subject: Causes Of Dementia And Some Preventative Measures [print this page] Dementia is a very real threat in todays society. It is becoming more and more commonplace to find the elderly with some form of dementia. Many people are not really sure how someone gets dementia but the fact is dementia has many causes and some of them are difficult to tell apart. Many medical conditions in the elderly can give off dementia like symptoms as well. We will discuss the causes of dementia and what steps you can take in prevention, take it from a nursing home in Michigan, any preventative steps are a good idea.
There are numerous causes to dementia. Some examples of these are various diseases and infections, strokes, head injuries, drugs, and nutritional deficiencies. All forms of dementia show lack of function in the cerebral cortex. Some diseases disrupt the cortex directly while others hit subcortical areas that regulate its function. If the cause does not permanently damage the tissue in the cerebral cortex the dementia has a chance to be reversed.
Some causes of Dementia are simply irreversible. These are mainly diseases that damage both the cortex and the subcortical areas. The only treatment for these is to slow the process and relieve some of the symptoms. Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia. Alzheimers is in part hereditary but just because a relative has it does not mean other family members will as well. Abnormal protein deposits from in the brain that destroy cells that control memory. A lower than normal count of neurotransmitters in the brain is another symptom. Another well know form of dementia that is irreversible is Parkinsons disease. This disease causes a stiffness of the limbs, speech problems, and a tremor when at rest. Dementia develops late in the disease but may not happen at all. There are many more obscure forms of dementia that are incurable.
Some forms of dementia are treatable, if not curable. Brain damage from head trauma such as a car accident, gunshot wound, and boxing can be treated to reduce symptoms or even restore memory. Infections such as meningitis and encephalitis are some of the primary causes of dementia and tend to inflame the brain cells. Brain tumors can cause dementia in patients as well but can sometimes be reversible with the removal of the tumors. Hormone disorders in the hormone secreting and regulating glands can cause dementia if not treated. There are many treatable forms of dementia but are too many to cover here.
There is no known method to prevent irreversible forms of dementia and many of the reversible forms as well. There are a few ways to decrease the chance of contracting certain types of dementia though. A healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet, exercise, moderation of alcohol intake, and no smoking or substance abuse is one method. Practicing safe sex is always a good idea but it can prevent the contraction of diseases that may cause dementia. Wearing seat belts and helmets to prevent head injury is a great idea already, but even better when you know it could not only save your life, but stops brain damage too.
Dementia is a debilitating thing that we all wish was curable. The fact is that the most common forms are either not reversible at all or are unlikely to be able to be fixed. Our Dementia care centers in our Nursing Homes in Michigan are experienced in assisting those with dementia and easing the burden. Dont hesitate to call or check out our site if you need more information.
