WHAT IS DEMENTIA?


There are several factors that can trigger this problem, but some cases are reversible

Changes in behavior, depression, mental confusion and loss of ability to perform routine tasks. Sometimes seen as inherent to old age, these signs should never be neglected, as they may be the first signs of dementia disorder characterized by progressive loss of cognitive abilities.

Several factors can trigger dementia. The best known - and feared - is Alzheimer's, which accounts for over 50% of cases. Associated with progressive deterioration of memory, the disease progresses to other cognitive impairments, behavioral changes and disabilities. This is an irreversible problem, treated with medications that allow only slow down the process.

medicines:

There are no specific drugs for the treatment of vascular dementia. However, in many cases, it is common to use the same medications used for Alzheimer's that improve the availability of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. Although they have different etiological mechanisms, vascular dementia and Alzheimer's have deficits of dopamine, which acts as a key player in the communication between neurons.

In the later stages, both vascular dementia and Alzheimer's have similar symptoms. But the trend differs. "The Alzheimer's has a slow and progressive evolution. Have vascular dementia has stabilization of levels and worsening resulting from obstruction of the vessels, "explains Dr. Hideyo Ivan Okamoto, neurologist and coordinator of the Center of Excellence in Einstein's memory. "In Alzheimer's as if you're going down a ramp. Vascular dementia is a ladder. The individual may be parked on a step long time and suddenly can go down very quickly, "Dr. compares. Maysa Seabra Cendoroglo, Einstein's geriatrician.

She points out that it is also high incidence of mixed dementia, fruit of the joint action of the Alzheimer and vascular problems, which enhances the negative effects. "It would be as if the patient gradually come down a merged ramp by steep steps."



Other dementias:

Among the many other causes of dementia symptoms, there are some reversible, such as those related to hypothyroidism, syphilis infections, pressure compensated hydrocephalus (there is increased intracranial pressure) and vitamin B12 deficiency, among others. The earlier treatment of the problem, the greater the chances of disappearance of symptoms.

Unfortunately, it is still a long list of dementia with their own causes (many of them unknown) and manifestations. Dementia with Lewy, for example, are prevalent in developed countries, is characterized by a rapid clinical decline and the association with early Parkinson's disease, among other factors. In the Pick of dementia (or Pick's disease) and frontotemporal dementias in, behavior and personality changes are striking symptoms.

"The frontotemporal dementia are more common in younger people. In patients younger than 60 years, it becomes the second cause after Alzheimer's. That is, affects individuals who still have a professional and social life very active, "said Dr. Ivan. "With the disease start appearing behavioral changes such as aggression, apathy, depression, disinhibition ... Suddenly, one can take your clothes off in a public place or simply sit hours in front of the television even though she was off" exemplifies the neurologist.

Drajosiane Odila