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Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Rok Krivec Blog March 9, 2021September 4, 2022parkinson's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy

A complex and uncommon progressive condition that affects the brain, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a disorder that causes weakness of various muscles.

Supranuclear is the section of the brain above 2 small areas known as nuclei.

This is the region that the disorder primarily affects.

What is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

PSP is a rare disorder that has varying estimates.

Research shows that about 3-6 people in every 100,000 people globally or about 20,000 Americans have the condition.

The disorder is also believed to be more common in males than in females.

In most cases, it mostly affects people who are in their 60s but it can occur earlier or later. In short, it is very unpredictable.

PSP was first described as a distinctive disorder in 1964 after three scientists published a paper that highlighted the differences of the condition compared to Parkinson’s disease.

For some time, it was known as the Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome the combined names of the scientists who defined the condition.

How PSP is Different from Parkinson’s Disease

Both Parkinson’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy cause movement difficulties, clumsiness and stiffness.

However, PSP progresses more rapidly when compared to Parkinson’s disease.

Persons with PSP normally stand exceptionally straight or at times title their head backward causing them to fall backward.

It is different for persons with Parkinson’s disease because most people with this disease will bend forward.

Difficulties with swallowing and speech tend to be more pronounced and common in PSP than in Parkinson’s disease.

Causes of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Experts have figured out how PSP happens, but they are yet to pinpoint why it happens.

The disorder develops when brain cells in a section of the brain stem become damaged.

It is still not clear how and why it damages the cells.

NHS reports that PSP happens when brain cells in certain sections of the brain become infected as a result of excessive accumulation of a protein referred to as tau.

Tau naturally occurs in the brain but in this situation, due to the build-up, the body cannot break it down quickly enough.

In persons with PSP, tau reaches high levels forming harmful clumps in the brain cells.

The levels of abnormal tau in the brain, as well as the location of these clumps, usually vary in persons with this progressive condition.

This implies that the disorder may have a broad range of symptoms.

Several areas of the brain are thought to be affected by PSP such as:

Brainstem: this is especially the area of the midbrain where “supranuclear” eye movement resides
Basal ganglia
Cerebral Cortex
Spinal cord
Dentate nucleus of the cerebellum

Research has also linked the disorder to changes in various genes.

The genetic faults are, however, not inherited and the risk to relatives including siblings or children of a person with PSP is quite low.

Symptoms of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

It is easy to mistake PSP for Parkinson’s disease because the two conditions share plenty of symptoms.

Some of the warning signs for this progressive disorder include:

Problems with Movement: The first sign of PSP is usually a problem with balance while a person is walking. Affected persons may start to fall a lot or feel uncomfortable or rigid when walking.
Challenges Moving Eyes: Many people with PSP will have a hard time directing their eyes where they want them to go. This is especially for a person who wants to look downwards. Some people will also experience blurred vision while others may have no control over their eyelids where they go through unwanted blinking or inability to open eyes. It is also common for persons with this disorder to hold another person’s gaze.
Speech Difficulties
Problems with Swallowing
Becoming more cranky and forgetful
Tremors in the hands
Muscle stiffness especially around the neck region
Having unusual emotional outbursts like laughing or crying at unexpected times
Depression
Extreme tiredness
Becoming angry for no reason
Dementia
Changes in behavior like poor judgment and recklessness
Slowness of thought and some memory issues
Changes in personality such as mood swings, apathy, and irritability
Photophobia: a dislike of bright lights
Disturbed sleep
Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
A frightened or surprised facial expression caused by rigid facial muscles
Headaches, joint pain, back or neck pain
Bladder problems, constipation, and incontinence
Face or jaw spasms or jerks

Because PSP is a progressive disease, the symptoms start out subtle and become worse over time.

Diagnosis Process

A thorough evaluation of symptoms can help with the diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy.

PSP is, however, difficult to diagnose especially in its early stages.

Most of the time, this disorder will mimic Parkinson’s disease. PSP can also be misdiagnosed for an inner ear infection because balance is usually affected.

The diagnosis process normally includes ruling out other medical conditions.

Changes in gait and balance issues are two of the clearest symptoms that can identify the brain disorder especially when it is combined with the inability to move or close eyes.

However, for some affected individuals, problems with eye movement may develop in the later stages of the disease.

Doctors conduct several tests and examinations to help with the diagnosis such as:

Neuropsychological Testing

A person suspected to have PSP may also be referred to a neurologist and possibly a psychologist to help with diagnosis. It usually involves going through several tests designed to evaluate the extent of a person’s symptoms and the impact they have on their mental abilities.

The tests look into abilities like processing of visual information like pictures and words, concentration, memory, and understanding language.

Brain Scans

If a person’s PSP symptoms suggest that there is something wrong with the brain, medics will likely request brain scans like:

MRI Scan: Radio waves and a strong magnetic field are used to offer detailed images of the inside of the brain. These can also detect abnormal changes to the brain like shrinkage of certain parts of the brain consistent with PSP diagnosis. Experts are coming up with scans that will identify the build-up of tau protein associated with PSP in the brain.
DaTscan: this is where a doctor uses a gamma camera to take pictures of the brain.
PET Scan: it detects radiation given off by a substance which is normally injected beforehand.

The scans are also helpful when it comes to ruling out other possible conditions like strokes or brain tumors.

Treatment Options

Currently, there are no procedures or medications that can cure progressive supranuclear palsy.

Nonetheless, there are methods and strategies that can help manage the symptoms and offer a better quality of life.

Parkinson’s Disease Medication

Drugs that are used to treat Parkinson’s disease can be effective in enhancing flexibility and balance. These include levodopa which can be used in conjunction with other drugs where necessary.

Physicians may recommend antidepressants for persons who are suffering from irritability or depression.

Assistive Aids

Individuals who have PSP may benefit from the use of certain aids designed to make their lives easier. These include special glasses that feature prisms that can help to enhance vision.

Weighted tools can also help people with walking problems so that they do not keep falling over. At times, all a person needs is specially designed footwear that reduces the risk of slipping and falling.

When symptoms are advanced, a person may need a feeding tube when swallowing becomes a problem.

This is a tube that goes into a stomach’s abdomen from an opening made in the skin to offer the body the nutrition it needs.

Treating Eye Problems

If a person with PSP has problems controlling their eyelids, a doctor may recommend injections of botulinum toxins like Botox which can help relax muscles around the eyelids. The effects of such injections last for about three months.

Artificial tears and eye drops can be helpful when an individual is experiencing dry eyes by reducing irritation and lubricating them.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise might help to strengthen muscles while improving posture and preventing stiffening of joints.

