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Medical Encyclopedia |
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Alternative Names Return to top
Chronic brain syndrome; Lewy body dementia; DLB; Vascular dementiaDefinition Return to top
Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases.
Causes Return to top
The two major causes of non-reversible (degenerative) dementia are:
The two conditions often occur together.
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a leading cause of dementia in elderly adults. People with this condition have abnormal protein structures in certain areas of the brain.
The structures and symptoms of DLB are similar to those of Alzheimer's disease, but it is not clear whether DLB is a form of Alzheimer's or a separate disease. There is no cure for DLB or Alzheimer's.
Conditions that damage blood vessels or nerve structures of the brain can also lead to dementia.
Treatable causes of dementia include:
Dementia usually occurs in older age. It is rare in people under age 60. The risk for dementia increases as a person gets older.
Symptoms Return to top
Problems may involve language, memory, perception, emotional behavior or personality, and cognitive skills (such as calculation, abstract thinking, or judgment). Dementia usually first appears as forgetfulness.
Symptoms include:
Other symptoms that may occur with dementia:
Exams and Tests Return to top
The following tests and procedures may be done:
Treatment Return to top
The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms of dementia. Treatment depends on the condition causing the dementia. Some people may need to stay in the hospital for a short time.
Stopping or changing medications that make confusion worse may improve brain function. Medicines that contribute to confusion include:
Treating conditions that can lead to confusion can often greatly improve mental functioning. Such conditions include:
Medications may be needed to control behavior problems. Possible medications include:
A person's eyes and ears should be checked regularly. Hearing aids, glasses, or cataract surgery may be needed.
Psychotherapy or group therapy usually does not help because it may cause more confusion.
LONG-TERM TREATMENT:
A person with dementia may need monitoring and help at home or in an institution. Possible options include:
Family members can get help caring for the person with dementia from:
In some communities, support groups may be available (see elder care - support group). Family counseling can help family members cope with home care.
Other tips for reducing disorientation:
Advance directives, power of attorney, and other legal actions may make it easier to decide about the care of the person with dementia. Seek legal advice early in the course of the disorder, before the person with dementia is unable to make such decisions.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Dementia usually gets worse and often decreases quality of life and lifespan.
Possible Complications Return to top
Complications depend on the cause of the dementia, but may include the following:
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Prevention Return to top
Most causes of dementia are not preventable.
You can reduce the risk of vascular dementia, which is caused by a series of small strokes, by quitting smoking and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes. Eating a low-fat diet and exercising regularly may also reduce the risk of vascular dementia.
References Return to top
Alva G. Alzheimer disease and other dementias. Clin Geriatr Med. 2003; 19(4): 763-76.
American Academy of Neurology. About Dementia. Neurology. 2004; 63(10); E20.
Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:283-286.
Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007.
Farlow MR, Cummings JL. Effective pharmacologic management of Alzheimer's disease. Am J Med, 2007;120:388-397.
Update Date: 2/13/2008 Updated by: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy & Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
