It is a serious mental health condition that can cause problems in a person’s daily routine. In some patients, dementia can start and progress very slowly and often show no symptoms. In others, the changes can be sudden and very noticeable. One of the most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s.

While it is true that most cases of dementia cannot be treated and there is no reverse effect that can cure the symptoms, early diagnosis can help in some cases.

Progressive dementia is the type of dementia cases that is characterized by the area in the brain that is affected. In such cases, the damage is irreversible and cannot be cured. Other types of dementia that are caused by reaction to some type of medicines or due to any vitamin deficiencies may get better with proper treatment and care.

1. Age – people above 65 are often prone to dementia, especially Alzheimer’s.
2. Damage to blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, often as a result of stroke or other problems related to blood vessels.
3. Clumps of protein forming in the brain, known as Lewy bodies.
4. Degeneration of nerve cells in the frontal and temporal brain lobes. These areas are responsible for controlling behaviour, personality and language.
5. Any form of repetitive trauma to the brain, such as injuries suffered during a sports event, a physical fight or some accident.
6. Huntington’s disease, a disease caused by genetic mutation, can cause degeneration of certain nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
7. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a type of rare brain disorder that may be caused due to an abnormal type of protein. It can be inherited or may happen as a result of exposure to nervous system tissue or any disease in the brain.
8. Parkinson’s disease can also often develop into dementia.

There is still no definite cure for dementia, and most types of dementia cannot be treated, especially the ones that are under the category of progressive dementia. In such cases, the medical team will focus on treating the symptoms and providing care.

In cases of dementia that occurs due to reversible or non-degenerative causes, the medical team will try to prevent any further damage to the brain tissue.

The medical team will try a combination of the following treatment therapies to help a patient suffering from dementia:

Medicines – The most common medications prescribed in India for dementia and related symptoms are caprylidene, donepezil, ergoloid mesylates, ethosuximide, galantamine and memantine. Please remember that these should only be taken when prescribed by the doctor.

Occupational Therapy – An occupational therapist can help the patient adapt to the changes and cope better. This type of therapy can help prevent accidents and keep the patient prepared for the progression of dementia.

Physiotherapy or Massage Therapy – Various exercises and massage routines can help to slow down the progression of dementia. A physiotherapist can assess the patient’s condition and customize an exercise plan that will help in promoting physical activity and mobility for as long as possible.