Symptoms and treatment of Dementia

Description

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social skills. In people who have dementia, the symptoms interfere with your daily life. Dementia is not a specific disease. Several diseases may cause dementia.

Dementia generally involves memory loss. It is often one of the first symptoms of the disease. But having memory loss alone doesn't mean you have dementia. Memory loss may have many different causes.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults, but there are other causes of dementia. Depending on the cause, some of the symptoms of dementia can be reversible.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dementia vary depending on the cause. Common symptoms include:

Cognitive changes

The loss of the memory, which is generally observed by someone else.
Problems of communication or word search.
Trouble with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving.
Problems with the reasoning or problem solving.
Difficulty performing complex tasks.
Problems with the planning and organization.
Poor coordination and control of movements.
Confusion and disorientation.

Psychological changes

Changes in personality.
Depression.
Anxiety.
Agitation.
The inappropriate behavior.
Being suspicious, known as paranoia.
Seeing things that do not exist, known as hallucinations.

When to see a doctor

Consult a health professional if you or a loved one has memory problems or other symptoms of dementia. It is important to determine the cause. Some medical conditions that cause the symptoms of dementia can be treated.

Causes

Dementia is caused by damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain. The symptoms depend on the area of the brain that is damaged. Dementia can affect people differently.

Dementias are often grouped by what they have in common. Can be grouped by the protein deposited in the brain, or by the part of the brain affected. In addition, some diseases have symptoms similar to those of dementia. And some medicines can cause a reaction that includes the symptoms of dementia. Not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals may also cause symptoms of dementia. When this happens, the symptoms of dementia may improve with treatment.

Progressive dementias

Dementias are progressive worsen with time. Types of dementia worsen and are not reversible, which include:

Alzheimer's disease.This is the most common cause of dementia. Although not all causes of Alzheimer's disease are known, experts know that a small percentage are related to changes in the three genes. These changes in the genes are transmitted from parents to children. While several genes are probably involved in Alzheimer's disease, an important gene that increases the risk, it is the apolipoprotein E4 (APOE). People with Alzheimer's disease are plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. The plaques are clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid. The neurofibrillary tangles are fibrous masses composed of the tau protein. It is believed that these groups damage to healthy brain cells and the fibers that connect them.
Vascular dementia.This type of dementia is caused by damage to the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Problems of the blood vessels can lead to a stroke or to affect the brain in other ways, such as by damaging the fibres of the white substance of the brain. The most common symptoms of vascular dementia include problems with the resolution of problems, slowed thinking, and loss of concentration, and organization. These tend to be more sensitive than the loss of memory.
Lewy body dementia.Lewy bodies are balloonlike groups of the protein. Have been found in the brains of people with dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Lewy body dementia is one of the most common types of dementia. Common symptoms include the act of dreams in the dream and see things that are not there, known as visual hallucinations. The symptoms also include difficulty concentrating and paying attention. Other signs include a lack of coordination or slow movement, tremors and stiffness, known as parkinson's disease.
Frontotemporal dementia. This is a group of diseases characterized by the breakdown of nerve cells and their connections in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas are associated with personality, behavior and language. The common symptoms that affect behavior, personality, thinking, judgement, language and movement.
Mixed dementia. Autopsy studies of the brains of people age 80 and older who had dementia indicate that many of them had a combination of several causes. People with dementia joint may have Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. Studies are underway to determine how to have mixed dementia affects the symptoms and treatments.

Alzheimer's disease. This is the most common cause of dementia.

Although not all causes of Alzheimer's disease are known, experts know that a small percentage are related to changes in the three genes. These changes in the genes are transmitted from parents to children. While several genes are probably involved in Alzheimer's disease, an important gene that increases the risk, it is the apolipoprotein E4 (APOE).

People with Alzheimer's disease are plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. The plaques are clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid. The neurofibrillary tangles are fibrous masses composed of the tau protein. It is believed that these groups damage to healthy brain cells and the fibers that connect them.

