What is Normal Dementia?
Alzheimer's Disease is a well known and well documented problem of older people. What is the difference between AD and normal dementia?
There is no such thing as normal Dementia. There are some areas of brain activity that reduce or slow down with advanced aging, but Dementia is not normal. Dementia, like Alzheimer's Disease, is a disease. Dementia is not a milder form of Alzheimer's Disease. Indeed, in more advanced stages it is quite as debilitating as AD. Some level of forgetfulness is normal even for a young person, but there are tests to determine if the memory loss is indicative of illness. Strokes sometimes cause similar problems, but with strokes the diagnosis is easier.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease consists of several symptoms found in a common that usually begin with memory loss, root-finding difficulties, inability to solve problems, and lack of assurance in making decisions. The patients may exhibit dressing apraxia, that is inability to know what pieces of clothing goes on first, or what to wear to bed or to breakfast.Memory is the first problem many people notice with dementia. Other problems include problems with language, problem solving, and following instructions.
Movement Disorders
Parkinson's Disease is a form of dementia that is caused by the body's inability to produce dopamine. L-dopa is often prescribed for this problem. It begins with movement problems and causes problems with walking, hand movements and voice disruption. Other brain functions may be retained for a long time.Huntington's Chorea is a disease that has these symptoms. It is inherited and often common in a family as the victims get older. Most of the patient's intellect is preserved until advanced stages. In advance stages the patient may not be able to restrain movement. Writhing and twisting of arms and legs may be constant making it impossible to lie on a bed or sleep normally.
Diagnosis
Sometimes symptoms may present as a side effect of medication. It is wise to make sure the symptoms are not related to medication. The saddest thing about side effects is that the medication was intended to help the patient and instead of helping, it is causing other problems.With any of these problems, it is best to get a good diagnosis in the beginning. Make sure you know what you are treating.
