Indicates forgetfulness on dementia ?
We speak of forgetfulness when your memory works less well than you are used to. It is normal for the memory in the course of the life less well. With this normal forgetfulness is to live well. For example, you can still do the household, work, arrange the finance or travel. You have no extra care or need help in everyday life.
Examples of forgetfulness are:
*You can't remember how the person is called that you met yesterday. Moments later, do you know the weather.
*You run to the kitchen to get something, but know there no more what you are looking for. If you decline, you know the weather.
*In the hustle and bustle you forget an appointment.
*You will be less useful for things that used to be easy went. You may, for example, have more time to fix a computer problem.
Forgetfulness is often associated with dementia. Dementia is however more than forgetfulness. An important difference is that dementia causes problems in the whole daily life, giving care and support are needed.
What makes the chance of dementia bigger ?
Factors that increase the risk of dementia, are:
*High age
The older a person is, the greater the chance of dementia.
*Certain diseases
An untreated high blood pressure and high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, obesity and smoking.
*Parkinson's disease
The longer someone has this disease, the greater the chance of dementia.
*Heredity
Sometimes heredity plays a role in people who have already had young (younger than 65 years) dementia get.
Preventing dementia is not (yet) possible. Do come there is growing evidence that healthy living can delay the dementia process. Am thinking of losing weight, lowering blood pressure, smoking cessation and exercise more. It is still unclear whether for example nutrition or memory exercises (cognitive stimulation) reduces the risk of dementia.
Symptoms Of Dementia
Dementia is more than just forgetfulness. In dementia can occur, many phenomena that affect everyday life, in daily activities, in the household and in relationship with others. People around notice that things go wrong.
The memory
*It becomes more difficult to remember new information.
*What you ever learned is even harder, comes up or has disappeared.
*You remember only the name of a family member or acquaintance, but eventually recognizes him or her no longer.
*You can no longer remember what happened yesterday.
*You don't remember why you go somewhere are run. For example, you went to the kitchen to get something, but if you are there don't remember what.
Orientation
*You can not find the way in a familiar environment.
*You do not know where you are.
*You can not estimate what part of the day it is (morning, afternoon or evening).
Language and communication
*It is difficult to have a conversation.
*Arise 'strange' conversations because you suddenly stops or give illogical answers.
*You always repeats the same story or the same question.
*Social contacts are decreasing (eg, no more going to anniversaries or an association).
Plan, organize, execute simple actions
*You will struggle to perform, such as grocery shopping or cooking dinner out. Things to plan or in a specific order
*You have problems with simple tasks such as dressing or combing hair.
*The house is messy while it was previously neat.
*You lost many things and find them later in an unusual spot back. Perhaps you think that others belongings have been removed.
Physically
*You spend less attention to your appearance.
*You fall off without an obvious reason.
*You will have trouble walking.
Conduct and character
*You reacts differently and you will feel different. For example, a humble person is exuberant or pushy.
*You out of your feelings without being gloomy or sad are less.
*You're much more passive than before, you are nowhere.
*You will feel restless, or are still (unfocused) busy.
Dementia at a younger age
In people under 65 with dementia are often less memory problems in the foreground. There is more commonly referred to as behavioral changes that affect the relationship or at work. There arise problems or because someone can't find the way in a familiar environment.
How is dementia diagnosed ?
The family doctor examines whether there is dementia. The examination usually consists of:
*A conversation with the patient's own.
*Blood Tests.
*Physical examination to assess physical complaints.
*A conversation with a neighbor, preferably someone who knows the patient is already long and well (and together live). The closest is often invited for a separate conversation, without the patient themselves.
Furthermore, the GP with a short questionnaire and command can test what someone can and what someone knows. Consider questions such as:
*What day is it?
*What season is it?
*How much is 100 minus 7?
An example of an assignment: Draw a circle with the 12 digits of a clock with the hands at ten past eleven.
Sometimes there is an additional questionnaire or an additional call, for example about problems in daily life or symptoms of depression.
A scan of the brains is usually not necessary to establish dementia.
Instead of GP practice nurses in general practice can reduce testing and making calls. The GP and practice nurses discuss what has come out the study. Then, the doctor will discuss this with the patient.
Why is research important when symptoms of dementia ?
Do you suffer from complaints that may indicate dementia? Then it is important to determine what is going on. There are two reasons.
*Problems with memory, language or behaviour can have a different cause than dementia. These causes are sometimes treatable. Think of a depression, a burn out, an infection, eye or hearing problems, an underactive thyroid gland or side effects of medications. The GP may do further research into here (let).
*If there is indeed dementia, an early diagnosis can help you and your family cope with the illness to go. For example, you receive guidance, a solid professional supervisor (case manager), domestic help, care or support from fellow sufferers. Also, your loved ones can get support and advice. It is also important to decide on financial and legal matters. Decisions on time Early diagnosis will help you and your loved ones in order to prepare well for the emotional and practical consequences of the disease.