Therapies

Certain therapies can help persons with PSP such as:

Physical Therapy

This may help to improve flexibility in some affected individuals. A physiotherapist will offer advice on how a person can make the most of their mobility through exercise without overexerting themselves.

They can also teach proper breathing exercises that a person can practice to reduce the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia which is described as a chest infection that is a result of food particles falling into the lungs.

Language and Speech Therapy

A speech and language therapist can help a person with PSP to improve speech and swallowing issues. The professionals can teach various techniques that help make a person’s voice as clear as possible.

They can also recommend suitable communication devices and aids that may be useful as the disorder progresses. The therapist can collaborate with a dietician to recommend the proper foods to eat as well as various swallowing techniques.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists can offer expert advice on how to increase safety while preventing trips and falls as the affected person goes by their daily activities.

For instance, many people with progressive supranuclear palsy can benefit from installing bars along their baths that help them get them in and out.

The professionals can also help identify potential hazards in the home such as badly secured rugs, poor lighting, and crowded corridors and walkways that can increase the risk of falls.

Final words

It is advisable for an affected person to talk to their doctor about all the symptoms they are experiencing.

This allows the professional to consider the best treatment option. PSP is not a fatal disorder, but it can result in complications like pneumonia which can be life-threatening.

Other complications that can be caused by PSP include suffering serious head injuries or breaking bones as the likelihood of falls increases.

Research is on-going into new treatments of PSP and a better understanding of the rare disorder.

Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Rok Krivec Blog March 9, 2021October 16, 2021alzheimer's disease, pcs, posterior cortical atrophy

Also known as Benson’s syndrome, posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) refers to the progressive and gradual degeneration of the cortex which is the outer layer of the brain in the part of the brain that is located in the posterior (back of the head).

It is the section of the brain that handles the processing of visual information.

Everything about Posterior Cortical Atrophy

PCA was first described in 1988 by D. Frank Benson. It is still not clear whether this is a unique illness or a possible variant form of AD (Alzheimer’s disease).

For most people with PCA, the part of the brain that is affected shows neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques which are similar to the changes that occur in persons with AD but in a different part of the brain.

For other individuals with Benson’s syndrome, the brain changes resemble other illnesses like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Lewy body dementia.

Most cases of PCA usually occur in persons between the ages of 50-65 but the condition can also affect older people.

Causes of PCA

The exact causes of posterior cortical atrophy are still unknown.

There are also no obvious genetic mutations that are linked to the condition.

Nonetheless, discussions are on-going as to whether the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease are similar to those of PCA.

Symptoms of Posterior Cortical Atrophy

Different people with PCA will experience varying symptoms and this can change as the illness continues to progress.

Common warning signs for this condition include:

Blurred vision, double vision, difficulties reading and writing, and problems seeing clearly especially in low light conditions
Increased sensitivity to shiny surfaces or bright light
Hallucinations
Challenges performing mathematical calculations
Problems with spelling
Anxiety
Difficulties with visual tasks like reading a line of text, distinguishing between stationary and moving objects, judging distances, inability to perceive more than a single object at the time, and trouble identifying and using common objects/tools.

During the early stage of the illness, a majority of the people affected will not showcase reduced memory.

However, memory and cognitive abilities can be affected in the later stages.

As the disorder progresses, the symptoms may start to evolve and a person may start getting lost while walking or driving in familiar places.

Some individuals will also misrecognize familiar objects and faces.

Some people may experience jerking movements of their limbs while others may suffer from seizures.

Keep in mind that different people will react differently to posterior cortical atrophy.

The Diagnosis Process

Misdiagnosis of Benson’s Syndrome is quite common owing to the fact that it is quite rare and unusual.

Additionally, most people will PCA will first consult an ophthalmologist who may recommend standard eye examinations.

This is mostly because the first warning signs are often assumed to be eye problems. It may not be easy to pinpoint cortical brain dysfunction as the cause.

Currently, there is no diagnostic criterion for Benson’s Syndrome. However, the diagnostic criteria are in the developed.

Doctors start by reviewing a person’s history as well as the symptoms they are experiencing.

Physicians will also use a combination of tests that include:

MRI

This is where a medic uses an MRI machine with powerful radio waves and a magnetic field to get a 3D view of the brain.

The test helps doctors to see if there are any abnormalities in the brain that are causing the symptoms a person has.

Blood Tests

A person’s blood may be tested for thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and other conditions that may be causing PCA symptoms.

Neuropsychological tests

Doctors conduct these cognitive skills tests to identify if there are problems with a person’s literacy, memory, or visual perception.

Lumbar Puncture

It is the examination of the fluid that circulates around the spinal cord and brain.

Ophthalmology Examinations

Doctors conduct vision tests to check whether there is any other condition that is causing vision symptoms.

PET (Positive Emission Tomography)

A physician will inject a small amount of radioactive material while placing emission detectors on the brain. This offers visual images of the brain’s activities.

A professional can do this in combination with single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) to measure blood flow to various sectors of the brain.

Neuropsychological and Mental Status Tests

Doctors will conduct tests and ask questions to assess cognitive skills. A physician may ask for psychiatric assessments to test for mental illnesses like depression.

Physicians administer the above tests to diagnose the illness and rule out possible causes of the symptoms a person is experiencing.

This is because the symptoms can be caused by other medical issues like tumors, strokes, or other identifiable conditions.

It also helps in the identification of potentially treatable causes like inflammations or infections.

Most people with PCA will live approximately the same number of years as those with Alzheimer’s which is about 10-12 years after the onset of symptoms.

Some will live for more years while others will not make it to the 10-year mark.

Stages of PCA

Just like Alzheimer’s PCA progresses from one stage to the next and these include:

Stage One: No Impairment (Normal Function)

During this stage, most people will not experience any visual, cognitive, or memory issues.

Stage Two: Very Mild Cognitive Decline

At this stage, an individual may experience subtle problems with various complex visual tasks such as:

Challenges assembling novel objects/devices
Loss of confidence in driving abilities owning to the fact that it becomes harder to judge distances
Issues with writing down or recalling telephone numbers
Challenges using a computer such as being slower with entering information or typing
Problems with writing, spelling, reading, and arithmetic

During this early stage, the issues may be intermittent which can make it hard to describe.

The arising problems might also not be noticeable to family, friends, or colleagues.

Stage Three: Mild Cognitive Decline

Visual problems become more apparent at this stage for the person who has the condition as well as those close to him or her.

