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- 4-5 million Americans have it to some degree
- Mostly occurs in geriatric population
- Can start at any age in adulthood
- General cause: Brain cell destruction
- Affects 45% of those 95 and up
- Affects 6% of those 75-79
- Alzheimer's disease causes 50-70% of cases
- Can be caused by stroke
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Dementia is a progressive degeneration of cognitive function due to disease of or damage to the brain. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a normal part in the aging process. Dementia is most common in the geriatric population, but it can inflict people of all ages. Many people with dementia are not aware of their symptoms, and generally, the further the dementia has progressed, the less aware sufferers are aware of their symptoms.
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Causes
Dementia is most commonly caused by Alzheimer's disease and stroke. It is also associated with AIDS, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. It can be a symptom of certain vitamin deficiencies, head injuries, infections and hormone or metabolic disorders. In such cases, the dementia is often treatable.Symptoms
- Memory loss
- Mood swings
- Personality changes
- Difficulty with words
- Confusion in unfamiliar surroundings
- Poor judgment
Quotes
"While an estimated 3.5 million Americans suffer from dementia, another 5.4 million over age 70 have some memory loss that affects their lifestyle but isn't severe enough to limit their ability to function normally, the study authors said." HealthDay: 1 in 5 U.S. Seniors Struggles With Memory Lapses (March 17, 2008)"Currently, there are five FDA-approved drugs for treatment of dementia. These include four acetylcholinesterase inhibitors...While these drugs may improve symptoms or slow disease progression, they don't cure dementia or repair brain damage."HealthDay: Groups Issue New Dementia Drug Guidelines (March 4, 2008)
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Dementia Questions
Isabel Jeffrey is 13 years old with demetia. What type of herbs fight dementia? 2 Answers---quote-- Ginkgo biloba has been studied for its effect on dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. As it is an antioxidant, circulatory stimulant (particularly to t... read more
Can Dystonia and Alzhemiers be associated in one person? 2 AnswersI have dystonia and my mother and her sister suffer from dysphonia which is dystonia of the vocal cords. (I have this too). The most worrisome thing is that m... read more
You made a naive promise to a parent 30 years ago. You could not have foreseen extenuating circumstances. Do you keep your pledge? 9 AnswersI am sure when you were young and naive you had no idea what it would mean to care for someone 24/7. I work with dementia patients in a special ward in our nurs... read more
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On Twitter Powered by Twitter
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Fundraiser: Relive memories for charity: “In a familiar setting with Alzheimer's or dementia, routine and f.. http://bit.ly/59p6i2
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New post: Does My Mom Have Any Memory Loss Disease Like Dementia Or Alzhimers? http://bit.ly/08sHmmx/
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Had to change the name from dementia upon the insistence of some followers who think it's a mental illness.
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My Dementia list has been changed to Comedy. If you're in the field of comedy or novelty, let me know you want to be included.
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Alzheimer/Dementia Unit Director Job http://ff.im/-bMRx0
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