, Author at ReaDementia

Lewy Body Dementia Specialist, Diagnosis & Treatment

Petra Boh Blog February 9, 2021October 16, 2021dementia doctors, LBD, lewy body dementia specialist

To get a proper diagnosis and treatment for Lewy body dementia (LBD), it is important to consult a Lewy body dementia specialist.

LBD describes a kind of progressive dementia that often leads to a decline in thinking.

The main reason it is important to work with a specialist is that diagnosing Lewy body dementia is usually challenging.

Some of the early LBD symptoms are similar to the warning signs found in other brain illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or psychiatric diseases.

It is one of the primary reasons LBD specialists are needed because they possess special skills that they can use to properly diagnose Lewy body dementia.

LBD remains a “clinical diagnosis” implying that it represents a medic’s best professional judgment about the reason why a person is going through certain symptoms.

Note: Some other names for LBD are Lewy body dementia, cortical Lewy body disease, diffuse Lewy body disease.

Have a look at some of the specialists that can help with LBD diagnosis.

Specialists who Can Diagnose Lewy Body Dementia

When you first notice any physical, cognitive, behavioral or emotional problems, your first stop will probably be at your doctor’s office.

If your physician is not too familiar with LBD, they may refer you to a Lewy body dementia specialist.

They are a few professionals you can consult including neurologists who specialize in brain disorders as well as those of the nervous system implying they have what it takes to tell if a person has LBD or not.

Other professionals include geriatricians, geriatric psychiatrists, and neuropsychologists who have skills that can diagnose this dementia type.

Other than your doctor’s referrals, you can also use Lewy Body Dementia Association Research Centres (a reputable research network) to find specialists who are knowledgeable about LBD.

Lewy Body Dementia Tests

The specialists usually conduct several tests before coming up with a diagnosis like:

Brain Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography can be used to detect structural abnormalities in the brain or brain shrinkage which can help rule out other possible causes of movement and dementia symptoms.

Medical examination and history

Doctors will always review a person’s medical history thoroughly to try and figure out what is going on.

This includes looking into current and previous illnesses, checking out the medications and alternative treatments a person is on as well asking about all the symptoms that the person has.

They will also conduct tests of memory and movement in a bid to collect valuable details they can use for the diagnosis process.

Neurological tests

These are tests medics will perform to assess memory as well as other cognitive functions to help recognize the areas of the brain that are affected.

Medical tests

Laboratory studies are also included in the diagnosis process to rule out other medical conditions, vitamin, or hormonal deficiencies that may be causing the symptoms a person is experiencing.

Heart tests

Some specialists may also see it fit to order myocardial scintigraphy a heart test that checks blood flow to the heart which can be one of the LBD symptoms.

Worth noting is that currently, no medical tests or brain tests can affirmatively diagnose Lewy body dementia. It is only possible to diagnose LBD through brain autopsy after a person dies.

Scientists are, however, working hard to find more effective solutions to accurately diagnose Lewy body dementia in a living brain.

Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Options

To date, there is still no cure for LBD. A Lewy body dementia specialist may, nonetheless, offer guidance on how to manage the illness.

Some of the symptoms may respond positively to treatment for some time. Treatment plans normally involve a combination of:

Medicines

Doctors may prescribe several drugs to treat some LBD symptoms. It is advisable that a ill individual refrains from self-medicating because some medications are known to make the symptoms worse.

Working with a knowledgeable health professional is essential because they can switch up the drugs in case of severe side-effects.

They can also know how to pair up drugs to avoid medicine interactions. The drugs a person is given depends on the symptoms they are going through.

For instance, a doctor may recommend Exelon, Razadyne, or Namzaric for memory and thinking problems.

Sinemet may help with stiffness, slowness, and tremor while Klonopin can be useful for sleep disturbances and so forth.

Different Types of Therapies

After a positive diagnosis for LBD from a Lewy body dementia specialist, a person may have to work with a team of professional therapists on different highly effective therapies, depending on the symptoms they are experiencing such as:

Speech therapists

The experts can assist with voice projection, low voice volume, and swallowing challenges.

