Dementia - Dr Ritu Jha

Understanding the Causes and Recognizing the Symptoms

Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells, which interferes with their ability to communicate with each other. When brain cells cannot communicate normally, thinking, behavior and feelings can be affected. While Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause, other conditions can also lead to dementia.

Common Causes of Dementia

• Alzheimer's Disease: The most common cause, characterized by plaques and tangles in the brain.
• Vascular Dementia: Occurs due to brain damage caused by reduced or blocked blood flow to the brain.
• Lewy Body Dementia: Involves abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) that affect brain chemistry.
• Frontotemporal Dementia: A group of disorders resulting from progressive nerve cell loss in the brain's frontal or temporal lobes.
• Mixed Dementia: A combination of two or more types of dementia.

Key Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms vary depending on the cause, but common signs affect cognitive, psychological, and functional abilities.

• Cognitive Changes: Memory loss (especially recent events), difficulty communicating, challenges in problem-solving, confusion with time or place.
• Psychological Changes: Personality changes, depression, anxiety, paranoia, agitation, and hallucinations.
• Functional Decline: Difficulty with complex tasks like managing finances, and eventually, challenges with basic daily activities like dressing and bathing.

Lifestyle Management and Non-Surgical Care

While there is no cure for most progressive dementias, a proactive approach to lifestyle and care can significantly improve the quality of life. Dr. Ritu Jha, a top neurologist in Faridabad, often recommends a multi-faceted strategy.

• Cognitive Stimulation: Engaging in puzzles, reading, learning new skills, and social interaction can help maintain brain health.
• Physical Activity: Regular, gentle exercise like walking improves blood flow to the brain and can help manage symptoms like restlessness.
• Balanced Nutrition: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, similar to the Mediterranean diet, is often recommended.
• Safe and Structured Environment: Reducing clutter, establishing routines, and using memory aids can help reduce confusion and improve safety for the individual.
• Managing Comorbidities: Effectively managing other health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol is crucial.

Medical Treatment and Therapies

Medical intervention for dementia focuses on managing symptoms, slowing progression where possible, and supporting the patient and caregivers. As the Director and HOD Neurology, Dr. Ritu Jha develops tailored treatment plans at her clinic, Dr Ritu Jha.

Medications

Certain medications can help temporarily manage memory symptoms and other cognitive changes. Cholinesterase inhibitors can help with memory and judgment in some cases of Alzheimer's. Other medications may be prescribed to manage behavioral symptoms such as depression, sleep disturbances, or agitation.

Therapeutic Support

Therapies are a cornerstone of dementia care and can help patients adapt to their changing abilities.

• Occupational Therapy: Helps identify and adapt the environment to make daily tasks safer and easier.
• Speech Therapy: Assists with communication challenges and can help with swallowing difficulties that may arise.
• Music and Art Therapy: These can reduce agitation and improve mood by providing a non-verbal outlet for expression.

Frequently Asked Questions