Most individuals will stop driving at this point. Some persons will also get a positive diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Examples of warning signs that are common in the 3rd stage include:

Having a hard time seeing things that are right in front of a person
Getting “lost” on a page when reading
General clumsiness in persons who were not clumsy before such as putting a glass down sideways, and knocking things over, etc.
Inability to tell the time from a watch or clock
Difficulty finding things in familiar places like a handbag or cupboard
Having a hard time dressing and performing other activities like cutting a piece of toast and other activities like using stairs or coordination.
Problems with dealing numbers, spelling, and writing
Paying for items with notes to avoid handling change
Mild memory issues
Challenges with picking the right word for a conversation
Anxiety mainly because a person is more aware of the changes that are happening in their life

Stage Four: Moderate Cognitive Decline

Persons with posterior cortical atrophy at the 4th stage may require help with day-to-day activities like using appliances, dressing, and cooking amongst others.

An individual may have a clear sense of purpose in regards to plans and activities but their attempts to achieve the goals are frustrated by small and frequent visual problems.

Most people during this stage will also have trouble navigating familiar and unfamiliar environments.

Stage Five: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline

During this stage, the vision continues to deteriorate even further to an extent that a person views the world as different pieces of a puzzle or through the lens of a fractured mirror.

By the end of this stage, some people will be registered as blind implying that they will need support in visually-guided activities.

Stage Six: Severe Cognitive Decline

Considered one of the later stages of PCA, it is normally characterized by impairment of memory, perception, attention, language, and decision-making.

Vision impairment remains the most pronounced.

Stage Seven: Severe Cognitive Decline

In the last PCS stage, the problems that affected individual experiences are usually similar to those that affect persons with Alzheimer’s.

Persons may lose their ability to respond to the environment. They may lose their ability to carry out conversations and eventually affected individuals cannot control movement.

Treatment Options

To date, there are no approved treatments for posterior cortical atrophy that help to halt or slow down its progression.

This is perhaps because, in some people, PCA resembles AD.

It is suggested that some drugs that alleviate brain dysfunction temporarily in people with Alzheimer’s may also be beneficial for persons with Benson’s Syndrome.

This, however, has not yet been scientifically proven. Examples of these drugs include cholinesterase inhibitors like rivastigmine, donepezil, and galantamine.

It is believed that they can help with some of Benson’s Syndrome symptoms by boosting brain cell functions to compensate for the damage that is caused by the condition.

Antidepressant medication may also be useful for persons who are going through irritability, depression, loss of self-confidence, and frustration.

Some individuals with PCA may also benefit from treatment that seeks to alleviate symptoms like anxiety or depression.

The risks and perks of these treatments have not been established.

In addition to medication, doctors may also recommend occupational, physical, or cognitive therapy as a means of managing the condition. The therapies can help an individual retain or regain skills that the PCA affects.

Many healthcare services do not have much experience supporting people who have PCA because the condition is quite rare.

There are still support groups that affected individuals can join to get the support they need.

More research is still necessary to come up with clear answers about posterior cortical atrophy.

Post-Stroke Dementia and Cognitive Impairment

Rok Krivec Blog, Types March 2, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, post-stroke dementia, stroke

After suffering a stroke, many people will end up with post-stroke dementia (PSD).

This can be any type of dementia from Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, degenerative dementia, mixed dementia or stroke-related dementia.

Post-Stroke Dementia Review

PSD is a common occurrence after a stroke covering for about 6%-32% of the cases.

However, not everyone who has suffered a stroke will end up with dementia.

Others will experience a degree of cognitive impairment that is not severe enough to be categorized as PSD.

ResearchGate reveals that many people will experience mild cognitive impairment after a stroke which may or may not progress to dementia.

Cognitive Impairments

Cognitive impairments are generally divided into several domains that include:

Attention

This can generally be defined as shifting, focusing, sustaining, or dividing attention on a particular task or stimulus.

Executive Function

This has a lot to do with abstract thinking, planning, conflict monitoring, inhibition, and organization of thoughts.

Memory

This mostly affects a person’s ability to recognize or recall verbal or visual information.

Language

It primarily affects an individual’s ability to be receptive or express themselves through language i.e. reading and writing comprehension.

Social Cognition

This defines the recognition of a person’s or other people’s emotional state as well as an understanding of the mind’s theory.

Perception and Praxis

For the most part, it primarily affects visuospatial abilities, apraxia, prosopagnosia, and agnosia.

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) can be described as a failure in the cognitive domain that happens after a stroke.

Cognitive impairment is a threat to post-stroke recovery for persons of all ages. It can compromise a person’s ability to continue working hence the need to be dependent on others at an early stage.

Unlike physical disability that is caused by stroke, cognitive function normally becomes worse over time.

While cognitive problems usually become worse during the first months after a stroke, there is a chance they can become better as the brain starts to become more active in trying to repair itself.

It is a complicated process because recovery can start to slow down after six months.

Even when cognitive problems do not go away completely, they normally get easier to live with.

This is especially the case when cognitive issues do not lead to dementia.

What Causes Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive issues occur because of the damages that happen to the brain.

Different brain sections are responsible for controlling different aspects.

If one of the areas that control cognition is damaged by stroke, this can affect the way a person does certain things.

Cognitive challenges are quite common after a person experiences post-stroke dementia.

Risk Factors for Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment

After a stroke, the risk factors for cognitive impairment are usually associated with an overlap of dementia and frequent cerebrovascular diseases.

Some of them include:

1. Age: this is a risk factor for both cognitive decline and dementia. The prevalence of cognitive decline increases significantly after the age of 65 according to research by the American Stroke Association.

2. Vascular risk factors like diabetes, smoking, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation increase the risk of cognitive impairment.

3. Recurring strokes are also documented as a risk factor for cognitive impairment.

4. Education level: this is a conflicting risk factor with some studies suggesting that higher education is related to better cognitive performance.

Diagnosing Cognitive Impairment after Stroke

A neuropsychological examination is one of the methods that is used to assess cognition after a person suffers from a stroke.

In clinical practices, this is conducted from one week to a month after the stroke.

It is different when it comes to research because the examination is performed three months after a stroke.

In some cases, it may not be possible to conduct a neuropsychological examination for persons who have had a stroke because they may be too fatigued or disabled to go through with it.

Shorter screening tests are done as an alternative in such cases for both research and clinical purposes.

Early detection of cognitive impairment is critical because it may help reduce the chances of progressing to post-stroke dementia.

Treatment and Management Options

When it comes to treating cognitive impairment caused by post-stroke dementia, the main options include strategies that range from preventing white matter changes, new strokes, to treating underlying vascular risk factors hypertension.

Art Therapy And Dementia Benefits

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention March 1, 2021October 16, 2021art therapy, dementia

If you have dementia or know someone with the illness, you may be interested in the topic of art therapy and dementia.

British Association of Art Therapies defines art therapy as a type of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary communication mode.

