Dementia is a problem that is characterized by a group of symptoms that show an overall cognitive decline. This issue is characterized by several issues and impairment of language, memory, judgment, as well as behavior that is of progressive or chronic nature. Dementia is mainly caused due to damage to the brain. This arises due to a loss of neurons, with a common cause being the destruction of brain cells due to dementia.
Age is considered as a strong contributing factor to dementia. It is not restricted to only senile dementia and can affect even the younger age groups. In this article, we would be talking about the different stages of dementia as well as dementia treatment in India.
Stages of Dementia
Dementia can be understood as a progressive disease that can get worse over time. People suffering from dementia tend to show different symptoms according to their severity. Below are the different stages of dementia based on cognitive decline:
- Mild Cognitive Impairment: This is a common stage among elderly people. A mild cognitive impairment can be understood as a disorder where one tends to experience short term memory loss, forgetfulness, and also has trouble remembering different things. Most of the people suffering from MCI might not move towards dementia or other mental impairments.
- Mild Dementia Stage: This is an early phase of dementia where the patients can function independently. Different symptoms at this stage might include short-term memory loss, forgetfulness and misplacing things, difficulty in expressing emotions, irritability, depression, anger, unable to make decisions, and carry on with complex tasks.
- Moderate Dementia Stage: During this stage, the affected individual may require assistance. Family members are generally suited for this; however, one can also take dementia caregivers from a good dementia care center who are trained for caring for dementia patients. Patients at this stage need care as dementia can start to interfere with the patient’s daily tasks and activities at this stage. The symptoms at this stage include poor judgment, increasing confusion and frustration, significant personality changes, inability to dress or take a bath, and memory loss.
- Severe Dementia Stage: In this final stage of dementia, severe mental, as well as physical problems, can be seen. The symptoms include the inability to maintain bodily functions such as talking properly, walking, swallowing food, losing the ability to communicate, complete dependency on caregivers, as well as increased risk of infections.
Treatment of Dementia
Majorly two types of primary dementia treatments are available that can be used for managing dementia symptoms. These include treatment with medications as well as non-drug therapies. Many dementia treatment guidelines also prescribe the use of both of them to manage the symptoms of dementia. Keep on reading to find out more about the treatment of dementia!
- Medications: A common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s. Here, the medication is used for treating the different symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors are one of the drugs that are used for the treatment of senile dementia, which is an increase in the chemical known as acetylcholine. This chemical helps the patient in improving their judgment capabilities and may also delay any worsening symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. One needs to note that there can be side effects of taking this drug. One needs to research the side effects of a drug before going ahead with a medication.
- Non-Drug Therapy: In the case of treatment of frontotemporal dementia, occupational therapy is one of the best ways to manage different symptoms. In occupational therapy, one takes the help of trained dementia caregivers for helping the dementia patient get back on their feet.
- Mixed Approach: The treatment of Lewy body dementia comprises of brain scans, blood tests, prescriptions of medications, as well as undergoing therapy.
Prevention of Dementia
Certain lifestyle changes as well as therapies help the patient in handling the symptoms of dementia and handling the manageable complications of dementia. These include:
- Changing the patient’s environment: Ensure that the patient is not in a cluttered environment full of overstimulation and noise as it can cause the patient to lose focus.
- Modification in common and daily tasks: A healthcare provider or a therapist can help the patient in breaking down daily tasks such as eating, showering, and dressing.
- Occupational therapy: Many specialized health care providers can help patients that are suffering from dementia. They assist them in simple tasks of everyday life. This helps in restoring a sense of dignity in the dementia patient.
Conclusion
Dementia treatment in Bangalore can be undertaken at different dementia care institutions and hospitals. This is something that should not be ignored and needs to be undertaken as soon as detected.