How Can A Neurologist Help With Dementia?
One of the most devastating conditions a patient can deal with as they age is dementia. Dementia involves the loss of cognitive function, and it can be hard for you to watch this happen to a loved one. At Nassau Suffolk Neurology, our goal is to help patients and families who are affected by this ailment. Our neurologist can help diagnose the early signs of dementia, allowing a management plan to be put in place.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia describes a set of symptoms that point to the deterioration of one’s cognitive function. While these symptoms typically start small, when left unchecked, they can quickly spiral downwards into a more serious complication. They occur when once-healthy nerve cells become damaged and start to lose connection with brain cells, causing them to die off. Examples of symptoms that point to the development of dementia include the below:
- Increased confusion.
- Personality or behavioral changes.
- Memory loss.
- Signs of apathy, withdrawal, or depression.
- Reduction in the ability to concentrate.
The Causes Of Dementia
Patients should always remember that dementia is not a normal part of aging. Many people live well into their 90s and beyond without showing any signs of developing this condition. That is why when you believe this condition is becoming present in your or a loved one, you should seek the help of our neurologist right away. Our team will perform diagnostic tests to determine if you are being affected by any of the conditions that can cause dementia, which includes:
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Frontotemporal disorders.
- Lewy body dementia.
- Mixed dementia.
Diagnosis of Dementia
When patients begin to show signs of dementia, finding treatment right away will help make this condition more manageable. In some cases, conditions that are causing symptoms of dementia can be treated, allowing one’s previous level of cognitive function to be restored. However, to achieve this, you’ll need the help of our neurologist. Our neurologist is very well versed in the tests necessary to diagnose dementia and may perform the following when you come in for an appointment:
- Visual Evoked Potential.
- Electroencephalogram.
- Brain Auditory Evoked Response.
- Balance Testing.
Benefits Of Visiting Nassau Suffolk Neurology
As we’ve previously stated, early detection of dementia can help increase a patient’s outlook on overcoming this condition. Allowing for the early detection of this condition is but one of the benefits our team at Nassau Suffolk Neurology can bring for patients. By performing an array of neurologic tests, our staff can properly diagnose dementia so patients can begin adapting their lifestyle to compensate for this condition. Another benefit, our neurologist can bring is confirming this condition is not taking place. Over the years, many ailments have been found to mimic the symptoms that dementia displays. By determining dementia is not the present, you can seek a diagnosis for a condition that may have otherwise gone unchecked. Listed below are a few examples of these conditions:
- Vitamin deficiency.
- Delirium
- Thyroid, kidney, or liver problems.
- Blood clots, tumors, or infections of the brain.
- Head injuries, such as concussions.
Nassau Suffolk Neurology
Dr. Adamo, our neurologist at Nassau Suffolk Neurology has over 15 years of experience working with neurological disorders. Dementia is just one of the many disorders we can treat, and while it is severe, it is not the only one. The job of a neurologist is to diagnose and help treat these types of conditions, and we are committed to doing just that. When you or a loved one begins to face cognitive issues, contact our team right away. We’ll work quickly to properly diagnose your condition, allowing you to receive the treatment you need.