DementiaDementia is not a specific condition, but rather an assortment of symptoms that can be classified as a number of different mental disorders. The cause of this memory loss is deterioration or destruction of brain cells, but the reason for the deterioration may vary. Many mental functions can be affected by memory loss, including memory, reasoning and basic thought processes. In some cases, mood and personality changes also accompany the loss of mental faculties. In some cases, this may be due to the frustration over the inability to communicate or remember things as effectively as before. In other situations, the changes to brain physiology may have something to do with these other changes. Some types of memory loss can be easily treated, while others, like Alzheimer's disease, have no cure. The prognosis for patients diagnosed with memory loss will vary greatly based on the type of memory loss identified and the progression of the disease.
Conditions like Alzheimer's and multi-infarct dementia have different causes, but both will cause a gradual deterioration and even death. Other types of memory loss, like those induced by heavy alcohol consumption or certain medications have a very high recovery rate. No matter what type of memory loss is diagnosed, early diagnosis can improve chances for effectively treating and even curing the condition.
• Memory loss – people with early signs of memory loss might ask the same question over and over without remembering the answer they just received. • Language issues – in some cases, people with loss of memory will have trouble finding the right words in a conversation, making it challenging to understand them. • Misplacing items – all of us forget where we put our keys or wallets on occasion. However, patients with loss of memory may put items in strange places, such as putting the iron in the freezer. • Difficulty with daily tasks – a person with dementia may forget the steps in preparing a meal or even taking a shower. • Disorientation with places and time – patients with dementia can get lost in familiar surroundings or forget the time of day or the day of the week. • Personality and mood changes – sometimes people with dementia may become angry, aggressive or depressed.
When these symptoms are caught early, steps can be taken to slow the progression and manage the condition.
In cases where memory loss is caused by alcohol or a particular medication, patients can reverse the condition by abstaining or switching prescriptions. Unfortunately, most forms of memory loss are not reversible, and patients will gradually deteriorate in time. Many families resort to professional help to care for patients with advanced forms of memory loss. The most important factor affecting the prognosis is determining a precise cause for the condition and detecting symptoms as early as possible.
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