Dementia is a syndrome characterized by a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily life and activities. It is defined by cognitive impairment and poor performance on neuropsychological assessment that indicates a decline from the past, but it requires evidence of significant difficulties in daily life that interfere with independence. It is not a specific disease but rather a group of symptoms caused by various disorders affecting the brain. Various types and causes of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, fronto-temporal dementia, semantic dementia, lewy body dementia, etc. Dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia are the two most common causes of dementia. The symptoms include cognitive decline, behavioral changes and functional impairment. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is used for individuals who fall between the cognitive changes of aging and early dementia and is a pre-clinical stage of dementia.
Patients with MCI undergo very mild cognitive changes and gradually progress to dementia over a period of 10 years or more before they are actually diagnosed with dementia (Aguirre-Acevedo et al., 2016). Thus, early identification of these groups is important to begin early treatment and slow down the rate of progression.
Management and treatment includes Cognitive stimulation therapy, physical exercise, and behavioral interventions can improve quality of life and delay cognitive decline. While there is no cure for most types of dementia, medications like cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil) or memantine may help manage symptoms and slow progression in some cases. Providing support for caregivers, ensuring safety, and planning for future care needs are crucial aspects of dementia management. Thus, early identification through neuropsychological assessment and early psychotherapeutic intervention can delay the progression of dementia.
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