Physical therapists

They can help with movement issues through flexibility, strengthening, and cardiovascular exercises as well as general physical fitness programs. Some individuals with LBD might also need gait training

Expressive art or music therapists

The professionals help weak persons engage in fun and meaningful activities, including music and art therapies, intending to improve well-being and reduce symptoms like anxiety.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy can help to soothe and calm a person especially when they are agitated.

Occupational therapists

The experts will walk with the persons with Lewy body dementia trying to identify easier ways to conduct daily activities like bathing, grooming, and eating to help them retain independence for the longest possible time.

Do not forget to read all the various benefits occupational therapy has on a person with dementia.

Pet therapy

Pets can not only offer companionship, but they can also help boost mood.

Counseling

Many people with LBD together with their families need professional help when it comes to processing the changes that will come about after a positive diagnosis.

Professional mental health counselors may come in handy to help people learn how to manage difficult behaviors and emotions. They can also help families and loved ones make sober plans for the future.

Other than counseling, persons with the illness and their relatives and friends can also join a support group where they can get helpful resources they can use to deal with their “new normal.”

Other types of treatment that a Lewy body dementia specialist may vouch for include lifestyle interventions where the suffering person has to eat healthier, get physically active, and remain socially active.

Making adjustments to the living environment, social support, and the use of equipment that make daily life easier are also recommended.

What Conditions Can Be Mistaken For Dementia?

Petra Boh Blog, Signs February 7, 2021January 12, 2024dementia, dementia-like conditions, dementia-like symptoms, symptoms

There is a pertinent question that everyone especially the elderly should know the answer to and that is: what conditions can be mistaken for dementia?

This is because sometimes, a person can be scared that they are developing dementia because of the symptoms they have pointed to the onset of the illness.

However, when they go to the doctors for a diagnosis, it turns out that they do not have dementia, but another medical condition.

This is the primary reason why it is important to avoid self-diagnosis and always consult a doctor when you have dementia warning signs.

At times, a person may even have to seek a second and a third opinion.

Unfortunately, sometimes, it is the doctor who will give a misdiagnosis based on the symptoms that a person has.

There is a long list of curable or partially reversible medical conditions that share symptoms with dementia.

Here are some of the most common ones.

Conditions That Mimic dementia

Lung and Heart Disorders

Disorders of the heart and lungs are some of the top answers available for anyone who asks what conditions can be mistaken for dementia.

This is mainly because the two organs provide nutrients and oxygen to the brain; hence, they are essential for normal functioning.

As people age, they may develop vascular diseases that interrupt cardiac output. Others can get lung diseases that affect oxygen delivery to the brain.

When this happens the affected person may have issues with executive function, memory, and alertness which can fool people into thinking that it is dementia.

UTI’s (Urinary Tract Infections)

Some seniors may experience sudden outbursts of confusion. In some cases, this may be a result of UTI.

Urinary tract infections occur when germs get into the urethra and make their way to the kidneys and bladder.

This often makes a person experience fever, painful urination, or abdominal pain.

Alongside these symptoms, elderly persons may also experience symptoms like withdrawal, mood swings, and agitation.

While UTIs and dementia may have similar symptoms, it does not automatically mean that an older person who has UTI has dementia.

Worth noting is that a majority of UTIs are treatable with rest, a lot of fluid, antibiotics, and a healthy diet.

NPH (Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus)

Another answer to the query, what conditions can be mistaken for dementia, is normal pressure hydrocephalus or NPH.

Many persons who have dementia will go through times when they experience memory slips or they cannot complete day to day chores.

An individual who has NPH will showcase similar symptoms.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a brain disorder that develops when there is excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricle.

This causes problems like urinary incontinence, lack of concentration, and challenges with thinking.

Anyone who has such symptoms is advised to see a neurologist who will diagnose the conditions.

Experts state that with early and timely treatment, individuals with NPH can regain their independence.

Sensory Limitations

Sensory issues like having problems with hearing and seeing can also create a picture where a person experiences worsening cognitive impairment.

Many people who cannot hear or see clearly prefer to stay on their own because they feel like other people do not understand what they are going through.