Persons who engage in art therapy do not need any skill or experience in art.

In most cases, a professional art therapist will steer the art therapy sessions. Their main aim is to help clients use art materials in a safe environment to grow and change on a personal level.

In the past, paintings and drawings have been categorized as a useful part of therapeutic processes within psychological and psychiatric specialties.

How does Art Therapy Help Dementia

Now that you have an idea of what art therapy is, let us get into some of the reasons persons with dementia will benefit from art therapy.

Art Therapy Stimulates the Brain

Art projects create an avenue where patients with dementia can express their creativity in a fun and relaxed manner.

Therefore, art therapy can stimulate the brain in different ways.

This can help to stir memories and at times it can even encourage speech. Some studies confirm that art therapy activities can help boost cognitive function in several areas of the brain.

This, in turn, helps to enhance the functions of the brain, communication, and social interactions.

Engages Individuals in a Myriad of Activities

When it comes to art therapy and dementia, ill persons get a chance to engage in tons of activities that can help create pleasant experiences and memorable moments.

Nowadays, art activities go beyond drawing on blackboards of papers.

Participants can enjoy other fun activities, like:

Using dough or clay for sculpting
Paint by numbers
Painting using watercolors
Pencil or charcoal drawing
Creating jewelry
Making cards
Being part of community art projects and much more

These art activities help relieve stress, stimulate senses, and boost hand strength.

Art therapy has a way of making somebody with dementia laugh, smile, move, or speak which is great especially when it comes from non-verbal seniors.

They can also create a sense of accomplishment and purpose as many persons usually feel proud and fulfilled after finishing one of their creations.

Improves Psychological and Behavioral Symptoms

A high percentage of people with dementia will exhibit symptoms such as anger, restlessness, anxiety, depression, sadness, and other psychological and behavioral symptoms as the disease progresses.

Experts believe that when persons with dementia take part in art activities, it can help regulate mood and help them express themselves in a comfortable and safe environment.

Negative emotions are reduced significantly when someone with dementia takes part in artistic activities.

Additionally, impaired individuals can strengthen self-control through free-form creations which ultimately helps to improve their quality of life reducing incidences of psychological and behavioral symptoms.

This is another reason why it is important to look into art therapy and dementia seriously.

Enhances Social Skills and Communication

Through art therapy, caregivers understand the inner world of persons with dementia better, thus, improve communication with them.

In group settings, individuals with dementia get a chance to express themselves not only to the art therapist but their peers as well as helping improve their social skills.

This is because they can form good interpersonal relationships where they no longer have to suffer the negative consequences of social isolation.

Studies focusing on art therapy and dementia revealed that even those with severe dementia were able to strengthen their sense of belonging in a group after voluntarily engaging in coloring activities under caregiver guidance.

The individuals with the illness enhance their social skills by focusing more on eye contact and the exchange of body contact.

It is also common for patients with dementia to become more vocally active when they are participating in art topics they are familiar with.

This is because the topics may stimulate pleasant past memories which trigger their interest in specific art activities, hence promoting social skills and self-expression.

Helps Alleviate Caregiver Burden

Taking care of people who have dementia is quite challenging. This is especially because there is no textual description of how the disease progresses. The condition will also not affect all persons identically.

Carers must, therefore, examine for subtle changes in the persons they are looking after when their communication abilities start to diminish.

With art therapy, caregivers can know the proper steps to take when offering care depending on how the individual behaves while engaging in various activities.

For instance, abrupt changes in art style may be an indication of further progression of the illness.

During group sessions, caregivers also get a chance to interact with each other where they can get emotional support as they share pointers on care experiences.

Closing Thoughts

It is undeniable that there are a lot of positive things that persons with dementia get when they participate in art therapy.

In addition to opening up a new effective communication channel as well as reduce negative emotions, art activities can also help strengthen and develop fine motor skills through hand and brain coordination.

Studies are also going on concerning the benefits of art therapy and dementia.

For your information, there are also many other alternative therapies for dementia that help with the patient’s condition.

Dementia and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Rok Krivec Blog, Causes February 28, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, tbi, traumatic-brain-injury

The potential between increased risk of dementia and traumatic brain injury has become a pressing issue as scientists try to find the link between the two.

This is mostly because the immediate effects of head injury can include symptoms that are similar to those of dementia.

These include signs such as memory loss, confusion, and changes in speech, personality, and vision.

Relationship Between Dementia and Traumatic Brain Injury

Depending on the severity of the head injury the symptoms can clear up fast, last a long time, or fail to go away altogether.

Keep in mind that symptoms a person experiences after an injury usually do not become worse over time which is usually the case with dementia.

Dementia affects about 47 million people worldwide and we expect the numbers to double in the next two decades.

Over 50 million people across the globe experience traumatic brain injury yearly.

Causes of TBI

This usually occurs when external forced disrupt the normal functions of the brain. Leading causes of TBI include falls, assaults, and motor vehicle accidents.

Research, however, notes that certain types of head injuries may increase the risk of someone developing different types of dementia.

Two primary factors seemingly affecting a person’s risk include the severity of the injury and the age when the injury happened.

Some studies suggest that more severe head injuries might increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) which is one of the most common causes of dementia.

The risk also increases for persons who experience head injuries when they are older say 55 years and above.

Repeated mild injuries also increase the risk of having problems with reasoning and thinking in the future.

Brain injuries after 55 are risky

Check out essential details of a study that has been done to try and figure out the link between the risk of dementia and traumatic brain injury.

One of the larger studies reported that the risk of dementia as well as that of Alzheimer’s is significantly higher in persons who have experienced TBI than in those who have no history of traumatic brain injury.

The study that was conducted in Denmark observed almost 2.8 million participants and they began in 1977.

The large study population involved a 36-year follow-up where researchers gained access to a uniform healthcare system that tracks the severity and numbers of traumatic brain injuries.

Among the millions of participants, the research indicated that 4.7% have at least one diagnosis of traumatic brain injury.

With the first TBI diagnosis, 85% had been categorized as mild while the rest were characterized as a skull fracture or severe. 4.5% of the persons who were 50 years and above developed dementia from 1999 to 2013.

From this group, 5.3% had experienced at least one TBI when the scientists were conducting their observations.

The average age at first dementia diagnosis was recorded as 80.7 years. The findings of this research were published in The Lancet Psychiatry on 10th April.

Dementia risk is higher in those with TBI history

The experts in the study concluded that the overall dementia risk in people with a history of TBI was 24% higher than those who did not have a history of traumatic brain injury.

They reached this conclusion after accounting for other risk factors of the neurodegenerative disease.

