It is a syndrome that causes the loss of brain function, mainly affecting the deterioration of memory, language, thinking, judgment, personal and social behavior, as well as the ability to perform some daily activities.

What are the causes of dementia?

It is mostly due to age; some initial symptoms appear before age 65. The main cause is damage to cells in certain brain regions, which directly affects behavior and abilities.

Other problems that can trigger dementia include:

• Brain injury
• Huntington's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease

Some types of dementia can be treated to stop or reverse the decline, but it depends on the underlying cause. Those that can be reversed include:

• Brain injury
• Brain tumors
• Alcohol abuse
• Depression
• Use and effects of medications
• Brain infections
• Thyroid problems
• Vitamin deficiencies

¿Cuáles son los síntomas de la Demencia?

Existen muchos síntomas en distintas áreas cerebrales a continuación son los síntomas generales de la Demencia:

Deterioro Cognitivo:

• Difficulty or inability to perform more than one task at a time
• Forgetting recent events or conversations
• Taking longer to perform mental tasks
• Problems with spoken or written language
• Problems with short-term memory
• Disorientation to time or place
• Difficulty making decisions or plans
• Problems concentrating
• Inability to solve problems

Psychological Changes:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Personality changes

Signs and Symptoms of Dementia by Stages

Early Stage

• Language problems
• Mood swings
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Losing things
• Forgetting things or events
• Loss of sense of time
• Personality changes
• Disorientation
• Difficulty learning or retaining new information
• Inappropriate behavior

Intermediate Stage

Most of the symptoms are from the early stage, but they are more severe, common, and evident.

• Greater disorientation, even in their own home.
• Difficulty learning new things
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Social withdrawal
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Agitation
• Violent behavior or irritability
• Forgetfulness of recent events
• Difficulty performing daily tasks;
  they require assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, etc.
• Increased difficulty reading, writing, or communicating.

Late/Severe Stage

• They can no longer perform daily tasks such as bathing, eating, cooking, dressing, etc.
• They do not recognize people, even family members.
• They cannot understand language or communicate.
• They have greater difficulty orienting themselves and a loss of their sense of time.
• They require support for personal care.
• They experience memory loss.
• They have difficulty moving or walking.
• They exhibit greater behavioral changes and may become aggressive.

Another important factor is adapting the living environment to ensure safety. There are also assisted living facilities that offer patients a suitable living space and support. We invite you to contact the Margaritas Therapeutic Community to learn more about their trained staff.