If this happens and a person is older, their loved ones might assume that they have dementia.

Depression

Before going in for a professional diagnosis, it is easy to conclude that a person has dementia when they are suffering from depression.

The two conditions have comparable symptoms like isolation, detachment, and declining interest in the things an individual loves.

With depression, however, it is possible to reverse the condition through regular exercise, medication, stress-reduction techniques like prayer, yoga, and medication, as well as cognitive therapy.

Delirium

Delirium happens when there is a sudden change in the brain that causes emotional disruption and mental confusion. It makes it hard to pay attention, think, sleep, remember, and many more.

This is another condition that can lead to dementia misdiagnosis.

Just like with many conditions that mimic dementia, delirium can be reversed as soon as doctors identify the cause of the condition.

Some Cancers

Some kinds of cancer cause a person to experience behavioral and cognitive changes the same way dementia leads to such changes.

This can happen when there are local effects of a tumor.

For instance, the tumor may be compressing or invading a brain tissue or it can harm the immune system by producing antibodies that fight the brain.

Subdural Hematoma

When a person has subdural hematoma, it means that there is abnormal bleeding which results in a build-up of blood around the tissue that surrounds the brain.

This is usually a result of a head injury.

When the pressure goes on for long it can make a person develop dementia-like symptoms such as confusion, apathy, and behavioral changes.

This makes it one of the answers to what conditions can be mistaken for dementia.

Unlike dementia, however, subdural hematoma is treatable.

The hematoma can disappear on its own when it is not severe. Some people with hematoma may have to go through surgery to get rid of it.

Confusion

When an individual starts to have a hard time recognizing where they are or the time of the day, others will assume that he or she is in their first stages of dementia.

It mostly happens when they become agitated or anxious about their current situation.

At times, the confusion symptoms may come from different situations like dehydration, hunger, chest, or urinary infection.

Closing Remarks

Nowadays, dementia-like warning signs such as stress, fatigue, memory lapses, and many others are becoming more common.

When you start to showcase such, it is easy to think of the worst.

Thankfully, it is not all the time that you will get a positive dementia diagnosis from your doctor.

Above, we have listed a majority of the answers you will get when asking what conditions can be mistaken for dementia.

You will notice that many can be treated; thus, you will not be dealing with them for a lifetime.

What Colors Do Dementia Patients Prefer?

Petra Boh Blog February 6, 2021October 16, 2021colors, dementia

A high percentage of individuals with dementia will lose some kind of color perception leaving many people wondering what colors do dementia patients prefer.

This caught the interest of scientists who have conducted numerous studies on light and color.

Most of these studies produce contrasting results.

Many experts, however, agree that using the correct colors in the environment where a person with dementia resides can help in the provision of quality care.

Various colors often come up when you ask about the colors that people with dementia like.

These include green, blue, orange, yellow, pink, and red.

There are several reasons the above-mentioned colors work well for persons with dementia as explained below.

What are the Best Colors for Dementia?

Blue

This is a color that offers a restful and calming effect.

Studies reveal that using blue in a physical environment can help to reduce blood pressure. The color also tends to increase the size of a room.

Other than painting a room blue, you can also use blue utensils and dinner plates when taking care of a person who had dementia.

They help offer a contrast so that the weak person can easily identify their food.

Green

The color is also categorized as a restful color that is symbolic of life and growth.

It can help people remain calm while reducing central nervous system activity. Green also makes a room appear bigger.

For persons with dementia, you can use the color to grab their attention. For instance, you can use green when making signs for bedroom, walkers, bathrooms, and many more.

Red

When you ask professionals what colors do dementia patients prefer, red is bound to be among the top choices.

Red is said to increase brain wave activity.

When used in a room, it can make it appear smaller and also increase the perceived temperature. Red is a great option when you want to capture the attention of a person who has dementia.

Like blue, you can also use it when picking out utensils because it does not only offer great contrast but can stimulate the appetite.

Yellow

This is a stimulating color that is best used in activity areas because it tends to boost brain wave activity.

Stimulating colors can be helpful to people with dementia because they can trigger cognitive function and memories.

