Dementia
Alternate Names : Senility
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Most cases of dementia are caused by
Alzheimer disease.
Although there are no proven methods to prevent Alzheimer's disease,
recent research findings provide some options that may slow the onset of the
disease or how fast symptoms progress. These findings, which need further
study, include the following:
low doses of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, called
NSAIDs, which may work by making blood cells and vessels less sticky
and by improving blood flow
actively engaging in cognitive activities such as reading, which may
increase the nerve connections in the brain and delay the onset of the
disease
taking antioxidants such as vitamin E
and selignine. In the Alzheimer Disease Cooperative Study, a
dose of 1,000 IU of vitamin E and 5 mg of selignine twice daily delayed nursing
home placement, loss of the ability to perform self-care, and severe
dementia.
hormone replacement therapy
for menopausal
women, which may delay the onset of symptoms of Alzheimer disease.
The relationship between the hormone estrogen and Alzheimer disease
needs further study.
avoiding head injuries. A person should wear a seat belt at all times when
riding in a motor vehicle. Sports safety guidelines for
children,
adolescents,
and adults
can be helpful in avoiding other head injuries.
Strokes are another major cause of dementia. Preventing or
treating high blood pressure,
obesity,
diabetes,
high cholesterol,
and alcohol abuse
can lower the risk of stroke.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Long-term progressive dementia results in the continued
loss of mental abilities. In the end, the person is unable to care for him or
herself. A person suffering from the condition often requires nursing
home care. Falls, trauma, infections, and
depression
may also result in a need for more intense medical care.
What are the risks to others?
Dementia poses no risk to others, except for the disruption
to home life and family relationships.
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