Vascular dementia. This type of dementia is caused by damage to the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Problems of the blood vessels can lead to a stroke or to affect the brain in other ways, such as by damaging the fibres of the white substance of the brain.

The most common symptoms of vascular dementia include problems with the resolution of problems, slowed thinking, and loss of concentration, and organization. These tend to be more sensitive than the loss of memory.

Lewy body dementia. Lewy bodies are balloonlike groups of the protein. Have been found in the brains of people with dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Lewy body dementia is one of the most common types of dementia.

Common symptoms include the act of dreams in the dream and see things that are not there, known as visual hallucinations. The symptoms also include difficulty concentrating and paying attention. Other signs include a lack of coordination or slow movement, tremors and stiffness, known as parkinson's disease.

Dementia-like conditions that can be reversed

Some of the causes of dementia-like symptoms can be reversed with treatment. They include:

Infections and disorders of the immune system. Dementia-like symptoms can result from fever or other side effects of the body's attempt to fight off an infection. Multiple sclerosis and other diseases caused by the body's immune system attacks the nerve cells can also cause dementia.
Metabolic or endocrine problems. People with thyroid problems and low blood sugar can develop dementia-like symptoms or other changes in personality. This is also true for people who have too little or too much sodium or calcium, or problems with absorption of vitamin B-12.
Low levels of certain nutrients. Not getting enough of certain vitamins or minerals in the diet can cause the symptoms of dementia. This includes not getting enough thiamine, also known as vitamin B-1, which is common in people with alcohol use disorder. It also includes not get enough vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, copper, or vitamin E. Not to drink sufficient amount of liquid, which leads to dehydration, can also cause symptoms of dementia.
Medicine side effects. Side effects of drugs, a drug reaction or an interaction of several drugs that can cause dementia-like symptoms.
Subdural Bleeding. Bleeding between the brain surface and the cover on the brain can be common in older adults after a fall. Subdural bleeding, can cause symptoms similar to dementia.
Brain tumors. Rarely, the dementia can be the result of the damage caused by a brain tumor.
Normal-pressure hydrocephalus. This condition is an accumulation of fluid in the cavities of the brain known as the ventricles. This can result in difficulty walking, loss of bladder control and loss of memory.

Risk factors

Many factors can eventually contribute to dementia. Some factors, such as age, cannot be changed. You can address other factors to reduce your risk.

The risk factors that can't be changed

Age. The risk of developing dementia increases with age, especially after 65 years of age. However, dementia is not a typical part of aging. Dementia can also occur in younger people.
The history of the family. Having a family history of dementia puts you at higher risk of developing the condition. However, many people with a family history never develop symptoms, and many people without a family history of doing. There are tests to determine if you have certain genetic changes that may increase your risk.
Down syndrome. By middle age, many people with Down syndrome to develop early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Risk factors you can change

You might be able to control the following risk factors for dementia.

Diet and exercise. The research has found that the people most at risk of dementia who followed a healthy lifestyle, reduced their risk of cognitive impairment. They ate a diet that includes fish, fruits, vegetables and oils. They also exercised, had cognitive training and participated in social activities. While there is no specific diet is known to reduce the risk of developing dementia, research shows that those who follow a Mediterranean-style diet rich in produce, whole grains, nuts and seeds have a better cognitive function.
Drinking too much alcohol. Drinking large amounts of alcohol over a long time has been known to cause changes in the brain. Several large studies and analysis found that alcohol use disorders were associated with an increased risk of dementia, especially early-onset dementia.
Cardiovascular risk factors. These include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and to the accumulation of fat in the walls of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Have high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), in particular, is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. Diabetes and smoking are also risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Having diabetes can increase the risk of dementia, especially if it is poorly controlled. Smoking can increase the risk of developing dementia and disease of the blood vessels.
The loss of hearing or vision loss that is not treated. Have hearing loss was associated with an increased risk of dementia. The worse the hearing loss, the greater the risk. The research also suggests that the loss of vision can increase the risk of dementia, while the treatment of vision loss can reduce the risk.
Depression. Although not yet well understood, the late-life depression may indicate the development of dementia.
The air pollution. Studies in animals have indicated that air pollution particles can increase the speed of degeneration of the nervous system. And studies in humans have found that exposure to polluted air, especially from traffic exhaust and wood burning — is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia.
Trauma to the head. People who have had a severe head trauma have a greater risk of Alzheimer's disease. Several large studies found that in people 50 years of age years of age or older, who had a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease greater. The risk is increased in people with more severe and multiple Significant . Some studies indicate that the risk may be greater in the first six months to two years after traumatic brain injury .
The dream of the symptoms. People who have sleep apnea and other sleep disorders may be at increased risk of developing dementia.
Low levels of certain vitamins and nutrients. Low levels of vitamin D, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folic acid can increase the risk of dementia.
Drugs that can worsen memory.These include insomnia that contain diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and drugs for the treatment of urinary urgency, such as oxybutynin (Ditropan XL). Also limit sedatives and sleeping pills. Talk with a health professional about whether any medicines you take may make your memory worse.

