Dementia is a syndrome, that is, a set of signs and symptoms that occur together and are usually characteristic of a health condition.
Dementia is not a specific disease, but a group of disorders characterized by the deterioration of at least two brain functions, such as memory and reason. This syndrome is characterized by cognitive and behavioral alterations and entails loss of autonomy of the person who suffers from it.
The greatest known risk factor for dementia is increasing age; in most cases it affects people 65 years or older. Those who have parents or siblings with dementia are more likely to develop this disease themselves.
To diagnose the cause of dementia, the doctor must recognize the pattern of loss of skills and functions and determine what a person is still capable of doing. Recently, biomarkers have become available to make a more accurate diagnosis of the disease.
SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms include forgetfulness, restricted social skills, and reasoning so limited that it interferes with daily activities.
Cognitive: Mental impairment, inability to speak or understand words, confusion, confusion in the evening hours, disorientation, inability to recognize common things or invention.
Behavior: agitation, personality changes, wandering and getting lost, lack of self-control or irritability.
Mood: nervousness, emotional ups and downs, anxiety or loneliness
Psychological: hallucination, depression or paranoia.
Muscular: inability to combine muscle movements or unsteadiness when walking
Also common: memory loss, fall, slurred speech or sleep disorder.
Types of senile dementia.
- Dementia associated with Huntington’s disease.
- Dementia of metabolic origin.
- Infectious dementia.
- Dementia due to chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Speak clearly, slowly and vocally to the person with dementia.
- Use simple language and phrases to make it easier for him to process and find an answer.
- Get their attention, as they tend to be easily distracted.
- Repeat things if you see that he does not understand you.
- Help the person stay calm and oriented.
- Make dressing and grooming easier.
- Help with memory loss.
- Manage behavior and sleep problems.
- Promote activities that are stimulating and that you can enjoy.
https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/dementia.html
https://www.elrincondelcuidador.es/otros-cuidados/evolucion-demencia-senil
