Dementia symptoms are not always clear

Typical dementia symptoms may also indicate another disease

04/12/2014

It is not easy to diagnose a dementia clearly. Many complaints do not clearly indicate the condition. Therefore, it is important to have a general history, including a thorough diagnosis of the entire body. According to the physician and dementia expert Prof. dr. med. Wolfgang Maier of the German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Neurology (DGPPN) in Berlin, show some signs of other diseases or could be caused by side effects of high-dose drugs.

First symptoms of dementia
Dementia usually begins insidiously. "What is it called?" Is the first word-finding sentence that patients experience at the onset of their progressive and non-reversible disease. For the ability to remember and the finding of words are the first signs of onset dementia. Outsiders also notice a noticeably changed behavior of the patient.

But there does not have to be dementia, warns Maier. Behind the symptoms even previously unrecognized depression can hide. Often it is also a metabolic disorder or an infectious disease. Family members, friends or partners should encourage the person concerned to have such first complaints quickly clarified by a family doctor. In case of suspicion, this will be referred to a specialist doctor.

"Either the underlying disease can be cured, or an incipient dementia can be treated". Although dementia is not curable, it can be slowed down as the patient progresses, so that the patient can independently organize his own life as long as possible.

In-depth physical examination for correct diagnosis
To adequately diagnose dementia requires a thorough physical examination. In addition, the brain needs to be examined sufficiently. The doctors are also encouraged to exclude also eligible diseases or to recognize side effects or drug interactions. Because a series of remedies can cause almost identical symptoms.

When it is clear that this is dementia, "there are medicines that can slow down the rapid progression of the disease." As with most illnesses, a sufficient movement of the form of endurance sports is also necessary in order to stay physically agile for as long as possible. Cognitive training can help maintain your mental state. A good example of this is Kreuzworträtzel.

More and more dementia patients
According to the German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Neurology, about 1.4 million people in Germany are affected by dementia. Most of the patients suffer from Alzheimer's. The number of dementia patients will continue to increase as a result of demographic change, as dementia is one of the typical diseases of the elderly and people are getting older. As a result, the company warns against insufficient care and support. As it says in a press release: "The majority of those affected are poorly cared for medically". (Sb)