Understanding Dementia

Dementia is a set of symptoms and is therefore known as a syndrome.  The symptoms  will include memory loss.  Other symptoms may include changes in behaviour and personality, physical symptoms, confusion, and impaired movement.  Some types of dementia can be progressive but some can be reversed such as dementia from alcohol abuse.  The timing of effective treatment will reverse some types of dementia.   The main symptom of dementia is memory impairment which will intefere with work and social functioning.   

Dementia can be present in other types of diseases.  The most common is Alzheimer's disease and the second most common is vascular dementia.  Other common forms of diseases that include symptoms of dementia are Lewy bodies, Parkinson's disease and fronto-temporal dementia.  

​Dementia can be confused as a progressive disease however symptoms may be due to alcohol abuse, which can be reversed and due to other other forms of medical conditions such as depression, trauma, tumor in the brain, lack of vitamins and infections.  

Most types of dementia can be prevented  by a healthy diet, and exercising your body and mind.