Drugs that can worsen memory. These include insomnia that contain diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and drugs for the treatment of urinary urgency, such as oxybutynin (Ditropan XL).

Also limit sedatives and sleeping pills. Talk with a health professional about whether any medicines you take may make your memory worse.

Complications

Dementia can affect many systems of the body, and, therefore, the ability to function. Dementia can lead to:

Poor nutrition. Many people with dementia, finally, reduce, or stop eating, that affect their intake of nutrients. Ultimately, they may be unable to chew and swallow.
Pneumonia. Difficulty swallowing increases the risk of choking. And the food or liquids can enter the lungs, known as aspiration. This can block breathing and cause pneumonia.
The inability to perform self-care tasks. As the dementia worsens, people have difficulty bathing, dressing, and brushing their hair or teeth. Help is needed to use the bathroom and take the medicines as directed.
The Personal safety of challenges. Some day-to-day situations that can present safety problems for people with dementia. These include driving, cooking, walking, and living alone.
Death. Coma and death can occur in the last stage of dementia. This often occurs due to an infection.

Prevention

There is No sure way to prevent dementia, but there are steps you can take that might help. More research is needed, but it might help to do the following:

Keep your mind active. Mentally stimulating activities that can delay the onset of dementia and decrease its effects. Spend time reading, solving puzzles and playing word games.
Be physically and socially active. The physical activity and social interaction could delay the onset of dementia and reduce your symptoms. Goal of 150 minutes of exercise a week.
Stop smoking. Some studies have shown that smoking in middle age and beyond, you may increase the risk of dementia and blood vessel conditions. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk and improve health.
To get enough vitamins.Some research suggests that people with low levels of vitamin D in their blood are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. You can increase your vitamin D levels with certain foods, supplements, and sun exposure. More studies are needed before an increase in the intake of vitamin D is recommended for the prevention of dementia. But it is a good idea to make sure you get enough vitamin D. the daily intake of vitamin B complex and vitamin C can also help.
Manage cardiovascular risk factors.Treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Pay attention to your levels of ofLDLcholesterol and receive treatment if levels are too high. The high levels ofLDLin the median age increases the risk of dementia. Lose weight if overweight. High blood pressure can lead to an increased risk of some types of dementia. More research is needed to determine if the treatment of high blood pressure can reduce the risk of dementia.
The treatment of health conditions. Consult your physician for the treatment of depression or anxiety.
To maintain a healthy diet. A diet like the Mediterranean diet may promote health and reduce the risk of developing dementia. A Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and omega-3 fatty acids, which are commonly found in certain fish and nuts. This type of diet also improves cardiovascular health, which can also help to reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Get good quality sleep. Practice good sleep hygiene. Talk with a health care professional if you snore loudly or have periods in which you stop breathing or gasp during sleep.
The treatment of hearing loss. People with hearing loss are more likely to develop problems with thinking, known as cognitive impairment. The early treatment of hearing loss, such as the use of hearing aids, can help reduce the risk.
Get regular eye exams and treat vision loss. The research suggests that the treatment of vision loss may be associated with an increased risk of dementia.

