The are a number of diseases and conditions that a person might develop as they age. Unfortunately, any of these problems can impact a person's mental abilities. In particular, dementia is a relatively common condition that can have profound impacts on a person's quality of life. If this is a condition that you suspect a loved one is developing, you may benefit from having these three dementia-related questions answered.

What Causes a Person to Develop Dementia?

It is currently unclear what exactly causes a person to develop dementia. However, the cause is thought to be a mixture of genetic and lifestyle habits. For example, prolonged alcohol abuse is believed to potentially help trigger this condition. Additionally, it is possible for individuals that have suffered serious trauma to the brain, such as a stroke, to be more likely to develop this condition.

How Can You Tell If Someone Is Suffering from Dementia?

Dementia can be a rather difficult problem for individuals to diagnose. This stems from the fact that this condition's symptoms may seem innocuous at first. For example, you may notice your loved one starting to become more forgetful or easily confused. While this will not always indicate that a person is suffering from dementia, it may be wise to have a loved one tested for this condition if you notice their forgetfulness becoming excessive.

In order to officially diagnose this condition, it will be necessary for the patient to undergo a series of tests. Some of these tests will evaluate the patient's short-term memory formation while others may focus on the physical structure of the brain. By carefully reviewing the results of these evaluations, the doctor will be able to confirm if this condition is present in the patient.

Is Treatment of This Condition Possible?

It is important to note that it is not currently possible to cure this condition. However, it is possible to help slow the progress of this condition. This is done through the use of special medications and mental exercises. It is vitally important that patients do these mental exercises, as they can help to slow the progression of dementia by helping to keep the mind as active as possible.

Having a loved one develop dementia can be a stressful experience for anyone to go through. By understanding the causes of dementia, the steps for testing if this condition is present, and the treatment options available, you will be better prepared to help a loved one battle this condition.

For more information about how to help someone living with dementia, consult a professional like Alta Ridge Communities. 

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