Severe traumatic brain injuries accounted for an increased risk of 35% while mild TBI increased the risk by 17%.

Men also have a slightly higher increased risk of dementia development when compared to women with traumatic brain injury histories at 30% versus 19%.

Jesse Fann the lead author of the study and a professor of behavioral sciences and psychiatry at the University of Washington School of medicine said that the relationship between the risk of dementia and the number of brain injuries was very clear according to the research.

Men are more likely to develop dementia after TBI

The study also indicated that the risk of dementia also increased based on the number of traumatic brain injuries.

Five or more TBIs increased the risk by 183%, four TBIs increased dementia risk by 51%, while the risk increased by 33% for two or three TBIs.

Fann also explained that if someone had a brain injury in their 20’s chances of developing dementia increased by 60% in their 50s.

The researchers nonetheless clarified that the findings of the study do not suggest that everyone who sustains traumatic brain injury will end up developing dementia in his or her later years.

Fann hoped that the findings will help people with histories of TBI to change their behaviors towards other dementia risk factors.

This includes quitting or limiting the use of tobacco and alcohol consumption, taking part in regular physical exercise, treating illnesses like depression, diabetes, and hypertension, as well as avoiding obesity.

He also suggested that people who have suffered traumatic brain injury need to get an evaluation from medical doctors to get immediate treatment for any persisting issues.

Fann stated that some cognitive rehabilitation strategies might help decrease cognitive deficits that relate to brain injury.

Not everyone with traumatic brain injury will develop dementia

Co-author Jakob Christensen an associate professor of neurology at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark stated that severe traumatic brain injury is more prevalent in young people.

He went ahead to explain that there is a concern that this also increases the risk of developing dementia in younger people.

Fann warned children and parents to be aware of the risks of traumatic brain injury that contact sports present.

The authors of the study recommended heightened efforts to prevent TBIs, especially for the younger generation.

They said that strategies need to be put in place to ameliorate the impact and risk of dementia relating to traumatic brain injury.

Conclusion

Many studies looking into the relationship between increased risk of dementia and traumatic brain injury are targeting participants of contact sports such as hockey, football, boxing, and soccer as well as military veterans.

These are people who end up experiencing traumatic brain injuries in their line of work.

The researchers acknowledged that more research is still needed to find out who is at the greatest risk of developing dementia as well as other factors that contribute to this risk.

Bright Light Therapy and Dementia

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention February 26, 2021October 16, 2021bright light therapy, dementia

When looking into new treatments for persons with dementia, bright light therapy and dementia is one of the topics currently getting a lot of attention.

Standford Health Care explains that bright light therapy is one of the treatments used to manage circadian rhythm disorders.

What is Light Therapy for Dementia?

Originally, it was intended for persons who were suffering from SAD (seasonal affective disorder).

According to Sleep Education, the human body has an internal clock that signals it when it is time to be awake, and when it’s time to sleep.

We find the clock in the SCN, an area of brain above the section where nerves travel to the eyes.

This clock is responsible for controlling a person’s “circadian rhythm.” The rhythms include the daily cycle of numerous hormones, alertness, and temperature.

“Circadian” implies to occur in a 24-hour cycle.

Circadian rhythm sleep disorder is common with dementia

We should mention that circadian rhythms make a person alert or sleepy at regular times daily.

It is common for persons with dementia to experience circadian rhythm sleep disorder.

Dementia refers to a group of progressive neurological symptoms and conditions that are characterized by an ongoing decline in a person’s cognitive abilities including thinking, memory, behavior, and communication.

It usually ends up affecting a person’s abilities to participate in daily living activities.

This implies that they can benefit from light therapy that can help shift sleeping patterns into what is considered normal.

Check out some of the benefits of bright light therapy for persons with dementia below.

Benefits of Bright Light Therapy

In regards to bright light therapy and dementia, experts state that light therapy can help individuals with dementia.

The therapy aims to affect brain chemicals that are linked to sleep and mood.

Most people with dementia may experience sleep issues at some point in the illness.

This is because dementia can destroy the area of the brain that is responsible for the wake-sleep cycle.

A well-conducted but small study revealed promising effects on disturbed sleep as well as restlessness for individuals with dementia.

Another study showed that bright light therapy administered in the morning can help treat sleep disorders in persons with dementia.

According to this study, this is the time the therapy entertains circadian rhythm to reduce interference with the sleep-wake cycle.

Yet another research measuring the combination of walking and bright light therapy reported significant improvements in sleeping habits when bright light therapy and walking were practiced every day.

Combination of melatonin and dementia

Some researchers also looking into bright light therapy and dementia also studied the combination of the use of melatonin with bright light therapy.

The experts observed that all the participants who had dementia experienced better sleep cycles after exposure to bright light therapy.

Interestingly, the results were not similar after combining melatonin and bright light therapy.

A larger, well-conducted research review reported that bright light therapy can help reduce sleeping during the daytime and increase night-time sleeping.

Multiple other studies also showed that bright light therapy can be used to normalize the wake-sleep pattern.

Additionally, light therapy also has the potential to treat aggressive behavior in persons with dementia.

Some studies also state that bright light therapy can help reduce depression in people who have dementia.

Note that depression is one of the most common symptoms of dementia.

Other perks that persons with dementia can get from bright light therapy include:

Reduced Wandering

Some research indicates that bright light therapy in addition to enhancing the sleep-wake cycle also helps to reduce wandering for people with dementia at night.

Enhanced Cognition

Bright light therapy has also been associated with better scores on the Mini-Mental State Exam. This is one of the most common tests for measuring cognitive abilities.

Persons with vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were subjected to bright light therapy and they ended up demonstrating improved scores on their cognitive abilities tests.

This was in comparison to no changes in the scores when the same group was exposed to dim light therapy.

A similar study reported better cognitive functioning after exposure to bright light therapy. However, this was for people with early-stage AD as opposed to those with middle or late-stage Alzheimer’s.

Improved Behavioral Functioning

One study reported participants with dementia showcased improvement in various challenging behaviors.

However, another study compared levels of agitation of individuals with dementia after exposure to light therapy and stated that there was no difference.

How is Bright Light Therapy Administered?

When it comes to bright light therapy and dementia, the person with the illness sits in front of a lightbox that offers around 5-30 times more light than what the average office light emits. In most cases, the lightbox will emit about 10,000 lux of light.

This happens for a set time daily.

Keep in mind that it is important to consult a physician before starting light therapy. This is because there are a few cases where the therapy may not be appropriate.

Incorporating Light Therapy into the Routine of a Person with Dementia

There are times when it may not be easy to incorporate light therapy into the routine of a person with dementia.

