Dementia

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What Is Dementia

Dementia is not a distinct disease or disorder; rather, it’s a term that groups a specific set of symptoms that affects the health of the brain. Those who have Dementia commonly experience impairment in their thought process and in their memory. The impairment can affect the way one socializes, solves problems, how they emotionally handle situations, and eventually affects the way one behaves. A lot of people undergo a time period where they experience typical forgetfulness due to older age and then an interval where symptoms of Dementia develop. This stage is referred to as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Memory issues are a part of aging to some extent; this does not always indicate that Dementia is present. Because Dementia does not solely involve memory issues it’s diagnosed when there are at least two brain functions that are impaired. The most popular types of Dementia include Alzheimer's Disease, Vascular Dementia, Parkinson's Disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. All of the diseases and disorders related to Dementia cause the brain structure to change.

Signs Of Dementia

A memory decline is the most typical sign of Dementia, however, it’s always accompanied by other symptoms that portray brain impairment. The signs commonly affects the way one communicates, one's ability to focus, and how he or she makes decisions.

Decline in memory or memory loss
Communication and language complications (slurring words, pronunciation issues, difficulty finding the right wording)
Easily agitated
Short term memory issues
Behavioral changes (mood swings, personality changes, inappropriateness)
Impaired judgment
Disorientation (getting lost, constant confusion with directions)
Difficulty completing tasks
Irrational behavior or inability to reason
Coordination issues or Impaired motor skills (difficulty writing, impaired muscle-nerve actions, inability to perform routinely activities)
Balance issues
Paranoid
Depression
Hallucinations or delusions
Delay in mental activities
Change in sleeping patterns
Inability to recognize family and friends
Fluctuations in diet

What Causes Dementia

There are a variety of factors that contribute to mental health issues like Dementia. Unlike most mental issues, Dementia can occur from older age. Those who undergo Dementia are usually over the age of 60 (it’s uncommon for those who are young to experience the condition). Overall, Dementia occurs when there is damage to brain cells and how they communicate with the rest of the body. The specific cause for Dementia can also vary based on the type of disorder that’s related to the ailment. The damage to the brain cells can stem from an array of things. Alzheimer's Disease makes up 60 to 80 percent of Dementia cases, in which plaques and tangles that build up in the brain affect how it operates. The damage to brain cells can stem from an array of things. Diet and lifestyle typically plays a major role in the development, however, there are other factors to consider as well.

Genetics (family history or defective gene)
Traumatic brain injury
Pre-existing conditions (HIV, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington Disease, Lyme Disease and other conditions that affect the immune system
Endocrine Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Addison Disease and other disorders that affect the production of the thyroid hormone)
Aluminum
Blood circulatory issues (common for Vascular dementia)
Stroke
Plaque build up in the brain (cluster of beta amyloids, protein fragments in the brain that affects the synapses; the connections between nerve cells that are essential to storing memories, processing thoughts and emotions.
Tangles (twisted fibers of protein that develop in cells that are dying)
Vitamin deficiency (mainly B12 vitamin, vitamin D and vitamin B)
Alcohol and drug abuse
Depression

Dherbs Approach...adjusting your diet is always key!

Natural Remedies

The diet you keep has the biggest impact on brain health. If your diet consists of a lot of processed foods, carbohydrates and saturated fats like sugar, pasta, bread, meat and even microwave popcorn, these foods could be contributing to the toxins that cause Dementia. These kind of toxins accumulate, causing inflammation that leads to plaque build up in the brain. Alcohol is another thing that should be avoided when Dementia is present. Most beers contain nitrite, an unnatural chemical that has been directly linked to Alzheimer's Disease and memory issues. Certain meats and processed dairy products also tend to have nitrosamines. Avoiding these things helps reduce the chances for Dementia and can help the condition from getting worse.
The best thing to do to help remedy the conditions of Dementia is to give the brain the things it needs to carry out it’s normal functions. Nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B, vitamin C and vitamin D help improve the health of the brain. All of these nutrients help supply the brain with more oxygen, replenish nerve cells, and can help with cognitive impairment. Consuming foods that are rich in B12 is optimal because people with Dementia have been known to be B12 deficient.
As a family member, friend, or caregiver it’s important to be mindful of the things you say or do with a person who has Dementia. Gestures that provide positive reinforcement, praises for the things done on their own, and simple reassurance helps recondition their cognitive thinking. Reacting negatively to behavioral issues can cause agitation and make symptoms even worse. It’s important to avoid correcting and questioning someone with Dementia. It’s best to walk them through certain things, validating their concerns, helping to defuse the situation.
Communication from family members, friends, and caregivers is also key. Making eye contact while talking, using gestures and signs that coincide with what’s being said, speaking in a slow soft tone, and just focusing on one thing or subject at a time are all proven to be affective on people with Dementia.
Changing the environment that a person with Dementia is constantly around can help alleviate some of the symptoms. Things like clutter and even reoccurring noises can be distracting to the mind. Eliminating these things helps bring a sense of relief from confusion or frustration
Creating structure and routines can also help reduce the amount of confusion when it comes to Dementia. Engaging in activities that stimulate the brain and establishing rituals helps a person build habits and positive anticipation. Things like puzzles, sorting through things by shape and color, folding laundry, and memory games are all great activities for those with Dementia. Doing physical exercises helps brain impairment from getting worst in addition to revitalizing motor skills. Many suggest breaking down tasks, into easier steps, focusing on successful moments instead of failures.
Occupational therapy helps people with issues like Dementia recover or develop the skills needed for everyday activities of daily living, learning to care for themself, preparing them for leisure and work activities. This form of therapy can help improve cognitive, physical and motor skills. One of the biggest benefits of occupational therapy is rehabilitation that helps enhance self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
It’s best for those with Dementia to avoid aluminum and mercury. Things like antiperspirants, non-stick cookware, vaccinations, and the use of aluminum foil contribute to clumps of aluminum in the brain. Mercury is often found in unfiltered waters, dental fillings, certain fish, and the air. Avoiding these toxic elements helps prevent Dementia from advancing. Research shows traces of aluminum and mercury in the brain of those who experience Dementia especially Alzheimer's Disease.

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