To get enough vitamins. Some research suggests that people with low levels of vitamin D in their blood are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. You can increase your vitamin D levels with certain foods, supplements, and sun exposure.

More studies are needed before an increase in the intake of vitamin D is recommended for the prevention of dementia. But it is a good idea to make sure you get enough vitamin D. the daily intake of vitamin B complex and vitamin C can also help.

Manage cardiovascular risk factors. Treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Pay attention to the levels of LDL cholesterol and receive treatment if levels are too high. High levels of LDL in middle age increases the risk of dementia. Lose weight if overweight.

High blood pressure can lead to an increased risk of some types of dementia. More research is needed to determine if the treatment of high blood pressure can reduce the risk of dementia.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the cause of the dementia, a health professional should recognize the pattern of loss of skills and function. The care provider also determines what the person is capable of doing. More recently, biomarkers have become available to make a more accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

A health care professional to review your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical examination. Someone who is close to you can ask about your symptoms as well.

There is No single test can diagnose dementia. You will probably need a number of tests that can help identify the problem.

Cognitive and neuropsychological tests

These tests assess your thinking ability. A series of tests that measure thinking skills, such as memory, orientation, reasoning and judgment, language skills, and attention.

Neurological assessment

Your memory, language skills, visual perception, attention, problem-solving skills, the movement, the senses, balance, reflexes, and other areas that are evaluated.

The brain scans

CTorMRI. These tests can check for evidence of stroke, hemorrhage, tumor, or the accumulation of fluid, known as hydrocephalus.
PETscans. These scans can show patterns of brain activity. You can determine if amyloid or tau protein, characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, have been deposited in the brain.

Laboratory tests

Simple blood test can detect physical problems that can affect brain function, such as too little vitamin B-12 in the body or a hypofunction of the thyroid gland. Sometimes the cerebrospinal fluid is examined for an infection, inflammation or markers of some degenerative diseases.

Psychiatric evaluation

A mental health professional can determine if depression or another mental health condition is contributing to the symptoms.

Treatment

Most types of dementia can't be cured, but there are ways to manage your symptoms.

Drugs

The following are used to temporarily improve the symptoms of dementia.

Cholinesterase inhibitors.These medicines work by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger involved in memory and judgment. They include donepezil (Aricept, Adlarity), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne ER). Although it is primarily used to treat Alzheimer's disease, these medications may also be prescribed for other dementias. They can be prescribed for people with vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease, dementia and Lewy body dementia. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other possible side effects include a slow heart rate, fainting and trouble sleeping.
Memantine.Memantine (Namenda) works by regulating the activity of glutamate. Glutamate is another chemical messenger involved in brain functions such as learning and memory. Memantine is sometimes prescribed with a cholinesterase inhibitor. A common side effect of memantine is the dizziness.
Other medications. You might take any other medicines to treat symptoms or other conditions. You may need treatment for depression, sleep problems, hallucinations, parkinsonism, restlessness or agitation.

Cholinesterase inhibitors. These medicines work by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger involved in memory and judgment. They include donepezil (Aricept, Adlarity), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne ER).

Although it is primarily used to treat Alzheimer's disease, these medications may also be prescribed for other dementias. They can be prescribed for people with vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease, dementia and Lewy body dementia.

Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other possible side effects include a slow heart rate, fainting and trouble sleeping.

Memantine. Memantine (Namenda) works by regulating the activity of glutamate. Glutamate is another chemical messenger involved in brain functions such as learning and memory. Memantine is sometimes prescribed with a cholinesterase inhibitor.

A common side effect of memantine is the dizziness.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla) for people with mild Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease.

Clinical trials found that the drug slowed declines in thinking and functioning in people with early Alzheimer's disease. Medications to prevent amyloid plaques in the brain from clumping.

Lecanemab is administered as an INTRAVENOUS infusion every two weeks. Side effects of lecanemab include infusion-related reactions, such as fever, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, changes in heart rhythm and breathing.