Below are a few case scenarios you may be presented with, in regards to using bright light therapy and dementia and how you can solve them.

When a person becomes agitated in front of the lightbox, you may want to use verbal reassurance. If this does not work end the session and gradually introduce it until they become used to it.
Sometimes, an individual with this progressive illness does not want to sit in front of the light. In this instance, you can try focusing their attention on you. Start a pleasant conversation and hold their hands so that they can feel comfortable during the session.
When a person is easily distracted try and schedule the therapy when they are having breakfast. This will help speed up the process of becoming part of their routine.

Closing Remarks

Although some studies confirm that bright light therapy is beneficial to some people with dementia more studies focusing on bright light therapy and dementia still need to be conducted.

This will help to offer more conclusive results so that medics, caregivers, and persons with the illness can know how light therapy will benefit them.

Dementia and Head Injury Risk

Rok Krivec Blog, Causes February 18, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, head injury

Numerous studies have been done to find out the connection between dementia and head injury.

This is after suspicion that TBI (traumatic brain injury) which is usually caused by head injury normally disrupts the normal functions of the brain which can affect someone’s cognitive abilities such as thinking and learning skills.

Can a head injury make dementia worse?

Keep in mind that it is not everyone who gets a head injury will end up developing dementia.

The immediate effect of a head injury can induce symptoms that people with dementia also exhibit.

These can include things memory loss, confusion, changes in speech, personality and vision.

They can go away quickly, last for years, or never clear up depending on the severity of the injury.

Causes of Head Injury

Some of the most common causes of head injuries that can lead to traumatic brain injury include:

Car accidents
Being struck on the head by objects
Bullet wounds
Falls
Assault
Injuries that penetrate the brain and skull
Blast injuries, etc.

The above causes the brain to jolt violently in the brain.

Each of them normally has different outcomes for the people they impact.

Some types of TBI can increase the risk of developing various types of dementia including Alzheimer’s years after the injury took place.

Reasons Head Injury may Result in Increased Dementia Risk

There are a couple of mechanisms that explain the link between dementia and head injury.

One of them is that brain injury is known to accelerate or induce the accumulation of abnormal proteins.

This then leads to the death of neurons that are associated with some dementia types like Alzheimer’s disease.

There is also a possibility that trauma leaves the brain more vulnerable to other types of injuries.

Research that has been done on Dementia and Head Injury

As mentioned earlier, researchers have been trying to uncover the link between head injury and increased dementia risk.

Below are examples of research that has been done on this course.

Umea University Study

A study done at the Umea University in Sweden confirms that traumatic brain injury is one of the dementia risk factors.

It was after observing over three million people aged 50 years and above. This was published on 30th January 2018 in the PLOS medical journal.

It indicated that the risk of dementia diagnosis was highest during the first 12 months after the injury.

During this period, individuals with traumatic injuries are 4-6 times likely to get a positive dementia diagnosis when compared to the ones who do not have a traumatic brain injury.

The study also concluded that a traumatic brain injury or a concussion can increase the risk of dementia even 3 decades later.

Another study published in the Journal of Neurology discovered that a history of traumatic brain injury may increase by two or more years the age of onset for cognitive impairment.

Other studies also had similar results indicating that traumatic brain injury causes a significant risk when it comes to cognitive decline in the elderly.

It is also associated with earlier onset of in people with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment.

Increased Risk in Boxers

Some research on dementia and head injury also reveals that boxers have an increased risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) which is a type of dementia.

CTE symptoms include confusion, memory loss, impulse control problems, impaired judgment, anxiety, aggression, suicidality, and progressive dementia.

The symptoms may show up after years or decades of traumatic brain injury.

This is mostly due to the number of rounds that the professional boxers rather than the times he or she was knocked out.

This implies that when someone suffers mild traumatic repeatedly, they are also at increased risk of getting dementia even when the injuries did not cause unconsciousness.

Researchers are yet to uncover whether CTE is likely to occur after several traumatic brain injuries, a large number of mild traumatic brain injuries, or some other forms of heard trauma patterns.

Brain Issues in other Professional Athletes

Several studies have also been done focusing on professional athletes including boxers, football players, and mixed martial arts fighters.

Most have found a connection to serious brain troubles later in life. These include dementia or CTE.

A UCSF study also reported that the risk of dementia doubles after a person suffers a concussion.

The researchers tracked over 330,000 veterans while trying to find the link between dementia and head injury.

After adjusting sex, age, education, race, and other health conditions, they stated that without loss of consciousness, people who had a concussion were 2.36 times likely to get dementia.

The number was higher for people who lost consciousness at 3.77 times higher.

The research focused on veterans and members of the general public and the findings were similar for both groups.

There is still no evidence that one mild traumatic brain injury can increase the risk of developing dementia.

Nonetheless, there is emerging evidence that states that repeated mild traumatic brain injuries lead to a greater risk of CTE.

Closing Thoughts

More research still needs to be done concerning dementia and head injury.

Scientists are working to establish the link between traumatic brain injury and the increased risk of dementia.

Based on the existing evidence, it is highly recommended that people protect their heads when participating in activities that can lead to head injury.

Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease

Rok Krivec Blog February 13, 2021October 16, 2021alzheimer's disease, dementia, down-syndrome

After years of research, experts uncovered that there is a link between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease.

Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s

Down syndrome is a medical condition where an individual is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21 rather than the normal two copies.

The genetic abnormality usually results in health issues and developmental challenges that can affect memory, learning, and language.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can be defined as a brain disease that is one of the major causes of dementia. It makes affected persons experience impaired memory, behavior, and thinking.

It can also affect mood and emotions.

The illness is caused by an abnormal build-up of beta-amyloid which is a type of protein that forms plaques in brain cells.

This accumulation damages the connections between brain cells which, in turn, disrupts how messages are passed from one part of the brain to another.

The brain cells die eventually and this will reduce the size of the brain.

Brain degeneration that happens because of AD can impair an individual’s ability to carry out day to day activities. Because Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive illness, the symptoms become worse as time goes by.

Correlation between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease

Studies reveal that most people (not all) who have Down syndrome will also develop AD.

Chromosome 21 carries the APP gene (amyloid precursor protein). Beta-amyloid forms when APP breaks down.

This clumps together into brain plaques that are common with AD.

As stated earlier, persons with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21 which implies that they can make 11/2 times more APP than persons who only have two copies.

Individuals who have Down syndrome have a higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s.

Many studies state that about 50% of individuals with Down syndrome will end up with AD by the time they are celebrating their 60th birthday. The average onset age, however, is usually 50-55 years.

The National Down Syndrome Society reports that about 30% of individuals who have Down syndrome and are in their 50s already have AD.

