Definition |
Dementia a severe chronic disorder of higher nervous activity, the cause of which is an organic lesion of the brain. |
Specialty |
Neurology |
History |
Memory impairment and other symptoms of dementia have been described since ancient times. The most well-known type of dementia is Alzheimer’s syndrome discovered by German psychiatrist Hans Alzheimer. Over the past 30 years, many studies have been carried out that have allowed modern medicine to much better understand the nature of dementia, its epidemiology, pathogenesis, and consequences. |
Symptoms |
Dementia manifests itself in a sharp decrease in mental abilities, in the loss of existing knowledge and skills, and in the impossibility of acquiring new ones. The clinical picture of dementia in the elderly depends on the initial state of the body, on the causes of brain damage, on the extent and localization of this lesion. |
Causes |
The causes of senile dementia are lesions of the central nervous system, which are caused by diseases that can lead to degeneration and death of brain cells. In Alzheimer’s disease, Pick’s disease, or a diagnosis such as dementia with Lewy bodies, destruction of the cerebral cortex is an independent cause. |
Prevention |
For the prevention of dementia, it is important to train memory and thinking, learn new things, read, and continue intellectual activity, maintain regular dosed physical activity. |
Diagnostic Method |
To diagnose dementia at an early stage, a doctor usually conducts a series of tests and interviews. At the same time, not only the patient is questioned, but also their close relatives. The final diagnosis is possible only if the violations are observed for at least six months. To assess cognitive functions and the general level of consciousness, the patient is offered to perform several simple tests, based on the results of which conclusions are drawn. |
Treatment |
The treatment of dementia is primarily aimed at slowing down the process, relieving symptoms, personal and social adaptation of the patient, and prolonging his life. Drug therapy is the main method in the treatment of dementia, since in some cases it can correct the worsening of the symptoms of the disease. |
Duration |
The disease lasts six to eight years and ends with death in a state of deep insanity. |
Prognosis |
Senile dementia at any of its stages has a tendency to develop. With a timely visit to the doctor, it is possible to correct the course of the disease, postponing the onset of its severe stage. |
Complications |
Total dementia is a complete disintegration of the personality with a violation of the intellectual sphere, gross changes in emotional and volitional activity. There is a complete loss of spiritual values, the impoverishment of vital interests, the disappearance of a sense of shame, and the emergence of complete maladaptation in the social environment. The next stage of the disease’s development is death. |
Frequency in Population |
Approximately 5% of the population over 65 years of age have severe dementia, and 9–16% have mild to moderate dementia. The prevalence of dementia increases with age: up to 20% in people aged 80 and over. |
Deaths |
The WHO estimates that the global number of deaths due to dementia will increase by over 40% from 2015 to 2030. |
Society |
Dementia is considered one of the most severe and painful diseases – not only for the patient, but for their relatives, too, as the psychological and physical burden of care leis mainly on them. |