What is dementia?

Dementia is not one, specific disease. It is a brain condition affecting memory and thinking. Understanding the types of dementia and symptoms is important to getting the appropriate treatment.

There are treatments, including drugs and other therapies, to address behavior changes and other symptoms, but most types of dementia do get worse over time. It is important to discuss all symptoms and concerns with a medical professional to ensure the proper diagnosis and treatment.

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80 percent of dementia cases. Vascular dementia occurs after a stroke and is the second most common type. There are many other types of dementia, including a few that are reversible.

What causes dementia?

Brain cell damage causes dementia. The area of the brain affected by damage causes different symptoms. Those symptoms and the reasons for the damage can help doctors determine what type of dementia a person has and how to treat it.

Is there a test for dementia?

There is no one test for dementia, but doctors can diagnose dementia with a high level of certainty. They use patient history, laboratory tests, physical examinations, and look for presentation of specific symptoms to make a diagnosis.

For more information about dementia, click here or here for detailed information from trusted sources.

To learn more about Parc Provence and our unique approach to memory care, contact us today. Our full continuum of memory care is offered in a state-of-the-art household setting, and our goal is to empower each resident to function at his or her highest and best potential.

Visit us today to see why Parc Provence is leading the way in Memory Care.