Orange

This is another warm color that has similar properties to red. It is also an early color that you can use when looking to create a “natural” environment.

Pink

The color comes in handy when you are dealing with a person who had aggressive tendencies. Using pink in their space can help to reduce aggression.

While seeking answers to the query about what colors do dementia patients prefer, remember to prioritize the hues that an individual loves.

This is because different people will have different preferences. You can use their favorite colors in different aspects, not just the rooms and utensils.

It is possible to incorporate color in their wardrobe so that they feel good anytime they have to choose an outfit and dress up.

A person is bound to feel happier when they are dressing in the colors they like.

Closing Remarks

Note that Individuals with the illness can change their mind about the colors they like; thus, you need to keep up with their current preferences to make the necessary adjustments where possible.

As the disease progresses, the person with dementia may see colors as “washed out.”

This happens when the lens of the eyes becomes thicker due to old age.

It goes to show that the answer to what colors do dementia patients prefer can change depending on the stage of the illness as well as personal preference.

Is Dementia a Neurological Disorder?

Petra Boh Blog February 6, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, neurological disorder

When talking about dementia, there is one question that may come up i.e. is dementia a neurological disorder?

To answer this, it is important to know the definition of a neurological disorder.

This is a disease of the peripheral and central nervous system according to WHO (World Health Organization).

Simply put, these are disorders of the spinal cord, brain, muscles, nerve roots, cranial nerves, autonomic nervous system, peripheral nerves, and neuromuscular junction.

Going by this explanation of what neurological disorders are, it is right to categorize dementia as a progressive neurological disorder.

Read on to uncover some of the reasons why dementia is a neurological illness.

Why Dementia is Categorized as a Neurological Condition

To start off, it is vital to mention that dementia develops when parts of the brain responsible for memory, learning, language, and decision making are diseased or damaged.

These abnormalities that happen in the brain confirm that dementia is indeed a neurological disorder.

You will also notice that some of the causes of dementia are similar to those that lead to the development of certain neurological disorders.

It, therefore, comes as no surprise that a person may ask is dementia a neurological disease.

While the specific causes of neurological conditions vary, they include genetic disorders, infections, lifestyle-related causes, environmental influences, nutritional-related causes, and brain/physical injuries.

On the other hand, some of the most common dementia causes include traumatic brain injuries that may be as a result of concussions, car accidents, and falls, etc.

Central nervous system infections are also known to contribute to the development of dementia.

These can include HIV, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and Meningitis, etc.

Although a huge percentage of dementia cases are not hereditary, there are some rare dementia cases that have strong genetic links.

Additionally, various degenerative neurological disorders are also known to cause dementia. These may include Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, Huntington’s disease, and frontotemporal lobar dementia.

Experts also recommend that people change their eating and lifestyle habits to healthier options as a way of preventing dementia development or managing the illness.

Signs of Neurologic Disorders and Dementia

When someone asks is dementia a neurological disorder, it can help to discuss some of the neurological signs that a person with the neurodegenerative disease can showcase like:

Emotional Symptoms

Persons with dementia may experience different emotional symptoms. These vary from one individual to the next, and can also depend on the stage of the illnesses.

The most common neurological emotional symptoms that the weak person experiences may include:

Sudden outbursts
Mood swings
Delusions
Depression

Physical Symptoms

Persons with dementia may also experience physical symptoms of neurological problems like:

1. Muscle weakness

2. Numbness

Some people will go through complete or partial sensation loss.

In such a case, a person may not feel any sensation that relates to temperature, pain, vibration, or touch.

Some cases are severe, where an individual cannot properly use their body parts; thus, have problems in driving, coordination, walking, balance, or completing any type of physical work including day-to-day activities.

3. Paralysis

This happens when a person loses muscle function in the body. It can be partial or complete and can occur on both or one side of the body.

4. Difficulties in speech, writing, and reading

A high percentage of people who have dementia will also have problems with communication where they cannot speak clearly. Some will also lose the ability to read and write well.

5. Seizures

These are sudden electrical disturbances of the brain that a person cannot control. They often affect levels of consciousness, feelings, movement, and behaviors.

