Dementia clinic

Dementia is a broad term used to collectively refer to disorders that lead to decreased mental functions. It can often be an emotionally draining situation for the patient's family members, where the disease affects the patient's brain but it is the caregivers who suffer. Although memory loss is the commonest symptom, other problems encountered in dementia patients include

• Mental confusion

• Altered sleeping habits

• Getting lost while going for a walk

• Change in behavior, personality or eating habits

• Decreased interaction with family members

• Repetitive speech or actions

• Inappropriate crying or laughing

There are multiple causes of dementia many of which are correctable. Alzheimer's Disease, the commonest cause of dementia is present in nearly 20 percent of the population above the age of 80 years. Vascular dementia, Dementia with Lewy bodies, Fronto-temporal dementia and Parkinson's Disease dementia are other common neurodegenerative dementing disorders. These degenerative disorders are irreversible, but their progress can be slowed and symptomatic relief can be achieved in patients with a combination of medications, behavioral training and cognitive rehabilitation. 

Detailed neurological assessment is necessary in dementia patients not only to find medically correctable factors but also for subtyping of neurodegenerative conditions so that patients can avail disease specific medications in the near future.