- Introduction
Dementia is not a particular type of disease rather it is caused by multiple symptoms render the person to even carry out normal daily activities like Talking, dressing, walking etc. Brain function is lowered, affecting decision making, learning, memory and language. It can be mistaken with normal memory loss and deterioration of the normal brain activity with age. Dementia mostly occurs after the age of 60 and complexes increase not treated in earlier stages.
- Body
- Organ System: The Central Nervous System
The central nervous system plays an important role in bodily function and is part of the nervous system. Signals from different organs of the body are perceived by neural cells in the brain which co-relate these and transmit signals for actions to be performed. The central nervous includes the brain and the spinal cord. Neurons and axons play vital role in signal transmission in the brain, this helps proper co-ordination of different activities.
- Functions of CNS
The main function of the central nervous system is body co-ordination. The CNS main function is to send signals to the brain receive coordinated signals to different parts of the body. The main function of CNS is in language understanding, perception, mobility, memory integration and signal transmission.
- Dementia
Dementia is a disease of the aged and may be caused by multiple symptoms. There is no single reason for the cause of the disease.
The brain consist of various regions which play important role in the normal functioning of different organs of the body. These regions in the brain are affected drastically. Brain cells that are affected are neurons and receptor; which communicate different signals to the body. Dementia is caused by other neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. Dementia is not only caused by diseases but also other factors throughout an individual’s life. These may include:
- Nutritional deficiencies: Many individuals may suffer from diseases or symptoms due to lack of vitamin or mineral intake. Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency may lead to dementia.
- Drug or Alcohol abuse: Research studies have revealed that excessive abuse of alcohol or illicit drugs can cause early stage dementia.
- Head injury: Head injury can damage nerve cells which may impart normal functioning of some organs.
- Certain kinds of complex diseases of the brain and spinal cord may cause Dementia.
- Use of medication like opioids or hypnotics can affect normal neurological functioning of the brain leading to dementia.
- Thyroid problems may lead to abnormal nerve cells or cause different signals to be communicated across the brain.
- Other disorders of the brain, liver, kidney or lung may cause dementia.
- Symptoms
The symptoms in dementia may often be confused with ageing disorders. Initial symptoms include:
- Memory Loss: This may include forgetting things like appointments or coursework in initial stages or even things that just occurred in the last minute in severe stages of Dementia.
- Solving problems: Problem solving like may even include longer time to solve a particular work which could have been done in a shorter span. The inability to solve multiple task as well may be symptoms of Dementia.
- Difficulty in performing daily activities: Solving the daily newspaper quiz or forgetting a rule of a game. In severe cases even not remembering one’s way to his/her room.
- Confusion: Individual’s with Dementia may not have the ability to remember dates or time which adds confusion to them on a daily basis.
- Lower visualization capability: Individual’s may lack the ability to judge distances. This may be a threat while driving or handling equipment.
- Speaking and Writing problems: The ability to frame new sentences or write words maybe seen in individuals with dementia.
- Poor judgment: Decision making is comparatively lower in individuals with dementia. Grooming and personal hygiene maybe affected.
- Loneliness: The person may feel lonely many times and may withdraw from social activities. Even withdrawal from favorite activities like drawing or listening to music is observed.
- Mood disorders: Getting upset or happy for unknown reasons may be some kind of symptoms of Dementia. Confusion, depression and suspicion are other major symptoms.
- Treatment
There is no particular treatment to Dementia but however early detection of the disease and patient care can improvise the condition. Certain drugs are prescribed for treatment of neurological nerves which are affected on the onset of the disease. Doctors recommend the use of particular drugs or therapies which are proven methods to reduce the complexity of the disease.
Drugs like Cholinesterase inhibitors and Memantine are used to reduce the development of dementia symptoms. These drugs may have side effects like dizziness, lack of body movement etc. Many studies have proven the combination of both Cholinesterase inhibitors and Memantine for the treatment of this disease. The early symptoms can also be detected by visiting a neurologist, psychiatrist or even a psychologist. Social wellbeing, mutual understanding with the patient can help decrease the fatality of the disease.
- Prevention
The best way to prevent the disease is to live a healthy life. Daily exercising, avoidance of preserved or synthetic food are some means of prevention. Mentally challenging your brain daily keeps the neural cells active which help in better memory retention and developing new skills. Being physically active not only helps the body in reducing stress but also reduces the chances of other diseases and lastly dementia. Being socially active is highly recommended to avoid loneliness which is the major symptom of dementia. Use of illicit drugs, alcohol should be avoided. Studies have also related smoking and dementia in a scientific manner. Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol has proven to prevent dementia. Individuals with formal education and training have said to reduce the onset of dementia.
- Conclusion
Dementia is a central nervous system disease that causes memory loss, language failure, and inability to think clearly or logically. It can managed if diagnosed at early stages. Visiting a neurologist, psychiatrist or even a psychologist is highly recommended. If symptoms like dementia occur.
The treatment of dementia is varied and involves use of drugs or traditional therapies like socializing, better living environment etc.
Prevention of the disease is simple but often confused with other normal old age related problems. Healthy living and avoidance of illicit drugs and alcohol can definitely prevent dementia.
References
Brodal, P. (2010). The Central Nervous System: Structure and Function (4thed.). New York: Oxford University Press.
Esiri, M. M., Lee,Y., &Trojanowski.J. Q. (Eds.). (2004). The Neuropathology of Dementia. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Noback, C. R.,Strominger,N., L., Demarest,R. J., &Ruggie, D. A. (2005). The Human Nervous System: Structure and Function (6thed.).New Jersey, NJ: Human Press.
Pace, V., Treloar, A., & Scott, S. (Eds.). (2011). Dementia: From Advanced Disease to Bereavement. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Wayne, M., White, M., & Smith, M. (2013, August). Understanding Dementia: Signs, Symptoms, Types, and Treatment.Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/elder/alzheimers_dementias_types.html
Dementia, also called senility. NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Medlineplus. Accessed 12 December 2013.
<http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dementia.html>
Dementia: Treatments and Drugs. Mayo clinic staff. Mayo clinic. Accessed 12 December 2013.
< http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dementia/DS01131/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs>
Dementia: Prevention. Mayo clinic staff. Mayo clinic. Accessed 12 December 2013.
< http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dementia/DS01131/DSECTION=prevention>