Most seizures last between 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

6. Reduced alertness

Concentration levels of people with dementia may also reduce. They may not be able to hold long conversations or concentrate on a task long enough to complete it even when it was something they did easily before they got sick.

7. Diminishing cognitive abilities

This is where an individual has trouble with things like learning new things, making decisions, and memory that affects their day to day life negatively.

8. Body aches or pain

Most people with dementia will suffer unexplainable pain. An individual may experience chronic headaches, neck pain, pain in the joints and muscles, and back pain amongst others.

9. Sleep issues

Some individuals with dementia will either experience hypersomnia where a person sleeps excessively or insomnia where an individual does not get enough sleep.

The above are just a few warning signs that are an indication that there is a problem in the neurological system.

People with dementia will experience a majority of the warning signs.

This goes to show that yes, is the answer to the question is dementia a neurological disorder.

Dementia Patients Visiting Neurologists

Neurologists form part of the professional team that takes care of persons who have dementia.

The medical experts specialize in diagnosing, managing, and treating disorders of the spinal cord, nervous system, and brain.

It is best for a person who has dementia to consult a neurologist when they have problems with personality changes, speaking, clearly, thinking, and remembering.

A neurologist can also help detect some of the dementia warning signs for a person who has not yet gotten a positive diagnosis. They mostly do this by conducting a neurological exam and cognitive tests.

This helps the neurologist to evaluate an individual for problems that may point to brain disorders other than dementia.

The physician may look for signs of strokes, brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease, fluid accumulation in the brain, and other health conditions that may impair thinking or memory.

Some of the areas that the physician’s test include:

Coordination, muscle tone, and strength
Reflexes
Sensation
Speech
Eye movement

In some cases, the neurological exam may also include studies of brain imaging.

The fact that neurological exams are part of the medical tests that professionals conduct to check whether a person has dementia helps to answer the query is dementia a neurological disorder on the positive side.

Closing Thoughts

When a person asks is dementia a neurological disorder, it is safe to say that yes it is.

This is mostly because neurodegenerative disorder is a result of damage to parts of the brain and it shares many warning signs with other neurological disorders.

Making Dementia-Friendly Home Is Easy

Petra Boh Blog February 5, 2021September 8, 2023dementia friendly home

There are several ways to adapt or create a dementia-friendly home so that the person who has the illness can remain safe and independent in the comfort of the home for the longest possible time.

Before making any modifications, it is important to first assess the home while considering the needs of the person with dementia.

This will help you create a space that will help the individual thrive.

How to Make Your Home Dementia-Friendly

Here are some tips you can work with if you intend to create a comfortable space for an individual with dementia.

Work on the Lighting

Good lighting is important for any person who has a neurodegenerative disease. It helps them see clearly and can help to reduce the risks of falls and confusion.

Where possible, ensure that there is enough natural light getting into the house during the day. Get rid of things that block the light from passing through windows.

Light switches need to accessible and easy to use. You can even install automatic light sensors so that when a person passes the sensor, the lights will automatically come on.

At night, the area where the person sleeps should also have enough darkness to help them sleep.

Changing Color Schemes

Making the rooms brighter is one of the changes you can make to create a dementia-friendly home.

It is especially important as dementia progresses because ill persons find it more challenging to interpret what they see.

Strong contrasts are essential so that some things can stand out.

Some of the changes you can make include:

- Contrasting colors for banisters and doors
- Toilet seat should have a bold color that separates it from the rest of the room
- Furnishings and furniture should be bright and contrast with the floors and walls
- Use crockery that is in contrasting colors to the table or placement mat to help define the edges of dishes and plates

As you use contrasting colors, be sure to avoid many patterns because these can make things harder to see enhancing confusion.

For some people, clashing patterns can lead to too much visual stimulation which results in agitation.

Ensure Flooring is Safe

Get rid of anything that can make the person with dementia trip, such as mats or rugs. Trip hazards like cables should also be kept out of sight.

You can install plain matt flooring to make certain that the person with dementia can clearly see the flooring.

It is also best to avoid floors that are too shiny or reflective because someone may perceive these as wet making it challenging for a person with dementia to walk over.

