Dementia Specialist

What is dementia?

Dementia is a term for symptoms that cause a decline in your mental abilities, which can eventually result in a disruption of your usual routine and a reduction in your quality of life.

There are several types of dementia, including:

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, behavior, and thinking skills, with symptoms developing gradually and worsening over time.

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia causes a decline in thinking skills due to existing cerebrovascular disease, which develops when the blood vessels in the brain become damaged and aren’t able to receive oxygen and other nutrients.

Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that results due to a defective gene and affects the central part of the brain that controls mood, thinking, and movement.

Lewy body dementia

As a progressive dementia, Lewy body dementia reduces the ability to think and function independently, which is caused by damage to the brain cells over time.

What are the symptoms of dementia?

Symptoms of dementia affect people differently and can be similar to many other underlying health issues. To be considered for a dementia diagnosis, you need to have issues with at least two core mental functions, such as:

• Memory
• Language
• Concentration
• Visual perception
• Judgment and reasoning

You may experience issues with short-term memory and find it difficult to keep track of your usual tasks and routines.

How is dementia diagnosed?

There’s no test that can confirm dementia, but the medical team at Verma Health is skilled in evaluating your symptoms and determining if your issues relate to dementia or a different health issue.

Your Verma Health doctor performs a physical exam and reviews your personal and family medical history. They may also want to speak with your close family members and friends to learn more about your symptoms.

What treatments are available for dementia?

The treatment plan for dementia depends on the type of dementia you have and how severe your symptoms. While there’s no cure for dementia, the medical team at Verma Health can work closely with you to manage your condition and enhance your quality of life.

There are medications that can temporarily alleviate some symptoms of dementia. Your Verma Health provider can also discuss changes that need to be made to ensure your safe and comfortable at home.

To learn more about managing dementia, schedule a consultation at Verma Health by phone or with the online booking feature.