Early Alzheimer’s disease Signs for Persons with Down syndrome

A person who has Down syndrome can showcase several symptoms that may indicate they have AD such as:

Deterioration in short-term memory
Reduced ability to complete daily living tasks
Increased inactivity and apathy
Withdrawing socially
Problems with communication
Changes in sleep patterns at night
Confusion and disorientation
Restlessness
Fearfulness, sadness, and anxiety

Diagnosing AD in Individuals with Down syndrome

To determine whether a person has both Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease, a doctor may subject the individual to various tests that may include:

Memory and thinking tests
Physical examinations that may include brain scans and blood tests
Assessing medical history

Careful observation of symptoms as well as how a person’s behavior and abilities change is crucial.

This is because persons with Down syndrome already have pre-existing difficulties with memory, thinking, and daily living skills.

Naturally, a person with Down syndrome may not be in a position to report concerns about memory or other changes happening in their lives.

For this reason, their loved ones or professional caregivers must help with observing cognitive changes.

Indidivual diagnosis for Down syndrome

Experts recommend certain principles that can help with a person-centered diagnosis for individuals with Down syndrome, such as:

1. Documenting baseline adult function by the time they are 35 years. The medical records of a person with Down syndrome should include details about their adult abilities.

2. Checking for Changes in Daily Function. Family members or other reliable individuals should also be on the lookout for changes in day to day function.

A person may note that an individual with Down syndrome showcases less interest in social interactions or things they loved doing previously. Changes in behavior and personality may also indicate a decline in thinking skills.

Doctors also perform other examinations to rule out other medical conditions that may look like Alzheimer’s disease.

This is because of something that is known as “differential diagnosis.”

When a person with Down syndrome showcases a decline in abilities or loss of skills, medics can consider:

Changes in sensory impairments like vision or hearing difficulties that can inhibit social engagement or lead to a loss in skills
Life changes, for instance, adjustments in a person’s day service, retirement, menopause, or reaction to something like bereavement.
Thyroid disorders which can be treated
Depression which is treatable with the proper interventions
Drug interactions
Poor sleep patterns
Urinary or other types of infections
Vitamin deficiencies

Because the above conditions are treatable, a person with Down syndrome needs to undergo a comprehensive medical assessment, especially during the early stages to rule them out.

Research on Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists are working round the clock to figure out why some people with Down syndrome end up with AD while others do not.

The experts want to get a clear picture so that they can come up with medication or other treatments that can help delay, stop, or prevent the development of AD.

Some studies are already in the clinical trial phase and people can only hope that these will yield great results in the future to help effectively deal with the two medical conditions.

Living with a Positive Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis

Sadly if a person has Down syndrome and they get diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, they have to live with both medical conditions.

Currently, there is no approved cure for AD. However, there are some medications and alternative treatments like therapies and natural remedies that a person can try to treat some symptoms as well as slow or stabilize the decline in thinking abilities and memory for a while.

It is important to consult a physician before starting any treatment regimen to ensure it is best suited for the weak person.

Support services for people with Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease also exist. They help affected individuals and their families or carers live well with the conditions.

Research is, however, ongoing to try and find a cure for AD as well as discover new treatments to help delay or avoid the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms for persons who already have Down syndrome.

Close Connection Between Dementia and Sleep

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention February 13, 2021September 5, 2023dementia, dementia and sleep, sleep

Researches show that dementia and sleep are actually quite closely connected to each other.

Also, those with dementia usually develop bad sleeping habits which we need to take into consideration as soon as possible.

Sleep deprivation is known to have profound consequences on a person’s health.

This can include tiredness and grumpiness as well as the risk of serious medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and shorter life span among many others.

Over the years, there also seems to be a connection between dementia and sleep.

This is even though scientists and researchers cannot conclusively explain how dementia affects a person’s sleep.

Studies indicate that about 40% of people who have dementia experience sleep disturbances. For some individuals, their internal “biological clock” may be damaged, affecting their sleep.

Another logical explanation is that the parts of the brain that control whether a person stays awake or not may be damaged by the disease, which results in disturbing sleep patterns.

Before experts can give conclusive explanations, let us look at different aspects of sleep risk and dementia.

Sleep Problems That Dementia People May Face

There is a wide array of sleep issues that people with dementia may experience over the course of the illness, such as:

Oversleeping

In as much as we are encouraged to enjoy quality sleep all night, people with dementia may end up oversleeping.

This is where a person spends most of their time in bed during the day and at night. Sleeping a lot is usually common in the later stages of the illness.

As the disease progresses, brain damage also becomes more extensive, making a person become frailer and weaker over time.

This typically results in a person with dementia to sleep more as their symptoms also become more severe.

Some medication that an individual may be taking like antihistamines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics can contribute to excessive sleepiness.

Light Sleep Disorders

These are disorders that are also known as (RDB) rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. They make individuals act out their dreams by talking or moving in their sleep.

Sleep Disordered Breathing

This is where a person has difficulties breathing while sleeping.

It may be as a result of obstructions in the airway, which makes an individual work harder to breathe normally. At times, this is also referred to as sleep apnoea.

It is considered to be one of the risk factors when it comes to dementia and sleep.

This is because disordered breathing can damage the brain because the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen change when a person has challenges while breathing.

Most of the time, this can also change how blood flows to the brain.

Difficulties Falling Asleep

Many people with dementia often have trouble falling asleep. A person may be in bed wanting to sleep, but it will not happen.

Counting sheep and drinking chamomile tea may not offer the solution that the person needs.

This makes the affected person want to wander off into the darkness or start yelling or calling the names of their caregivers.

Hypnagogic Hallucinations

These are imagined sensations that a person ends up thinking are real. They are also known as sleep hallucinations that happen when a person is falling asleep.

The hallucinations can appear in different forms, whether vision, taste, smell, or sound. Research about this is still ongoing as the hallucinations continue to fascinate scientists, philosophers, and writers.

Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders

These are characterized by normal sleep patterns that usually happen at random times during the day. These are very common when a person is growing older.

It usually happens because of reduced exposure to natural light, a decrease in physical activity, as well as changes in circadian rhythms that come with aging.

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Factors that May Cause Sleep Problems in People with Dementia

Several factors besides brain damage may be the cause of sleep issues worth mentioning when talking about dementia and sleep. Some of these include but are not limited to:

1. Restless leg syndrome

This is a disorder that brings about unpleasant “tingling” or “crawling” feeling on the legs which makes a person want to move them all the time

2. Depression

Depression is very common with people who have dementia, and it may end up affecting how they sleep. In most cases, only a professional can give a positive diagnosis of depression in adults because this is often confused with Alzheimer’s disease.

