Dementia Cure

Many of us may occasionally forget the name of our neighbor or items to be purchased at the grocery store, and we wonder if this is part of normal aging. Your doctor is the best person to talk about these concerns. There are many conditions that are treatable, which may contribute to periodic blackouts.

Often when we think of dementia as we think of Alzheimer's disease. While Alzheimer's is considered the underlying cause between 60 and 80% of all dementia cases, there are also other conditions that could cause dementia. It is important to know the other types and causes of dementia because the treatment may vary between diseases and early detection may be beneficial in slowing the progression of the incurable dementia.

According to Dr. Harvey Gilbert, MD, Gilbert Guide, ( www.gilbertguide.com ) some of the most common types of dementia and their causes are:

<b> 1. Vascular Dementia / b>

This type of dementia is the second most common. It is caused by poor blood circulation to the brain, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients they need to function normally. Vascular dementia can be caused by a number of conditions that constrict blood vessels, including stroke, diabetes and hypertension.

<Dementia <b> 2. Mixed / b>

Sometimes, the dementia is caused by more than one condition. In most cases, mixed dementia is caused by Alzheimer's disease and vascular disease.

<b> 3. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) </ b>

Sometimes called Lewy body disease, this type of dementia is characterized by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies that develop into nerve cells in the brainstem. This disrupts the brain's ability to function normally and impairs cognition and behavior. It can also cause tremors and is often linked to Parkinson's disease and dementia. It is not reversible and there is no known cure.

<b> 4. Dementia of Parkinson's disease (WMD) </ b>

Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive neurological disease, and in its later stages may affect cognitive functioning. Not all people with Parkinson's disease develop dementia, however. This type of dementia is also a form of dementia with Lewy bodies. Symptoms include tremors, muscle rigidity and problems with speech. Reasoning, memory, speech, and judgments are also usually affected.

<Dementia <b> 5. Frontotemporal / b>

Pick's disease is the most common and recognized form of frontotemporal dementia. It is a rare disease that causes damage to brain cells in the frontal and temporal lobes. This affects the individual's personality significantly, usually resulting in a decline in social skills with emotional apathy. Unlike other dementias, Pick's disease is usually translated as behavior and personality changes occurring before the memory loss and speech problems.

<b> 6. Dementia in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) </ b>

A degenerative neurological disorder, CJD is also known as "mad cow disease." The impact is very low, occurring in only about one in one million people. There is no cure. Caused by viruses, CJD progresses rapidly, usually over a period of several months. Symptoms include memory loss, impaired speech, confusion, muscle stiffness and contractions, and a general lack of coordination, which makes the individual susceptible to falls. Sometimes, blurred vision and hallucinations also occur with this form of dementia.

<b> 7. Normal field.