Dementia
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Midwest Neurology Associates, P.C.
Neurologist and Pain Management Specialist located in Dyer, IN
Having difficulty remembering recent events, confusion, and decreased concentration are some of the early signs of dementia. Dementia itself isn’t a disease, but refers to a group of symptoms associated with cognitive changes. The board-certified physicians at Midwest Neurology Associates, PC, in Dyer, Indiana, specialize in the diagnosis and management of dementia provide treatment to help manage symptoms. To schedule a consultation for you or a loved one, call the office, to request an appointment today.
Dementia Q & A
What is dementia?
Dementia is a medical term used to describe memory loss or changes in cognitive function that impair your ability to manage daily tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting as many as 80% of those with dementia. Vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke, is also a common cause of the cognitive changes.
However, not all causes of dementia are irreversible. Some medical conditions, such as nutrient deficiencies or a thyroid problem, once corrected may improve the cognitive changes associated with dementia.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
Memory loss is the primary symptom of dementia. Other symptoms include:
- Difficulty focusing or paying attention
- Poor reasoning or judgement
- Difficulty communicating
With dementia, you may experience issues with your short-term memory. For example, forgetting where you put your car keys or forgetting about a doctor’s appointments. In the early stages, the signs and symptoms can be subtle and often go unnoticed
Dementia is progressive, and the symptoms worsen over time. The experienced team at Midwest Neurology Associates can provide the help you need either for you or your loved one to help manage symptoms.
What causes dementia?
Dementia develops because of damage to your brain cells, which impairs their ability to communicate with each other. The underlying cause of the brain damage may depend on the dementia type. With Alzheimer’s disease, certain proteins found inside and outside the cell affect cell-to-cell communication and health, leading to damage.
How is dementia diagnosed?
There’s no single test to diagnose dementia. The neurology experts at Midwest Neurology Associates conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess health and determine if the cognitive changes are because of dementia. During the evaluation, the team reviews medical and family history and symptoms and conducts a physical exam.
The team may also perform various tests to assess mental health, as well as diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out a medical condition.
How is dementia treated?
Treatment for dementia may depend on the underlying cause. If dementia develops due to a medical condition, treatment of the medical condition may stop the progression of the cognitive changes.
However, with Alzheimer’s disease, there is no cure and there’s currently no treatment to stop the progression of the disease. The team at Midwest Neurology Associates can provide you with medications and strategies to help manage the symptoms.
To learn more about the treatment options for dementia from the experts at Midwest Neurology Associates, call the office, to book an appointment today.
