What actually happens in dementia?

1. 57

   baygirl33posted 12 years ago

   What actually happens in dementia?

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2. 86

   KimberlyLakeposted 12 years ago

   Dementia is a syndrome that describes a decrease in brain function in the areas of memory, communication, language and problem solving and is believed to be caused by brain cell damage and or brain cell death. There are different classifications of dementia, the classifications are determined by rate of progression and symptoms. read more

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3. 60

   london55posted 12 years ago

   I am living with this on a daily basis and look after my mum, she started off by being angry and secretive as well as forgetful, she was unable to cope with normal everyday living. She argued with everyone and was unbearable.    She then became withdrawn and started to lose track of days, time, everything that we take for granted. The behaviours are so complex and individual  its impossible to write one answer that can answer the question.  I have written a few hubs about how my mum has been affected, and may give you some idea, however from what I have come to realise is that each and every person with dementia will still act as an individual and that there is not a coverall set of behaviours that can actually answer your question. I know its an awful illness and I hope someday soon there is a cure.

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   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   Dementia can be caused by a number of things, inadequate blood flow, other brain dysfunctions, mental illness or something organic.  Certain parts of the brain no longer function well and depending on the area of the brain, there can be paranoia, confusion, memory lapses etc.  Best to have a doctor diagnose it so that if it is something that can be aided with medication, you can go that route.

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5. 68

   leni sandsposted 12 years ago

   It really depends on which dementia the sufferer has.
   
   Here are just a few helpful links right here on hubpages:
   
   http://kimberlylake.hubpages.com/hub/Ca … f-Dementia
   http://pamela99.hubpages.com/hub/Dement … -Disorders
   http://homesteadbound.hubpages.com/hub/ … o-Forget-1
   http://tigerbaby777.hubpages.com/hub/PO … LTZHEIMERS
   
   I have a couple of hubs myself; my father in law is suffering from Alzheimers.  It is sad watching his brain slowly dying as he reverts to his childhood memories; having forgotten the last sixty plus years. 
   
   Good luck in your quest.

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6. 57

   scarletoharaposted 12 years ago

   Unfortunately I had a personal experience with this syndrom. Few years ago my grandmother died from it. It started when she had a  stroke. At first everything was ok she recovered but after only few months she started to lose her memory. She started to forget daily things like where she had left something. After another few months she started to forget more and more. After a year she was unable to remember me or any of her closest people. Dementia damages the newest memories first. For example my grandmother  remembered things which happend 20 years ago but she could not remember what she had for breakfast.

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7. 57

   PJBessposted 12 years ago

   Dementia eventually takes away everything but bodily functions. A "physical" problem seems to trigger or hasten dementia.  Surgery with extended post op time on a vent started Mom's.  First they are forgetful. Then they become dangerous to themselves or others because they "go off somewhere" mentally. She thought I was my Aunt and would talk about things before I was born as if I should remember. Short-term memory went first. In the beginning they reappear in our world but eventually they do not come back.  Mom's decline took 10 years to transition her from a independent, sarcastic lady to a child-like individual that did nothing but exist.  We were told the brain ends up looking like Swiss cheese.  She had mini stokes along the way.  The final one happened without anyone knowing other that she had declined quickly within three or four days. She eventually passed - as if she just went to sleep.

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