The two conditions share symptoms like apathy, isolation, impaired thinking, social withdrawal, loss of interest in hobbies, and activities amongst others.

Once depression has been positively diagnosed, treatment can improve quality of life significantly.

Treating Sleep Problems

There are two main approaches when it comes to treating sleep issues in people who have dementia.

One of these has a lot to do with lifestyle changes that can improve sleep quality.

Some of the solutions to these may include:

1. Regular sleep regimes

Encouraging a person who has dementia to stick to regular meal times as well and going to bed and waking up times can help them enjoy their sleep more.

This way, they will not have to deal with too many dire consequences of dementia and sleep.

2. Exercise

Exercise is a recommended treatment method because it gets the body moving; thus, helps the organs in the body to function as they should.

Because people who have dementia may not be able to work out vigorously, caregivers must identify light exercises that the individuals under their care can handle with ease.

Moderate amounts of walking can do the trick. Night-time stretching may also be helpful.

3. Diet

It is vital for people who have dementia to eat well-balanced food to get the nutrients the body needs to boost immunity. Avoid processed foods and stick to organic vegetables, fruits, nuts, complex carbs, and proteins.

A nutritionist can offer advice on the best foods that the individual with dementia should eat. It also helps to avoid alcohol and cigarettes.

4. Limit sleep disruptions

Sleep interruptions, whether caused by a noisy neighborhood or a snoring partner, can end up harming brain health.

Persons who experience poor restless sleep have a higher risk of cognitive decline compared to the ones who sleep well throughout the night.

Individuals who experience fragmented sleep can use blackout curtains or a white noise machine to help them sleep well throughout the night.

5. Plan more active days

Boredom during the day is one of the reasons why an individual may want to nap more.

It is advisable to plan more active days filled with activities that the seniors love. This way, they get more tired at night, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.

6. Creating a safe and comfortable sleeping space

Modifying a person’s sleeping environment to make it more welcoming, safe and comfortable can help an individual enjoy quality shut-eye at night.

This is where you can do things like check on temperatures, use nightlights, clean and soft bedding.

Also, remove clutter and use motion and door sensors for the ideal sleep environment.

7. Ensuring exposure to bright light in the morning

Furthermore, persons with dementia can also try light therapy.

Exposing seniors to natural light often can help to realign their circadian rhythm to reduce the effects of some sleep disorders.

Studies also show that light therapy helps to enhance sleep patterns for people with dementia.

8. Music intervention

The right type of music can also help a person fall asleep when they are having difficulties with this.

Ideally, it should be something with soft beats like Mozart and other classical tunes. Loud music with fast beats may not offer the desired results.

An individual can also try playing a musical instrument to drive them to sleep.

The other option available when a person wants to deal with sleep issues is the use of medications and other apparatus.

Note that a person should only consider this when they have tried the non-medical route without any success.

Examples of such include:

1. Using CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) – This is a machine that helps to reduce the effects of sleep apnea.

2. Some medications like benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants can also improve sleep.

It is always best for the person with dementia to consult a doctor before taking any type of medication to be on the safe side. Some drugs may have a negative effect when it comes to dementia and sleep.

3. Doctors may also prescribe melatonin hormone that can maintain regular sleep-wake cycles.

4. Treating any pains that a person may be having can also work well for a person who wants to sleep better.

5. A person who wakes up at night should not be encouraged to watch TV, listen to loud music, or be over-active during the wakefulness periods.

This will only encourage them to stay awake instead of going back to bed

Closing Thoughts

Lack of enough quality sleep in people who have dementia can negatively affect the physical and emotional health of a person who has dementia.

This may end up worsening cognitive symptoms, ultimately reducing the quality of life of the person with the disease as well as the people around them.

When a person is having problems with dementia and sleep, it is important to try and get to the bottom of the issue.

This is by finding out what is causing these issues to administer the proper treatment that will help a person lead a more fulfilling and satisfying life even when they are ill.

Do People with Dementia Know They Have It?

Rok Krivec Blog February 12, 2021October 16, 2021dementia

Seeing a person exhibit dementia symptoms can be baffling and scary which may bring up the question do people with dementia know they have it?

It is important to note that this neurodegenerative disease affects people differently.

The fact, however, is that dementia is a progressive illness that destroys brain cells over time.

Are dementia patients aware of their condition?

This implies that a person who has the disease may notice that there is something different going on in their lives but they may not necessarily know that they have the disease.

People become aware of the changes

Some people with dementia may go about their lives oblivious to what is going on in their brains.

A report from Johns Hopkins in 2018 revealed that a majority of people living with dementia do not know about their diagnosis.

Some of these people might suffer from anosognosia which is a result of cell damage in the parietal and right pre-frontal lobes.

It can be brought about by cell declination as a result of dementia/Alzheimer’s disease or when a person has a stroke.

Other people may notice the physical changes, mental limitations, and behaviors that the ill person showcases but they will remain adamant that nothing is wrong.

This creates challenges for caregivers because they will be dealing with someone who thinks they are fine; thus, they do not need to take the necessary measures to treat symptoms and increase longevity because dementia does not have a cure to date.

The majority of people with dementia don’t know they have it

These are people who can refuse to take medicine, or insist that they can go to work or the store even when it is not safe to do so.

For such a group, if you ask the question do people with dementia know they have it, the answer will be a resounding no.

This is, however, not to state that every single person with the illness does not know they have it.

Some individuals may actually know depending on the stage dementia is diagnosed.

Developing dementia can be a stressful time for the affected person.

One day they might be living their lives “normally” and the next they can only recognize their family or friends without perhaps remembering their name among an array of other symptoms.

At this point, a person might think that they are experiencing normal forgetfulness that mostly happens as humans grow older but it may not be the case.

For this reason, it is important to seek medical advice when you suspect that there is something wrong with your health.

This will help get the proper diagnosis to know how to deal with the conditions heads on.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Even for people without the disease, it is not easy to tell whether a person has dementia or not, the reason a doctor’s intervention is necessary.

It is because in most cases, dementia is only diagnosed when the symptoms start showing up and for some individuals, the disease may have progressed considerably.

This is one of the things that also makes it difficult to give a straight answer to the question do people with dementia know they have it.

There are some early warning signs, however, that may point towards a person having dementia.

Some of the most common ones include:

Confusion
Memory loss
Challenges performing common tasks
Depression
Social withdrawal
Communication problems
Having trouble making decisions
Changes in behavior

If you notice that a loved one has the above symptoms, go in for a diagnosis to know the way forward. It is ideal to do it as soon as possible.

After a positive diagnosis, many people may understand what is going on, but this may change after some time when the disease becomes worse.