Donanemab is administered as an INTRAVENOUS infusion every four weeks. Side effects of the medicine include flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, headache, and changes in blood pressure. Rarely, donanemab can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction and swelling.

Also, people who take lecanemab or donanemab may have an inflammation in the brain or that you can get from small hemorrhages in the brain. Rarely, an inflammation of the brain that can be severe enough to cause seizures and other symptoms. Also, in rare cases, bleeding in the brain can cause death. The FDA recommends that you do an mri of the brain before starting the treatment. The FDA also recommends periodic Mri scans of the brain during the treatment for the symptoms of brain swelling or bleeding.

People who have some form of a gene known as APOE e4 seem to have a greater risk of these serious complications. The FDA recommends that the analysis of this gene, before the start of treatment.

If you take a blood thinner or have other risk factors for stroke, talk with your healthcare professional before taking lecanemab or donanemab. Blood-thinning medicines can increase the risk of bleeding in the brain.

More research is being done on the potential risks of taking lecanemab and donanemab. Other research is looking at the effectiveness of the drugs can be for people at risk of Alzheimer's disease, including people who have a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling with the disease.

Therapies

Several symptoms of dementia and behavioral problems can be initially treated with other therapies in medicine. These may include:

Occupational therapy. An occupational therapist can show you how to make your home more secure and to teach coping behaviors. The goal is to prevent accidents such as falls. The therapy also helps to manage the behavior and prepare for when the dementia progresses.
Changes in the environment. Reduce the clutter and noise can make it easier for someone with dementia to focus and function. You might need to hide the objects that may threaten the security, such as knives and keys of the car. Monitoring systems can alert you if the person with dementia wanders.
Simple tasks. Breaking tasks into small steps and focus on success, not failure, it can be useful. The structure and routine help to reduce the confusion in people with dementia.

Lifestyle and home remedies

The symptoms of dementia and behavior problems get worse with time. Caregivers and care partners try the following suggestions:

Improve communication. When you talk with your loved one, to maintain contact with the eyes. Speak slowly in simple sentences, and don't rush the answer. To submit an idea or a statement at the time. The use of gestures and signals, such as pointing to objects.
Encourage exercise.The main benefits of exercise in people with dementia include the improvement of the strength, balance and cardiovascular health. Exercise can also help with symptoms such as restlessness. There is growing evidence that exercise also protects the brain from dementia, especially when combined with a healthy diet and the treatment of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Some research has also shown that physical activity may slow the progression of the alteration of thinking in people with Alzheimer's disease. It can also relieve the symptoms of depression.
To participate in the activity. Plan of activities of the person with dementia enjoys and can do. Dancing, painting, gardening, cooking, singing, and other activities that can help you connect with your loved one. The activities can also help people with dementia to focus on what still can be done.
Establish a routine of the night.The behavior is often worse at night. Try to establish go-to-bed routines. The goal is a soothing routine, away from the noise of the tv, the food, the cleanliness and active members of the family. Leave the lights of the night in the bedroom, living room and bathroom to avoid the disorientation. Limit caffeine, discouraging nap and offering opportunities for exercise during the day may relieve the restlessness of the night.
Keep a calendar. A calendar can help your loved one remember to upcoming events, daily activities, and medicine schedules. Consider the possibility of sharing a calendar with your loved one.
Plan for the future.Develop a plan while your loved one is able to participate. The plan of state goals for future care. Support groups, legal advisers, family members and others may be able to help. You will also have to consider financial and legal issues, safety, and the daily life of the concerns and long-term care options.

Encourage exercise. The main benefits of exercise in people with dementia include the improvement of the strength, balance and cardiovascular health. Exercise can also help with symptoms such as restlessness. There is growing evidence that exercise also protects the brain from dementia, especially when combined with a healthy diet and the treatment of risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Some research has also shown that physical activity may slow the progression of the alteration of thinking in people with Alzheimer's disease. It can also relieve the symptoms of depression.

