What is dementia as defined in medical terminology?
Dementia is defined as a significant loss of intellectual abilities that’s serious enough to hinder social and occupational functioning.
In the past, people believed or assumed that dementia was just part of the aging process. However, this is a clear misconception, as some elderly individuals go on living their lives without experiencing any of the symptoms commonly associated with dementia.
What are some common symptoms of dementia?
When we try to define exactly what dementia is, it’s often easier to present some common symptoms that may affect someone who’s suffering from dementia. These symptoms may include
- Memory problems
- Difficulty paying attention
- Challenges with communication
- Impaired reasoning, judgment, and problem-solving abilities
- Forgetting family members and close friends
- Inability to perform tasks on their own
What are the risk factors of dementia?
Certain risk factors can increase the onset of dementia; these may include:
- Age: One of the biggest factors affecting dementia is age, which typically affects individuals aged 65 and older.
- Genetics: Your family history is another risk factor associated with dementia.
- Current Heart Condition: The risk of dementia increases if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol and it is not treated appropriately.
- Lifestyle Choices: Smoking and consuming alcohol increase your risk in developing dementia.
What are the most common forms of dementia?
- Alzheimer’s: This is the most common impaired memory disorder, affecting 50 to 70% of those diagnosed with dementia.
- Vascular Dementia: This type typically arises after someone has experienced a stroke.
- Dementia with Lewy Bodies: This occurs when microscopic deposits begin to form in the brain.
Watching your loved one experience the different phases of dementia can be difficult. It can become even more complicated when you must find the appropriate care community for the friend or family member with a memory impairment disorder. Most assisted living communities are just not well-equipped to cater to patients with dementia or memory impairment.
At Complete Dementia Solutions, we take the weight off your family’s shoulders by finding the appropriate care for your loved ones. We make every possible effort to make finding in home care or a memory care community for your loved one as smooth a transition as possible.