What Can a Neurologist Do For a Dementia Patient?

Has you or a loved one been a little forgetful lately out of the blue? Forgetting a conversation or your keys is common at times, but something might be manifesting if this is occurring more frequently. You or your loved one could be suffering from an early stage of dementia or memory loss. Although dementia is not a specific disease, many may cause dementia and memory loss or other functions. In search of a certified, knowledgeable, and experienced doctor when it comes to Suffolk Neurology? Look no further; Nassau Suffolk Neurology  a neurologist in West Islip is here for you. Continue reading on to learn more about dementia and how a neurologist may help you through this tough diagnosis. 

What Can Cause Dementia?

Dementia is simply a result of brain disease, and most definitely not a normal component of aging. Furthermore, dementia describes the loss of cognitive functions, which can be so severe that they interfere with an individual’s way of life, daily activities, and movements. In most cases, an individuals’ memory doesn’t all diminish at the same time. This condition is very low and progresses over time, most likely due to the gradual loss of brain cells (neurons), otherwise known as neurodegeneration. 

Types of Dementias That Progress Over Time 

There is a range of different types of dementia that have been known and confirmed. All of the following listed below are considered progressive conditions, known to progressively get worse over time. Unfortunately, these conditions are not reversible. Once you or a loved one had been diagnosed, treatments simply include adaptation to these challenges. Our team at Nassau Suffolk Neurology helps you through this difficult and scary process. These types of progressive dementias include:

• Alzheimer’s Disease– The most common cause of dementia is known at this time. Although not all of this condition’s exact causes are clear, a small percentage is due to a genetic mutation of 3 specific genes. This unique genetic mutation is then passed along from the parent to their child. Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease display plaques and tangles of protein throughout their brains. Studies show how these clumps of proteins can damage and even the fibers which connect them together. 
• Vascular Dementia– The second most common form of dementia is ultimately caused by the damage to the vessels that supply blood to your brain. The most common symptoms include difficulties with focus, organization, and slowed-thinking. 
• Lewy Body Dementia– This type of dementia displays Lewy bodies, which can be described as balloon-like clumps of proteins entangled throughout the patient’s brain. Specific symptoms may include visual hallucinations, acting out their dreams in their sleep, incoordination, and rigidity. 
• Frontotemporal Dementia– This specific disease is characterized by the breakdown of nerve cells and their connections throughout the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes. These areas are mainly associated with personality, behavior, and language, so it is not uncommon to have symptoms affecting behavior, judgment, and movement to occur. 

Risk Factors for Developing Dementia in Your Lifetime

There is a long, wide variety of risk factors that may increase your chance of developing dementia at one point or another. Granted, some things cannot be changed. However, others can be addressed and dealt with to reduce your overall risk of this disease. Risks include but are not limited to: 

• Age 
• Family history 
• Down Syndrome 
• Diet and exercise 
• Alcohol intake 
• Depression
• Diabetes 
• Smoking 
• Sleep Apnea 
• Vitamin and nutritional deficiencies 

Nassau Suffolk Neurology – Neurologist near West Islip

Do you believe that yourself or a loved one fits the qualities of a dementia patient above? It is never too early to get things checked out! Nassau Suffolk Neurology is both experienced and knowledgeable on this condition and many others and is ready to assist and guide you through. Call us or schedule an appointment today!