dementia

• what is dementia

  dementia is a disease however, it is the impaired ability to think, remember or make decisions and an affect day to day life. one of the most comment type of dementia is Alzheimer's. it is most common at 65 years old or older and as you get older the risk of dementia is increased. however, traumatic head injury can also increase the risk of dementia especially if it is repeated. however race/ ethnicity can also increase your chance of developing dementia as Africans have have a higher chance of developing dementia
• memory loss

  this is due to cells not being able to communicate properly as there is a build of protein in the brain. the build of protein can then become toxic which then harms the nerve cells in the brain causing the nerves to die. causing the information from the brain to mot be sent properly which includes memory and attention.
• communication problem 


  similarly the main reason communication problems is due to the nerves breaking down due to a build up of protein in the brain. meaning nerves cannot signal what to say or what not to say.
• Visual perception beyond typical age

  The occipital lobes at the back of the brain process visual information. If the occipital lobes become damaged, a person may find it hard to work out what they see in front of them. This causes misperceptions.
• Cognitive and neurological tests

  Used to evaluate thinking and physical functioning, these tests include assessments of memory, problem solving, language skills, and math skills, as well as balance, sensory response, and reflexes. If they do have dementia, it will be a done a bit slower due to the damaged nerves.
• brain scan

  . These tests can identify stroke, tumors, and other problems that can cause dementia. Scans also identify changes in the brain's structure and function. A head CT can show shrinkage of brain regions that may occur in dementia  as well as signs of other possible sources of disease, such as an infection or blood clot. Similar to CT scans, MRIs can show whether areas of the brain have atrophied (shrunk). Repeat scans can show how a person's brain changes over time. Evidence of shrinkage may support a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
• Psychiatric evaluation

  If someone is experiencing behavioral or mood changes, a psychiatric evaluation may be recommended to help determine if depression or another mental health condition is causing or contributing to a person's symptoms.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests

  CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord, providing protection, insulation, and nutrients. Doctors collect CSF by performing a lumbar puncture also called a spinal tap. Measuring the levels of proteins or other substances in CSF may be used to help diagnose Alzheimer’s.

  Neurologists are often consulted to diagnose dementia. Geriatric psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, and geriatricians may also be able to diagnose dementia. Your primary care doctor can help you find a specialist.
• There is no cure for dementia however there are way to treat the symptoms or slow the progression of the dementia. There are 3 different types of medication that are called Donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine. A healthy brain contains natural chemicals that allow nerve cells to talk to each other. One of these chemicals is called acetylcholine. When a person has Alzheimer’s disease, they have less acetylcholine. This means that their nerve cells lose the ability to talk to each other properly. 
• cholinesterase inhibitors, like donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine, can boost acetylcholine levels. This helps to keep the brain working normally for longer. All three cholinesterase inhibitors work in a similar way, but one might be better for someone than another. For instance, a person may have fewer side effects from one
• cholinesterase inhibitor side effect

  •Loss of appetite

  •feeling sick (nausea) 

  •diarrhea or vomiting 

  •headaches 

  •feeling tired or dizzy 

  •difficulty sleeping well. 
• Memantine and it work a little different form the other medication. People with Alzheimer’s disease can have too much of a chemical called glutamate. This damages their nerve cells and makes it harder for them to send messages. Memantine protects a person’s nerve cells by blocking glutamate. 
• memantine side effect

  •dizziness or problems with balance 

  •tiredness or shortness of breath 

  •raised blood pressure