You've heard the phrase "I'm having a senior moment?" Well, as we age, our memory may not be as good as it was when we were young. If you are concerned with this issue, it is important to find out what the cause may be in its' early stages. Studies have shown that people are able to remember things as they age, but it's normal for it to take longer for them to remember.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is the loss of mental abilities, brain function, and mental deterioration. The term dementia refers to a group of symptoms that are the result of brain changes.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (also known as multi infarct dementia) are the most common types of dementia. Research shows that the cause of AD is not known. Heredity may or may not be a factor. Vascular dementia is caused by a series of small strokes. In either situation, death of brain cells results. These are irreversible, progressive, and seriously affect a person's ability to perform normal activities of daily living.

Determining if it is Dementia

Recently I doctor told me the story of a woman who was convinced that her husband was suffering from Alzheimer's. She was concerned about the fact that he increasingly seemed to forget things she had just told him and in fact on numerous occasions couldn't recall entire conversations. After extensive testing no signs of AD or dementia could be found. It turned out that her husband was suffering from a combination of minor hearing loss and perhaps a major case inattention. A hearing aid "cured" his memory loss.

The fact is forgetfulness and memory loss can be caused by a number of problems, other than dementia, that often are easily treatable including: stress, alcohol, depression, medications, , urinary infection, low Vitamin B level, nutritional disorders, hypothyroidism, dehydration, abnormal glucose levels, congested heart failure, high fever, , a head injury and anemia. For this reason alone, if you are a loved one is showing dementia-like symptoms it is important to consult with a physician right away, to determine the cause.

Neuropsychology combines psychology and neurology, and is a Godsend to the medical profession. It is a scientific approach that explains how a person processes information. If you are not getting the answers to your questions from your physician, request an evaluation from a neurophysiologist.

Symptoms

Early symptoms include:

• Memory loss

• Mislaying items

• Getting lost while driving

• Becoming confused during a conversation

• Asking the same questions repeatedly

• Being unable to follow directions

• Carrying out normal tasks that one could previously perform.

As dementia progresses, a person starts neglecting personal safety, hygiene and nutrition. They may not recognize familiar people or places. Sleep patterns change. Mobility and use of hands becomes a problem causing difficulty to do everyday tasks. Impaired comprehension results in the inability to read, write, form words or name objects. It is common for a person with dementia to use jargon, persistently repeat phrases and have poor enunciation. Flat affect, uncontrollable temper, irritability, anxiety, depression, self-centeredness and withdrawal from social situations are visible effects of personality changes. Eventually, a person may become incontinent and /or have trouble swallowing.

Treatment

While there is no real cure for dementia, drugs may slow the progression of the disease. The goal is to treat the symptoms affecting the person. Current medical models indicate the following array of treatment paths:

• Anti-psychotic meds at night

• Drugs that affect serotonin levels (Trazadone, Buspirone)

• Mood stabilizers (Celexa, Imiprimine, Paxil)

• Dopamine blockers (Haldol, Risperidal, Clozapine, Olanzapine)

• Frequently prescribed today is Aricept, Cognex, Exelon or Razadyne.

Some natural supplements may be beneficial. Gingko biloba, kava kava, valerian root and others may help control the symptoms of dementia.

Other resources may include a memory center or clinic, naturopathic doctors, nutritional experts, as well as some ancient Asian therapies. Find a naturopathic doctor that is a M.D. and has studied extensively about alternative diagnosis and treatment that is not mainstream. These modalities all have a different perspective. Make sure they are reputable and have proper credentials.

Prognosis

The course of dementia varies with each individual. It is a progressive path and consists of a gradual decreasing ability to function in the activities of daily living.

Prevention

Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia are not preventable. To decrease the risk of this overwhelming disease experts recommend:

• No smoking

• Regular physical exercising

• Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes

• Using your brain on with new learning challenges

• Eat a proper diet (low fat, low cholesterol, high fiber, and natural foods high in Vitamins A, B, C & E.)

Living with Dementia Planning

Long term planning is essential for the sake of the family and loved ones. Since this is a gradual path, a well informed family will endure much better than a family that is not educated and aware of recourses. In the beginning, a person with dementia may need supervision, reorientation and a safe environment. The demands for care grow as he/she is unable to perform such tasks as meal preparation, handling their medications, managing money, shopping, housekeeping, and /or laundry. Within time the person becomes dependent and needs help with eating, dressing, bathing, toileting and transferring. Dementia is not terminal. A person can live for years in this state.

Many times families and friends band together, take shifts to care for this person at home. Intentions are commendable. But all too often, burn out occurs. Health, jobs, family relationships become strained and many times irreversible damage is done.

The financial impact can be devastating. Now is not the time to learn that:

• Medicare and/or your primary insurance only pays for a skilled nursing facility if certain skilled criteria is met (and rarely is this 100 days as some brochures state.)

• If the person does not meet criteria and the family is unable to care for the person safely at home, a nursing home will cost you (depending on your location) minimally from $4,000-$8.000 per month.

• A home care nurse is paid for by medical insurance only if certain skilled criteria is met.

• Private caregivers can be hired to come to the home, but this costs (depending on your location) minimally $15.00-$28.00 per hour.

Conclusion

The prevalence of dementia increases with age. Our health care systems are developing new ways to increase our life span everyday. We live longer, but what about the quality of life, if it devastates our families, emotionally and financially. Long Term Care insurance can help fill the gap that your medical insurance doesn't cover and helps so your life savings is not depleted. It can help pay for a skilled nursing facility, a caregiver to come to your home, assisted living, adult day care and more. Long Term Care is becoming a necessity not a luxury. It is smarter to buy it while your health is good and it becomes more expensive as we age.