Opinion Article, J Aging Geriatr Med Vol: 7 Issue: 2

Importance of Geriatric Medicine and its Impact on Aging Populations

Zola Marcel^*

¹Department of Clinical Gerontology, University Hospital Centre Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France

*Corresponding Author: Zola Marcel
Department of Clinical Gerontology, University Hospital Centre Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France;
E-mail:zola.m@univbordeaux.fr

Received: 04 March, 2023, Manuscript No. AGM-23-93616;

Editor assigned: 06 March, 2023, PreQC No. AGM-23-93616 (PQ);

Reviewed: 20 March, 2023, QC No. AGM-23-93616;

Revised: 27 March, 2023, Manuscript No. AGM-23-93616 (R);

Published: 06 April, 2023; DOI: 10.4172/2576-3946.1000150.

Citation: Marcel Z (2023) Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Methods of Dementia. J Aging Geriatr Med 7:2.

Abstract

Description

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect the cognitive abilities of a person. It is a progressive disease that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior. Dementia is a common condition among the older people, and its prevalence is increasing due to the aging population.

Symptoms of dementia

Dementia is a debilitating condition that affects the brain's ability to process information. The symptoms of dementia can vary from person to person, but the most common signs include memory loss, difficulty with communication and language, impaired judgment, confusion, and personality changes. People with dementia may also experience difficulty with day-to-day activities, wearing clothes, bathing, and cooking. The most significant symptom of dementia is memory loss. Individuals with dementia may assume important activities or people in their lives. They may also struggle to recall recent conversations or activities. Communication and language difficulties are also common among people with dementia. They may struggle to determine which words are appropriate or understand what other individuals are expressing. In some cases, they may lose the ability to communicate in general.

Causes of dementia

Dementia is caused by damage to the brain cells that affects cognitive function. There are several different types of dementia, each with its specific set of causes. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for around 60-80% of cases. Alzheimer's is caused by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which interfere with normal brain function. Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, accounting for around 10% of cases. Vascular dementia is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the brain, which reduces blood flow and oxygen to the brain cells. This can lead to cognitive impairment and other symptoms of dementia.

Other types of dementia include lewy body dementia, fronttemporal dementia, and mixed dementia. Lewy body dementia is caused by the accumulation of protein transfer is called as lewy bodies in the brain. Frontotemporal dementia is caused by damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for language, behavior, and personality. A combination of two or more types of dementia is known as mixed dementia.

Treatment options for dementia

There is currently no cure for dementia, but there are several treatment options available that can help to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options for dementia include medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Medications are frequently prescribed to manage the symptoms of dementia. Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine, are commonly used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. These drugs work by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which helps to improve cognitive function.

Memantine is another medication that is used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Antidepressant works by blocking the action of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that is involved in learning and memory. This helps to reduce the symptoms of dementia, such as confusion and disorientation. Therapy can also be an effective treatment option for people with dementia. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a type of therapy that is designed to improve cognitive function and reduce the symptoms of dementia. CST involves a wide range of activities, such as memory.