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Dementia
 

Dementia is a disorder of multiple cognitive impairments. To be diagnosed with dementia a patient must have memory impairment and at least one or more of the following:

aphasia - problems with language. This may be simple problems with "finding words" to more complex problems of not being able to understand written words.

apraxia - problems with carrying out purposeful movement. This may be problems with copying an action like brushing ones teeth or waving goodbye.

agnosia - problems with identifying objects. This may be problems with being given a tooth brush and not knowing what to do with it.

disturbances in executive function - this is a problem with more complex thinking such as following directions with multiple steps or having good insight and judgment

Dementia can be caused by a wide variety of disease processes:

  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • Vascular problems (common in people with history of stroke or heart disease)
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Some chemical imbalances such as high or low thyroid hormone, low Vitamin B12
  • Head injury

Evaluation for dementia can begin with a simple memory screen called the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) but a complete diagnostic evaluation is needed to identify the cause of dementia.

Treatment options are available and research is ongoing for new ways to treat and cure the causes of dementia.