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The Onset of Dementia

Dementia is a saddening disease. It is a vicious attack on a person's mind. The sufferer may initially only have trouble remembering what was on the grocery list or whether or not it rained in the last couple of days. As the disease progresses, though, all memory may be lost. In addition to that, other cognitive functions will suffer. The ability to communicate with and understand language, the ability to make sense out of sensory input, the ability to complete routine activities and the ability to plan, solve problems and exercise discretion will all be affected. In the end, a person suffering from Dementia may not even recognize her own family members. Victims not only experience the horrifying loss of recognition and control, they may also become depressed, anxious, paranoid and unable to sleep. There are several causes for Dementia. A few are preventable.

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is increasingly common in the population. It may begin with a personality change long before any signs of Dementia surface. Paying attention to unusual psychological symptoms in the elderly can promote early diagnosis of Alzheimer's. Even still, diagnosis is very difficult until a person has already died.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular Dementia is caused by problems with blood flow to the brain. In order for Dementia to set in, the strokes will have had to happen in the parts of the brain that affect memory and cognition. The strokes may happen one at a time, affecting one or more skills and abilities at a time. Prevention of Vascular Dementia can be achieved by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that promotes healthy blood pressure and a strong heart.

Dementia and AIDS

Almost half of those people affected by AIDS will develop Dementia to some extent. The virus sometimes attacks the brain directly. Other times, secondary infections or tumors are responsible for the symptoms of Dementia. The drugs used to treat AIDS can also affect mental processes.

Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease

There is no guarantee that these diseases will cause Dementia, though it does happen. The neurological nature of the diseases makes difficulties with brain functioning possible. Both diseases are very rare. Huntington's disease is genetically passed.

Other Medical Causes

Vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, build-up of blood or fluid in the brain and head trauma can all be causes for the onset of Dementia. These causes can be treated and Dementia can be prevented if medical attention is sought quickly enough.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a poison. Too much drinking for too long of a time will kill enough brain cells to cause Dementia. An alcoholic suffering from symptoms of Dementia must stop drinking immediately to slow and possibly stop brain damage. She should also take special care to increase overall nourishment and especially her thiamin intake.

Other Substances

Huffing is a common adolescent problem that will very likely lead to brain damage. Inhaling solvents, paints and glues is a very dangerous action. Dementia is not the only side effect of using these products incorrectly. Lead poisoning is also a dangerous problem that can lead to brain damage and Dementia.

Dementia is a very serious and very sad condition. Sometimes it is an unavoidable part of aging. Other times it is a preventable disease. Exercising caution with harmful substances and taking extra care of one's health can improve one's chances of keeping a healthy brain.

Frances, Allen MD and First, Michael B. MD. Your Mental Health: A Layman's Guide to

the Psychiatrist's Bible. New York: Scribner, 1998.