Today, we're going to talk about something called dementia. It's a word you might have heard before, especially if you know someone who is getting older, like a grandparent. Let's learn about what dementia is, how it begins, and what we can do about it.
Imagine your brain is like a super computer that helps you remember things, solve problems, and do everyday tasks. Well, dementia is a group of problems that can make it hard for some people's brains to remember things or think clearly. Just like a computer might have trouble if it gets too old or has too many files, a brain with dementia has a harder time doing its job.
People get dementia when they are usually much older. In the early stages, someone with dementia might forget where they put their keys or have trouble remembering names. But as time goes on, they might start forgetting more important stuff, like the way home from the store, and they could feel confused or even scared.
A lot of people can have dementia. In fact, millions of people around the world have it! However, it's way more common in older adults. So, if Grandma or Grandpa starts having trouble remembering things, it might be a sign of dementia.
If someone thinks they might have dementia, they can see a doctor who will ask them questions, maybe do a brain scan or some other tests to help figure it out.
Now, if you're wondering about treatment, it's a bit tricky. There isn't a medicine that can cure dementia right now, but there are some things that can help manage the symptoms. Some people with very mild memory problems might use medicines that help with a specific type of dementia called Alzheimer's disease.
But there's something super important to remember! Taking good care of your body and brain is a big part of living with dementia. This means exercising, hanging out with friends, and keeping your brain busy with fun puzzles or learning new things. Also, if you have other medical stuff going on, like high blood pressure, you gotta take care of that too!
Now, let's chat about something called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI for short. This is like the "heads up" stage before dementia where someone has a bit more trouble with memory or thinking than usual for their age. It's important to notice this early because it can help them and their family prepare and maybe even slow down how fast the dementia could come.
Here at Premier Primary Care in New Albany, Indiana, we care a lot about helping folks with dementia and their families. We use special ways to make sure they feel safe and live the best life they can. We also think catching dementia early can really help control some of its tough effects on patients and their families.
If you or someone you love might be dealing with memory problems, come and see us! We can talk about it and see how we can help. You can book an appointment online through our website, call our phone line, or even send us a text.
Just know that we're putting a lot of effort into making life with dementia as good as it can be. Remember, nobody has to go through this alone!