The floors should also not have similar colors to the walls because this might end up intensifying confusion.

Avoid using blue or green on the floor because someone might mistake these for real things such as water or grass respectively.

Getting Rid Of Excessive Noise

Reducing unnecessary noise is a great step towards making a dementia-friendly home. Curtains, carpets, and cushions can help to absorb background noise.

You can turn off the radio or TV when no one is listening or watching.

It also helps to get rid of vinyl or laminate floors especially in the case where the person with dementia is using a hearing aid.

Simply walking across these floors makes the sounds stronger what can make the person uncomfortable.

Invest in Signs and Labels

These are essential when you want to create a dementia-friendly home because they can help the person with the illness get around with ease.

Place the signs and labels on doors and cupboards.

For instance, you can put up a toilet or bathroom sign on their respective doors. Only use signs and labels that are clear and have appropriate pictures and text.

You should also place these in a slightly lower position because seniors often look downwards. Placing photos on cupboards explaining the contents might also be helpful.

For example, you can place a photo of a plate in a cupboard that stores plates. Then again, you can always use see-through cupboard doors so that the person with the illness can easily see what is inside.

Get Rid of Clutter

A cluttered home is a recipe for disaster when dealing with a person who has dementia.

Get rid of any type of clutter so that the person can move around with ease.

While doing this, you should also make sure that you place the items that the person with dementia uses at places where they can easily see.

This will help seniors get the stuff they need easily.

Remove or Cover-Up Mirrors

At some point, it can be distressing when a person with dementia looks up and they cannot identify themselves. This is why you should remove or cover up mirrors that can cause confusion.

It also helps to close the curtains early when the evening is approaching so that the elderly persons do not catch their reflections in the window glasses

Take Advantage of Tech Solutions

Advancements in technology have made it a lot easier to create a dementia-friendly home.

You can find solutions that are helpful in addressing needs like social interactions, wayfinding, health management, and memory support.

Examples of these include unique plus that can prevent flooding, sensors that detect when someone wanders or falls, to assistive technology that can offer reminders for taking medicine.

You can also use products that have been designed specifically for persons with dementia.

These can include stuff like telephones that have big buttons and clocks with huge LCD displays that also show the date and day clearly.

There are multiple tech solutions, even social robots, you can work with.

All you have to do is identify the ones you can afford and will deliver the much-needed assistance.

Suggested Products to Assist with Having a Dementia-friendly Home

	Product	Features
	Persistence Health Medication Tracker & Pill Reminder	Simple visual Versatile Family visual Changable labels
	Big Digital Calendar Clock, Large Number Display for Seniors with Dementia	Extra large display Sun/moon icons 4 pill alarms Sleep/awake alarms Auto dimmer
	Talking Large Button Alarm Clock - Telling Time and Date for Elderly, Impaired Sight	Large high contrast Speaking clock Male US English voice
	Toilet Dementia Warning Sign 12x8 Aluminum Sign	Easy to install Pre-drilled holes
	NiHome Large Labels 100PCS with Marker, for labelling dementia care home. Blank Customizable Label Stickers	Heavy-duty Removable 6"X 4" Resistant to water, oil & tear Compatible with thermal printer Marker pen inc

Closing Thoughts

Creating a dementia-friendly home can have a huge impact on the person with the disease.

It helps them live more comfortably and safely with in-house care delaying the need to move into an assisted living facility when they do not want to.

Can Dementia be Treated?

Petra Boh Blog, Prevention February 5, 2021October 16, 2021can dementia be treated, dementia, dementia treatment

For the longest time, there has been no positive answer for people who ask can dementia be treated.

This is something that has changed in the recent past where some experts claim that treatment for dementia is now possible.

One of them is Dr. Dale Bredesen the author of “The End of Alzheimer’s: The Frist Program, to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline” developed the ReCODE (Reversal of COgnitive DEcline) program.

This is said to be a dementia treatment program.

But is it really?

Bredesen believes that he has the solution for anyone asking can dementia be reversed.

The doctor based his program on studying different dementia disease mechanisms. It is in alignment with the principles of functional and integrative medicine.

