Dementia

Dementia typically develops in later life, when people are more likely to have conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. has offices in Tyler and Lindale, Texas, offering exceptional, compassionate care to people struggling with dementia. Call your nearest office or complete the online booking form today to request a dementia evaluation for yourself or a loved one.

Is dementia something I can recover from?

Dementia isn’t a specific medical condition — it’s a symptom of disorders affecting brain function. Primary dementia causes progressive, incurable symptoms experienced by people with the following disorders:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Vascular dementia
• Lewy body dementia
• Frontotemporal disorders

Some medical conditions, like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) and kidney disease, occasionally cause secondary dementia. In these cases, treating the condition resolves the dementia.

Primary dementia is distressing and difficult for the patient and their family to manage. Seeing someone’s brain function decline causes immense sadness, and problems resulting from dementia can be extremely stressful. Most people with advanced dementia require specialized care.

What symptoms might I experience with dementia?

Memory loss is the symptom most people associate with dementia; however, it can cause many additional problems, such as:

• Confusion
• Agitation
• Frequently getting lost
• Problems communicating
• Depression and anxiety
• Reduced balance and coordination
• Loss of problem-solving skills
• Angry outbursts
• Personality changes
• Inappropriate behavior

These symptoms worsen over time. Memory loss can become so severe that people get lost in their past. They might believe they’re living decades ago and not recognize close family members (or mistake them for people they knew years before). Patients can eventually lose the ability to dress, move independently, or feed themselves.

What treatments might help me cope with dementia?

If you have secondary dementia, diagnosing and treating the condition causing your symptoms should resolve the problem. However, there’s no cure for primary dementia, so Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. focuses on slowing the condition’s progress and reducing symptom severity. Treatments that can help people with dementia include:

Medications

Cholinesterase inhibitor medicines are among the most effective drugs for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. They may also be useful for other forms of dementia. NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) antagonists are suitable for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease, helping patients complete daily activities for longer. 

Lifestyle changes

Improving your blood vessel health is vital if you have vascular dementia. This includes reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels by leading a healthier lifestyle. All dementia patients benefit from a nutritious diet, exercise, good hydration, and reduced stress.

Therapy

Various therapies help patients with dementia, including art, music, and reminiscence therapy. They help keep certain areas of the brain active and provide invaluable enrichment that improves patients’ quality of life.

Call Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. or complete the online form to request an evaluation if you or someone close develops dementia symptoms.