Dementia: Symptoms, treatments, and causes

[rangerrebew]

Dementia: Symptoms, treatments, and causes
Written by Markus MacGillReviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PMHNP-BC, GNP-BC, CARN-AP, MCHES
Knowledge center
Last updated: Wed 22 March 2017
 
Dementia is a collective term used to describe various symptoms of cognitive decline, such as forgetfulness. It is a symptom of several underlying diseases and brain disorders.

This article discusses the potential causes of dementia, the various types, and any available treatments.

Contents of this article:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142214.php

[Applewood]

I'm glad the article mentions certain temporary forms of dementia.  Had an uncle confined to a hospital ICU for an extended period.  ICU was a windowless room with every bed walled in.  Looked like a prison.  Uncle started to exhibit signs of dementia.  Until he was hospitalized, he was as sharp as a tack, so the family thought there was something suspicious about his sudden dementia symptoms.  Doctors ignored the family, telling them  they would need to find him a nursing facility, blah, blah, blah.  It took an intern to find some research  saying that being confined in such an awful ICU unit might be the problem.  Took some effort, but Uncle was moved to an ordinary room with windows and his mental health improved dramatically.

[thackney]

I'm glad the article mentions certain temporary forms of dementia.  Had an uncle confined to a hospital ICU for an extended period.  ICU was a windowless room with every bed walled in.  Looked like a prison.  Uncle started to exhibit signs of dementia.  Until he was hospitalized, he was as sharp as a tack, so the family thought there was something suspicious about his sudden dementia symptoms.  Doctors ignored the family, telling them  they would need to find him a nursing facility, blah, blah, blah.  It took an intern to find some research  saying that being confined in such an awful ICU unit might be the problem.  Took some effort, but Uncle was moved to an ordinary room with windows and his mental health improved dramatically.

My father-in-law had a problem with a medicine leaving him with very low potassium levels.  His mild dementia became overwhelming.

Stopping the medicine allowed his levels to come back closer to normal along with his mental ability.