Dr. Dale states that the program is a full-spectrum functional medicine approach that addresses all the physiological imbalances and dysfunctions that people with dementia experience.

This focuses on bringing back the balance to the brain that dementia interferes with.

The core strategies for treating dementia according to this program are based on diet, lifestyle, supplements, herbs, and medications often in this order.

The approach that a person takes depends on the type of dementia they are battling.

Some people may benefit from correcting nocturnal oxygenation while others will get treatment through a low-glycemic diet.

A percentage of those with dementia can also try detoxification for treatment while others may require controlling inflammation or balancing hormones.

What is the best treatment for dementia?

Many studies, however, still state that the answer is still “NO” when you ask can dementia be treated. Instead of offering a cure for dementia, many experts offer solutions that can help to manage symptoms of the disease like:

Medications

Medics have identified several drugs that can be used to improve some dementia symptoms temporarily such as:

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

These are medicines that help to boost the levels of a chemical messenger that is involved in judgment and memory.

Memantine

These are drugs that are manufactured to help regulate glutamate activities. This is a chemical messenger that is responsible for a variety of brain functions like memory and learning.

A doctor may also prescribe other medications that treat other conditions or symptoms like hallucinations, agitation, sleep disturbances, and depression.

Note that some medicines may have severe side effects; thus, it is important not to self-medicate when you have dementia.

Consult a professional doctor who will assist in the identification of the most effective drugs. Medics also recommend routine vision and hearing checks.

Having problems with vision or hearing can escalate some of the dementia symptoms that an individual experiences.

Doctors can quickly identify whether the person needs hearing aids or new eyeglass prescriptions so that the individual with dementia is more comfortable.

Therapies

Medics can recommend various types of therapies when a person asks can dementia be reversed.

The non-drug approaches can be used to take care of various behavioral problems or symptoms that persons with dementia may have. These include:

Occupational Therapy

This helps persons with dementia maintain the ability to conduct meaningful activities for the longest possible time.

Do not forget to check all the amazing benefits of occupational therapy, too.

Cognitive stimulation therapies

These are designed to help with language abilities, memory, and problem-solving skills to keep the mind active.

Reminiscence Work

These are done to enhance wellbeing and mood. We put together an in-depth overview of the reminiscence therapy for people with dementia.

Reality Orientation

This is where experts work with persons with dementia to help them remember basic things like the time, date, and names.

Talking Therapies

A person with dementia can go through counseling to help them come to terms with what they are going through or discuss what they feel.

Lifestyle Changes

Experts also recommend lifestyle changes for persons seeking answers to can dementia be treated.

These include things like staying active, sleeping well, eating foods that help with their current situation, staying organized, and brain workouts amongst others.

Closing Remarks

Research is still ongoing to conclusively answer the question can dementia be treated?

This is because some experts strongly claim that dementia can be cured or reversed while others say that there is still no cure.

Hopefully, soon, all dementia experts will speak in the same voice.

In short, if it is not already in the later stages, it can be alleviated. Meaning, identifying it early enough is crucial for the more comfortable living of the patient.

Walnuts and Dementia – Beneficial Effects

Petra Boh Blog, Prevention January 11, 2021February 12, 2022dementia, food, natural dementia treatment, natural therapy, nuts, walnuts

For years, researchers have been investigating the link between the benefits of consuming walnuts and dementia lowered risk or treatment.

This is in a bid to identify foods or snacks that can either help prevent the development or progression of the illness. Professionals have been collecting data indicating that eating walnuts reduces inflammation and oxidative stress that builds up in the human brain as individuals grow older.

Many believe that oxidative stress and inflammation that occurs throughout an individual’s lifetime causes aging.

As time goes by, human bodies lose the ability to clean up the mess that occurs on a cellular level.

The build-up that occurs in the brain is partially responsible for the cognitive decline that elderly persons experience.

The concept of walnuts and dementia was borrowed from Greeks who believed in the “Doctrine of Signatures.”

This implies that a specific food item affects the body part that it resembles. For instance, walnuts resemble the brain; hence, walnuts improve brain health according to the “Doctrine of Signatures.”

