1. Dementia By: Karynn Taylor

2. What Is Dementia
Dementia is not a specific disease. It's a group of different symptoms that are caused by disorders that affect varying portions of the brain.

3. Common Areas of the Brain Dementia Affects

4. Types of Dementia Alzheimer's Disease (60-80% of cases)
Vascular Dementia
Parkinson's Disease
Huntington's Disease

5. Irreversible Causes of Dementia
Diseases that cause loss of nerve cells in the brain. (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's)
Diseases that affect blood vessels, which include stroke
Nurtritional deficiencies
Head Injury

6. Treatable Causes of Dementia
HIV/AIDS
Syphilis
Brain Tumors
Toxic Exposure (Metal dust/Fumes)
Metabolic Disorders (Liver, Pancreas, Kidneys)
Hormone Disorders
Poor Oxygenation
Chronic Alcholism

7. Surgery & Dementia
No resonable surgical treatment can manage dementia. Surgery is reserved for particular conditions underlying dementia that might improve the condition, such as removing a brain tumor or drainage of excess cerebrospinal fluid.

8. Therapy for Dementia
Occupational therapy(OT) may help persons with dementia with activities of daily living(ADL) such as eating. Physical Therapy(PT) may help mobility by teaching patients to use walkers or canes the proper way and showing them how to get out of bed and/or a chair.

9. Sources Http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dem entia.html
dementia.asp
a_overview/page2_em.htm