Dementia: Brief Version

What is dementia?

Dementia is a condition that makes it harder for you to think, remember, reason, and plan. It is not really a disease, but a group of memory and thinking problems caused by different diseases. All of these diseases cause dementia by damaging brain cells. You may not notice the symptoms at first, but they get worse over time.

Here are some signs to look for. People with dementia may:

• Have a hard time remembering things.
• Look like they are confused, lost, or frightened.
• Not be able to understand what they are doing.
• Not be able to follow instructions.
• Not eat or take care of themselves.

They may also:

• Get upset easily or have mood swings.
• Not seem to have feelings or show emotions.
• Seem restless and wander around a lot.
• Not trust family and friends.
• Not sleep at night.

People with severe dementia may not be able to:

• Control their bladder or bowels.
• Walk.
• Chew or swallow.
• Talk or think of words.

They may wander away and get lost.

What causes dementia?

Dementia happens when brain cells stop working or are damaged. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. Stroke is also a common cause of dementia. Many other diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Lewy body disease, and Huntington's disease can also cause dementia.

How can you find out if it is dementia?

Talk to your healthcare provider about any symptoms you notice. The provider will ask:

• What symptoms have you noticed?
• When did the symptoms start?
• Did the symptoms start all at once or slowly over time?

The healthcare provider will also:

• Do a physical exam.
• Ask about medicines being taken.
• Ask questions to check memory and thinking.
• Check for depression.

The following tests may also be done:

• Blood tests.
• Brain wave tracing (EEG).
• Heart wave tracing (EKG).
• Brain scan (CT scan or MRI).

How is it treated?

There is no cure for dementia. Sometimes medicine can help some symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider about what might help.

What happens to people with dementia?

Some people with dementia can live for many years. But over time they will not be able to care for themselves. They may:

• Lose weight.
• Get infections.
• Fall and break bones.
• Not be able to get out of bed.
• Not be able to speak.

Each person is different. Talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect.

What can a family member or friend do?

People with dementia do not know what they are doing. They may say or do hurtful things. It is good to remember that they cannot control how they act. Be patient with them.

It can be hard to know how to care for persons with dementia. They may need care 24 hours a day. Keep these things in mind:

• Make sure they are safe and well cared for.
• Decide what kind of care they need and who will give them care.
• Give them choices when you can.
• See that anyone caring for them treats them with respect.