A Bird's Eye View of Dementia

Dementia is a collection of symptoms affecting memory and cognition in individuals across the lifespan. Dementia is most prominent in older individuals, however, it is known to affect children and young adults diagnosed with rare diseases and conditions.

Disease processes that may cause dementia include, but are not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Huntington’s disease, Lewy body dementia, multiple small strokes, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury.

Dementia may be characterized by confusion, becoming easily lost in familiar areas, difficulty managing personal affairs (finances, housekeeping, grooming), personality changes, depression, memory loss, problems following directions, declining communication skills, as well as difficulty swallowing, walking, and speaking clearly.

Individuals with a diagnosis of dementia have access to a myriad of professionals who specialize in addressing impairments stemming from dementia. A professional team may include physicians, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, neuropsychologists, and social workers. These team members are responsible for assisting individuals with dementia, as well as their caregivers, in navigating through the effects of dementia.

To learn more on how you, as a caregiver, can assist your loved-one as he or she experiences the impact of dementia please read the suggestions provided by the Mayo Clinic on Self-Management by clicking on the Source link below.