What Do The Terms Dementia, Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease Mean?
There is serious confusion on this issue. The Latin word for dementia, which is used among the people, is the word dementia. It means forgetting in the dimension of illness. Alzheimer's is the most common subtype of dementia.
What is the Difference Between Dementia and Old Age Forgetfulness?
Dementia; It is a mostly irreversible progressive brain disease, which is characterized by the deterioration of mental functions such as memory, learning, adaptation, language functions and personality, affecting social and work life. During normal aging, brain functions regress somewhat. The best criterion for distinguishing between dementia and dementia is the ability to do one's own work unaided. Dementia should be considered in patients who do not have a physical illness but need help even for activities of daily living (eating, dressing, cleaning, etc.).
What Are Other Causes of Dementia?
In a person who has serious memory problems, first of all, is there an underlying cause of this condition, it should be investigated. This type of dementia is called secondary dementia. In the presence of such a situation, cause-oriented treatment can be extremely satisfactory. Among these reasons, conditions such as cerebrovascular diseases, infections, traumas, vitamin B12 deficiencies, normal pressure hydrocephalus, brain tumors can be counted. The type for which there is no specific cause is called primary dementia. There is no definitive treatment for dementia in this group. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease.
Who Is More Common in Alzheimer's Disease?
*Alzheimer's disease is most common over the age of 65. The frequency increases markedly with increasing age.
* It is more common in women. The role of the female hormone (estrogen) has been implicated, but is not certain.
*The risk is 4 times higher than normal in those whose first-degree relatives have Alzheimer's disease. *The risk is higher in those with lower education level.
*As in boxers, long-term blows to the head increase the risk. *There are publications stating that births at an advanced age increase the risk. What Happens in the Brain in Alzheimer's Disease?
Cerebral atrophy occurs in certain regions of the brain due to severe cell loss.
How is the Course of Alzheimer's Disease?
The memory problem in Alzheimer's disease progresses insidiously slowly. Memory problems that occur suddenly or progress in a short time do not occur in Alzheimer's disease.
How is the Diagnosis Made?
The definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's is possible by taking a piece of the brain (biopsy) and evaluating it. However, this is not possible. In daily practice, the diagnosis is made by means of neurological examination, laboratory tests and tests evaluating brain functions, which are told by the patient and his relatives.
What Do Laboratory Examinations Show?
Imaging tests such as MRI and tomography can show shrinkage in the brain. The presence of other underlying causes such as B12 deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, metabolic disorders may be shown in blood tests.
The Doctor Diagnosed My Father/Mother with Alzheimer's. But He Remembers Old Events Better Than Me. Is the Diagnosis Wrong?
In this disease, forgetfulness is primarily related to recent events. As the disease progresses, there are difficulties in remembering old events. In other words, the patient forgets that he had breakfast in the morning, but he remembers the name of his primary school teacher and his experiences in the military very well. This situation often confuses patients' relatives.
Is There a Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease?
There is no definitive cure. However, there are drugs available to slow or stop the course of the disease. In addition, conditions such as sleep disorders, excessive nervousness, and hallucinations can be treated.
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