Want to know to know more about dementia?

The term ‘dementia’ refers to significant progressive memory loss and this can be caused by a variety of different clinical conditions, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease, although sometimes different clinical conditions can be present in combination.

Alzheimer’s disease – This condition is caused by progressive, premature brain cell death. The condition encourages a premature deterioration in all aspects of intellectual and cognitive function. Early diagnosis allows for plans to be made for the future; for people to access appropriate sources of advice and support; and for people to have the opportunity to benefit from drug treatments that are now available.

Vascular Dementia – This condition is caused by an accumulation of small strokes associated with a decline in the effectiveness of the blood supply irrigating the brain. Some areas of the brain can be affected more than others so that some aspects of mental functioning can remain relatively intact. This condition also tends to follow a fluctuating course with a stepwise deterioration over time.

Dementia can often be caused by a combination of Alzheimer’s disease and Vascular Dementia occurring together. The use of brain scan imaging assists in clarifying the diagnosis and guiding the most appropriate considerations about treatment.

Other Conditions Stress, Anxiety and Depression can all cause or aggravate memory problems. A comprehensive clinical assessment is required to clarify the potential causes of any individual’s memory problems and guide decisions regarding the most appropriate treatment and management plans.

Mild Cognitive Impairment - is a name for age-related memory loss that is considered to be within the normal or expected range, where memory problems that are less severe than in dementia but where individuals are at an increased risk of developing dementia in future.