Dementia neurocognitive disorders are a broad group of medical conditions or brain injuries that affect a person’s ability to think and remember.
These disorders occur in nine etiologies according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM-5 divides them into mild and major neurocognitive disorders.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the accumulation of proteins, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles, in brain cells. This disrupts messages between them, and over time, it can kill them. Artvigil 150 may decrease your sleepiness. Continue to take armodafinil even if you feel well-rested.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s vary from person to person, and in different areas of the brain. They may also fluctuate from day to day, and worsen in times of stress, fatigue, or ill health.
There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments can improve or slow the progression of symptoms. Non-medication therapies can include social interaction, regular exercise, and a healthy diet.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is caused by problems with blood flow in the brain. Symptoms may appear suddenly, such as after a stroke, or build up gradually over time as the brain cells become damaged due to reduced blood flow.
There are many things that increase the risk of vascular dementia, including heart disease and stroke. Taking good care of your health by following healthy lifestyle habits can help control these risk factors and reduce the likelihood that you will develop vascular dementia.
A diagnosis of vascular dementia is made after a thorough examination, medical history, and physical and cognitive tests are performed. The doctor will also consider any changes in your symptoms, such as difficulty remembering new information or concentrating on certain tasks.
Lewy Body Dementia
Dementia with Lewy bodies (also known as LBD) is a progressive brain disease that usually develops after age 60. It has a few similar symptoms to Alzheimer’s disease, but also includes problems with movement and hallucinations.
Symptoms of Lewy body dementia vary from person to person and are primarily a result of changes in the brain’s nerve cells. They can include fluctuations in cognitive function and a shuffling gait, tremors, blank expression, or visual hallucinations.
While there’s no cure for dementia, many people find that medications and nonmedical therapies can help manage their symptoms for a while. For example, cholinesterase inhibitors are used to treat the memory problems associated with Lewy body dementia. Behavioral therapy can help improve mood and reduce anxiety. Exercise can also relieve stress and boost your energy levels.
Mixed Dementia
People with mixed dementia have symptoms of two or more neurocognitive disorders – usually Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. These may include memory loss, confusion, and personality changes.
The cause of mixed dementia is still unknown, but it appears to be a combination of age-related changes in the body and brain. In addition, it’s often caused by vascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
It’s important to diagnose mixed dementia as soon as possible. This will allow you to plan for your loved one’s future, and ensure they receive the best care and support available.
Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia is a type of neurocognitive disorder that affects the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes. These lobes are involved in personality, behavior, and emotions.
In this type of dementia, a person’s behavior changes or speech problems may appear before memory decline. This is called primary progressive aphasia (PPA).
People with FTD can also experience changes in the way their bodies move, which are called motor symptoms. These can include muscle weakness, coordination problems, and an inability to swallow or drink fluids.
It’s important to understand how fast symptoms worsen varies from one person to the next. As the disease progresses, a person’s health and quality of life can suffer greatly. They can become unable to do many things and need 24-hour nursing care. Their health can also become weakened, which puts them at risk of serious infections in their lungs and urinary tract.