Diseases
dementia
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging.
Symptoms
- memory loss, which is usually noticed by someone else
- difficulty communicating or finding words
- difficulty with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving
- personality changes, and depression
- difficulty with planning and organizing
Causes
- dementia is caused by damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain. depending on the area of the brain that's damaged, dementia can affect people differently and cause different symptoms.
Risk factors
- family history.
- age. the risk rises as you age, especially after age 65.
- diet and exercise.
Diagnosis
- cognitive and neuropsychological tests
- laboratory tests
- brain scans
- psychiatric evaluation
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is dementia?
Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
memory loss, which is usually noticed by someone else, difficulty communicating or finding words, difficulty with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving, personality changes, and depression, difficulty with planning and organizing
What causes dementia?
dementia is caused by damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain. depending on the area of the brain that's damaged, dementia can affect people differently and cause different symptoms.
Which medicines are used for dementia?
ginko biloba, piracetam
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