Establish a routine of the night. The behavior is often worse at night. Try to establish go-to-bed routines. The goal is a soothing routine, away from the noise of the tv, the food, the cleanliness and active members of the family. Leave the lights of the night in the bedroom, living room and bathroom to avoid the disorientation.

Limit caffeine, discouraging nap and offering opportunities for exercise during the day may relieve the restlessness of the night.

Plan for the future. Develop a plan while your loved one is able to participate. The plan of state goals for future care. Support groups, legal advisers, family members and others may be able to help.

You will also have to consider financial and legal issues, safety, and the daily life of the concerns and long-term care options.

Alternative medicine

Several food supplements, herbal remedies and therapies have been studied for people with dementia. But there is no convincing evidence that these treatments are effective.

Use caution when considering taking dietary supplements, vitamins, or herbal remedies, especially if you are taking any other medications. Supplements, vitamins and herbs are not regulated. The claims about its benefits do not always based on scientific research.

While some studies suggest that vitamin E supplements may be useful for Alzheimer's disease, the study results have been mixed. Also, high doses of vitamin E can present risks. Taking vitamin E supplements is generally not recommended. However, even foods that are high in vitamin E, such as nuts in the diet is advisable.

Other therapies

The following techniques can help to reduce agitation and promote relaxation in people with dementia.

Music therapy, which involves listening to relaxing music.
The light exercise.
To see videos of the members of the family.
Pet therapy, which may include visits of dogs or other animals in order to promote the improvement of mood and behavior.
Aromatherapy, which uses fragrant plant oils.
Massage therapy.
Art therapy, which consists in the creation of art, focusing on the process rather than the result.

Coping and support

After being diagnosed with dementia, you need to take into account many details to prepare you and the members of his family to deal with the disease.

Care and support for the person with the disease

Here are some suggestions that you can try to help yourself cope with the disease:

Learn about the loss of memory, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Write about your feelings in a journal.
Join a local support group.
Individual or family counseling.
Talk with a member of your spiritual community or any other person that might help you with your spiritual needs.
Stay active and involved. Volunteer, exercise and participate in activities for people with memory loss.
Spend time with friends and family.
Participate in an online community of people who are going through similar experiences.
Find new ways to express himself, as through the painting, the singing or the writing.
Delegate of help in the decision making to someone you trust.

Helping someone with dementia

You can help a person to cope with the disease by listening. To provide assurances that the person can enjoy life. Be positive, and do your best to help the person to preserve the dignity and self-respect.

Support to caregivers, and caregivers

Providing care for a person with dementia is physically and emotionally demanding. You may feel angry, guilty, frustrated, or worried. The pain and social isolation are common. If you are a caregiver or care partner for someone with dementia:

Learn about the disease and participate in the caregiver education programs.
Find out about the support services in their community, such as respite care or adult care. These services can give you a break from caregiving to the scheduled hours during the week.
Ask your friends or other members of the family in search of help.
Take care of your physical, emotional and spiritual health.
Ask questions to the health professionals, social workers and other professionals involved in the care of your loved one.
Join a support group.

Preparing for your appointment

What is more likely is that you first talk to a health care professional if you have concerns about dementia. Or you may be referred to a doctor trained in nervous system conditions, known as a neurologist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that needs to be done in advance, such as fasting before certain tests. Make a list of:

The symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment, and when they began.
Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes and family medical history.
All medications, vitamins or supplements you are taking, including the dosage.
Questions for the health care professional.

Even in the early stages of dementia, it is good to take a family member, friend or caregiver along to help you remember the information they give you.

For the insane, the basic questions to ask a health care professional include:

What is likely causing my symptoms?
There are other possible causes of the symptoms?
What tests are needed?
It is the condition likely temporary or chronic?
What is the best course of action?
What alternatives are there to the primary approach that you suggest?
How can dementia and other health problems be managed together?
Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

You may have questions such as:

When did your symptoms begin?
The symptoms have been continuous or occasional?
How severe are the symptoms?
What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
How have your symptoms interfered with your life?