke. Noticeable signs include loss of focus and slowed thinking. • Lewy body dementia- abnormal deposits of Lewy bodies cause this dementia. Common signs include uncoordinated movement, visual hallucinations and difficulty in paying attention. 4 • Frontotemporal dementia- this dementia is very rare. Dementia Causes Signs And Symptoms Presentation Essay

It is caused by the loss of nerve cells and their links with temporal and frontal brain lobes. Dementia affects personality, judgment and thinking. • Mixed dementia – the combination of two or more forms of dementia. Diagnosis Diagnosis takes the steps indicated below. 1. Doctors begin by assessing if an individual has an underlying condition that may alter cognitive functions. 2. Physical examination of blood pressure and other fluids that may confirm the presence of dementia 3. Review of family history to confirm the risk for dementia Other procedures that can be performed include brain scans, psychiatric evaluation and genetic tests. Risk factors A risk factor is a behavior or something that increases the chances of developing an ailment. Risk factors associated with dementia include: 1. Age- after individuals hit 65 years, they are susceptible to the syndrome. 2. Family history- instances of dementia within the family increase the risk of developing the condition. 3. Down syndrome- people with Down syndrome are at a greater risk of contracting Alzheimer’s disease. Livingston et al. (2020) indicate that depression, air pollution and excessive alcohol consumption are newer risk factors for dementia. 5 Treatment Dementia symptoms can be temporarily reduced using Memantine and Cholinesterase inhibitors. Sometimes, the doctor may prescribe both of them. Cholinesterase inhibitors boost the chemical messenger that supports judgment and memory. Prevention Certain practices that are associated with reducing the risk factors for developing dementia include: • Stimulating the mind through activities such as reading • Quitting smoking • Sleeping for 7-8 hours • Maintaining a healthy diet Conclusion The public must change the notion that suffering is inevitable during old age.

 ORDER HERE TODAY  

As indicated, certain behaviors can be adopted to reduce the risk factors associated with dementia. The signs and symptoms may also vary depending on the type of dementia. Caregivers should thus monitor the abilities of their loved ones and check for any changes in behavior before seeking medical advice. Together, society can reduce the aggregates of dementia by offering required care to older adults. This means national governments should create better strategies to realize the quality and affordable care for persons with dementia. 6 Reference Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., Ames, D., Ballard, C., Banerjee, S., … & Mukadam, N. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report ofthe Lancet Commission. The Lancet, 396(10248), 413-446. World Health Organization. (2022). Dementia. Dementia Causes Signs And Symptoms Presentation Essay