1. Dementia

2. Dementia
Definition
General term for loss of memory and other mental abilities ,severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is caused by physical changes in the brain.
How Common is Dementia:
One out of ten people over the age of 65 will have some issues of memory loss. The percentage increases with every decade of life.

3. What causes Dementia? Stoke Alzheimer’s Disease Head Trauma
Parkinson’s Disease
Thyroid Problems
Vit B12 deficiency
Infections
Metabolic changes
Alcohol/Drug Abuse
Adverse Drug Reactions

4. Treatable/Reversible Causes of Dementia Treatable/Reversible Causes of Dementia
Correcting thyroid problems
Correcting Vitamin B12 Defficiency
Correcting Adverse Drug Reaction
Correcting metabolic changes

5. Alzheimer’s Dementia RISK FACTORS: Family History
Caused by abnormal build up of proteins between brain cells
RISK FACTORS:
Age
Family History
Some genetic factors in early onset Alzheimer’s Dementia
PROTECTIVE FACTORS:
Higher Education
Mental Activilty
Physical activity

6. Difference between Alzheimer’s Dementia and Normal Aging
Signs of Alzheimer’s Dementia
Typical Age-related changes
Poor judgement and decision making
Inability to manage a budget
Losing track of the date or season
Difficulty having conversation
Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them
Making a bad decision once in a while
Missing a monthly payment
Forgetting the day but remembering it later
Sometimes forgetting which word to use
Losing things occasionally

7. How is Alzheimer’s Diagnosed?
Excluding other causes of Dementia
Mental Status Testing
Mini Mental Status Examination , Stroop’s Test , Drawing face of
a clock
Neuropsychological Testing to assess thinking, mood , personality
etc.
MRI may show changes such as thinning of outer layers of brain, shrinkage of total volume of brain etc.

8. Treatment of Alzheimer’s Dementia
Some evidence shows that the following currently available drugs may slow the progress of the disease
Donepezil (Aricept)
Exelon (Rivastigmine)
Namenda (Memantine)
Namzaric Combination of Aricept and Memantine
Also symptomatic treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and any other pathologies

9. Alzheimer’s Dementia

10. Alzheimer’s Dementia

11. Alzheimer’s Dementia
Preventive strategies:
“Identifying and controlling risk factors we can maximize our
chances of lifelong health”
Regular Exercise: 150 min./week
include balance and coordination training
2) Social Engagement: Volunteer work
Join a club or social group
connect with others via social media
take group classes
go to public places such as movies, parks etc.
3) Healthy Diet Heart healthy diet is also brain healthy diet

12. Alzheimer’s Dementia Preventive strategies:
Diet low in trans fat and cholesterol
Diet rich in Omega-3 (can take supplements)
lots of fruits and vegetables
Tea has been has proven benefits
Dietary supplements such as Vit B12, Vit
D and fish oil
Mental Stimulation:
Cross word, Scrabble, Sudoku etc.
Practice memorizing
Learn something new
Practice the 5 W’s ( what, when, who, where and
why)of your daily experiences.
Take a new route, eat with non –dominant hand etc., to
create new connections in brain

13. Alzheimer’s Dementia
Preventive Strategies
Quality Sleep
Practice good sleep hygiene
Stress Management: Chronic stress is known to cause
Meditation
Yoga
Walk in the park
Reading
Manage your Health Issues by practicing smoke cessation, moderating alcohol consumption, controlling weight, controlling sugar and cholesterol