Alzheimer’s disease gradually robs a person of their ability to care for themselves, but most saddening is the loss of memory that occurs with this dreaded disease. Some memory loss as a person ages is a natural part of life. Forgetting what you came into a room to do, where you put your keys, or who you just met is not a sign of dementia. Forgetting to turn off the stove, dressing for the wrong type of weather (dressing for winter in the middle of summer) or forgetting who your children are may be a warning sign.
Memory loss is not the only sign of dementia. Personality changes and language skills often are a sign of Alzheimer’s. Before a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s other forms of dementia and their causes should be ruled out. Side effects of medication and depression can mimic Alzheimer’s or dementia and a physician should question a person about all that has happened in their life recently.
Blood work can rule out hormone imbalances and vitamin deficiencies. Certain illness can cause dementia-like symptoms. An MRI may be performed to rule out strokes and blood clots. An MRA may be run to determined if there is blockage in an artery. This blockage can cause a decrease flow in blood to the brain, which will result in memory loss and personality changes. An EEG can determine if a person has slower than normal brain waves. This slowing of the waves is an indicator of dementia.
The fear of having Alzheimer’s can in itself create anxiety and personality changes. A physician should inform a person that not all symptoms mean dementia and complete the necessary tests to rule out the possibility. Oftentimes, just hearing the words, “You do not have dementia” can make a big difference in a person’s life.
Wed, Jun 16, 2010
Health, aging