Dementia is defined as a clinical syndrome characterized by a loss of previously acquired intellectual function. It is generally associated with the elderly, but some dementias, such as Alzheimers, can start in middle life. The latter disorder was originally described by Alois Alzheimer (a German psychiatrist) in 1907 as a condition that developed before the age of 65. This early form of Alzheimer's is now known as Type 2, while that which develops after age 65 is known as Type 1.

The features of dementia

There are three key features of dementia which are generally recognized. The first is a loss of general intelligence marked by impairment in abstract thinking, judgment and problem solving ability. Thinking can be slow and inflexible and the ability to reason logically can be reduced.

The second is a personality change, where behavior becomes rude, tactless and generally insensitive to the feelings of other people. Personality changes are often described as 'coarsening', since they reflect exaggerations of the less desirable aspects of the person's character which have previously been kept under restraint.

The third change is related to emotional well-being. There is often depression, anxiety or irritability, especially in the early stages when the person still has some degree of insight into their failing intellectual powers. In the later stages the emotions tend to become blunted and the person no longer appears to be capable of responding to events in their environment.

Senile Dementia

Senile dementia is the most common and important form of dementia of the Alzheimer type. The incidence of senile dementia increases with age: 0.4% of the population at 70 years, rising to 5.2% at 90 years. It is important to realize Alzheimers does not simply describe a 'normal' pattern of aging and neuropsychological tests can demonstrate this.

Unfortunately, the course of senile dementia is one of relentless decline. The person becomes more helpless and prey to infection, particularly bronchopneumonia, which is the commonest cause of death in people suffering from senile dementia. Back in the 1950s most people with senile dementia were dead within two years of admission to hospital. However, this figure has progressively extended as patients have been given better care and they now tend to be admitted to hospital at an earlier stage.

For more information about Alzheimers and dementia, see the Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia page at severe-brain-injury.com.

Barbara Eastcairn writes about all the health issues which really matter to families and carers.

Source: www.articlesbase.com