Benefits of consuming walnuts

There are several reasons researchers consider the consumption of walnuts beneficial to persons who have dementia or are at the risk of developing the illness.

1. Walnuts have several components that are rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This helps to protect cells and fight off inflammation.

2. The nuts are a great source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins. These are no strangers to helping boost brain health according numerous studies.

3. Walnuts contain healthy fats that do a great job at nurturing the body’s cardiovascular and nervous system. Studies show that omega 3 fatty acids present in the nuts can improve things like blood pressure, abnormal heartbeats, and triglyceride levels.

4. English walnuts contain phytochemicals that include numerous polyunsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial for brain health.

5. Walnuts are rich in polyphenolic compounds that improve interneuronal signaling, reduce inflammatory and oxidant load on brain cells, and boost neurogenesis.

6. Walnuts contain huge amounts of PUFAs like LA and ALA that are known to boost brain function and health even when a person is aging.

7. The nuts have polyphenols that promote neuronal calcium homeostasis on the hippocampus and striatum regions of the brain. These are regions that are essential for secondary and primary memory functions.

8. Walnuts also contain melatonin a bioactive compound that is responsible for regulating circadian rhythms. A melatonin deficiency has been known to result in cognitive impairment and dementia.

Supplementation with walnuts can improve cognition

Both human and animal studies from various researchers propose that supplementation with walnuts in a person’s diet can improve cognition.

A diet that includes walnuts is said to have beneficial effects on learning, memory, anxiety, motor coordination, and locomotor activity. Human clinical trials also suggest that the consumption of walnuts is associated with improvement in memory and better cognitive performance.

Some experts through observational studies have confirmed that older people who eat walnuts tend to experience better brain function which can include better mental flexibility, faster processing speed, and improved memory.

Research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease indicated that walnuts may be beneficial in reducing risk, delaying the onset and slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is one of the most common causes of dementia. Below, you can find some of the studies that investigated the link between walnuts and dementia.

Studies on walnuts and dementia connection

A Study Citing Walnut Enriched Diet May Improve Memory

A study conducted by the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities confirmed what many experts say about walnut consumption and dementia. The researchers gave mice an equivalent of 1/4 cup of walnuts daily.

The professionals then tested their subjects to mazes and experiments that tested their psychomotor skills, coordination, and learning ability. The researchers found that the group of mice that were eating walnuts performed way better than the mice that were not on the diet.

Abha Chauhan the lead researcher was on record saying that there was a follow-up study suggesting that walnut extract could protect the brain from a protein known as beta-amyloid. This is the protein that often appears in the brain of individuals who have Alzheimer’s.

This is one of the discoveries that might help professionals with the development of novel treatments that can help people who have Alzheimer’s.

A Study Explaining Walnuts May Slow Cognitive Decline in At-Risk Seniors

A study conducted by researchers in Spain and California concluded that eating walnuts may help slow cognitive decline in elderly persons who are at risk. The study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition explained that healthy seniors who consumed walnuts affected their cognitive function.

The study observed almost 640 free-living elders in California, Loma Linda, Spain, USA, Catalonia, and Barcelona. The test group ate walnuts every day for 2 years while the control group did not have any walnuts.

The principal investigator Joan Sabate MD, DrPH, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Loma Lina University stated that this was one of the most-controlled and largest trials that have been conducted in regards to the effects of nuts on cognition.

He further explained that even though the study produced a minor result, there may be better outcomes if the study was conducted for longer periods. Based on the findings, Sabate said that the need for more research to find out the perks of including walnuts in a person’s diet is still necessary.

Worth noting is that the research team was one of the pioneers to uncover the lowering effects of cholesterol when eating walnuts. These findings were published in 1993 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Additionally, researchers from Loma Linda University found that nut consumption relates to the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Closing Thoughts

Although numerous studies investigated walnuts and dementia, more research is still necessary.

The data collected through future research will ascertain whether or not the consumption of walnuts has a significant impact on brain function and health as people grow older.

Keep in mind that most studies confirm that the brain prefers the whole nut rather than the supplement.

You may be interested in reading more about the benefits of people with cognitive decline eating a variety of nuts and dementia.