Acquired dementia (dementia)

Description of the Disease

Dementia develops in individuals with normal intelligence who suffer from diseases or organic brain damage. In other words, dementia involves intellectual regression. The condition develops gradually, with personality decline symptoms being more noticeable at first.

Symptoms

Initially, the individual loses ethical values, aesthetic sense, and sense of humor, which distinguish them from others. Later, a lack of interests becomes more prominent, emotions change, and feelings like compassion and respect fade. Memory weakens, making it harder to memorize and recall old information. Concentration becomes difficult, attention is hard to maintain, rigidity increases, and thinking becomes harder; the ability to think independently and logically diminishes. Willpower changes and actions become driven by random thoughts, making the person susceptible to others’ influence and dependent. Behavior changes include increased egotism, chattiness, and a tendency to delve into details. Usually, the individual’s mood is depressed because they partially understand that they are ill.

Diagnosis

A neurologist diagnoses dementia by collecting medical history (diseases causing dementia), performing tests, and conducting instrumental examinations like CT scans and MRI.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying pathology. For vascular dementia, doctors prescribe antihypertensive drugs. Proper diabetes treatment is crucial to halt the development of dementia.

Doctors recommend anticholinesterase inhibitors and drugs that activate cholinergic transmission, such as donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine (suitable for treating Alzheimer’s disease). Memantine strengthens cognitive processes and shows good effects. Nicergoline is widely used to stop neuronal degeneration and improve blood circulation. Free radical antagonists like ginkgo biloba leaf extract enhance memory and attention, reduce headaches, and improve sleep.

Caring for individuals with advanced-stage dementia is important. Ensuring proper nutrition, maintaining personal hygiene, keeping them as mobile as possible, and helping them maintain independence and household activities are crucial.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology