FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

What is Dementia ?

The term Dementia is derived from Latin stock, meaning without mind. According to DSM fourth edition, text revision, dementia refers to multiple cognitive deficits that involves memory impairment, and one or more of the following, viz. language disturbance (aphasia), impairment in carrying out skilled motor activities despite intact motor functions (apraxia), deficits in recognizing familiar persons or object despite intact sensory function (agnosia), impairment in planning, initiating, organizing, and abstract reasoning (executive dysfunction). 

Are Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders the same ?

DSM-5 replaced the term dementia with neurocognitive disorder, which has further been categorized major or minor depending upon the needs of assistance for daily activities. It also obviated the need of memory impairment to qualify the definition of the disorder.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease and how frequent it is ?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and accounts for nearly 60-70% of all cases. As per a current estimate AD affects over 35 million people worldwide.  

What are other Dementia types?

Vascular dementia (VaD), Fronto-temporal dementia (FTD), Corticobasal degeneration (CBGD), Diffuse lewy body dementia (DLBD) etc. are other important forms of dementia. 

What are various risk factors for Dementia ?

Age is perhaps the most important risk factor, as prevalence rate doubles every five years after age 65. Other important risk factors are postmenopausal women, lower intelligence, fewer year of education, traumatic brain injury, and many medical and psychiatric conditions eg. Diabetes, hypertension, stroke, MI, dyslipidemia, obesity, chronic stress, depression etc. There are some genetic risk factors also like Presenilin 1&2, APP, APOE  genes etc.

How is Dementia diagnosed ?

The evolving  history of slowly progressive cognitive decline involving memory and other domains is the most important diagnostic clue which is aided by neuropsychological battery (MMSE, MOCA, FAB, Lobar function),  neuroimaging ( MRI, amyloid PET, FDG-PET) and biomarker (Abeta /tau in CSF)  to arrive at a proper diagnosis.

How can dementia be treated?

Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine, Mementine and Caprylidine triglyceride are FDA approved medications for the treatment of AD. Cognitive rehabilitation, involving problem solving and attention skills, has also been suggested to slow the progression of the disease and facilitate gain in skills.

How can Dementia be prevented?

AD risk may be decreased by regular exercise, mental stimulation, socialization and better dietary habits with regular intake of low calorie, low fat diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids/DHA, vitamins (folate, B12, B3, C,E) and antioxidants; and regular servings of fruits and vegetables. 

So timely recognition of symptoms by the caregiver and physicians lie to the core of a ready diagnosis and institution of treatment and rehabilitation help patients gain the lost  skills and lead a better and graceful life with fair degree of independence.

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