Blog - ReaDementia

Do Neurologists Treat Dementia?

Dr. Yasmin Aghajan Blog February 6, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, dementia treatment, neurologist, neurology

The common question that arises amongst the general public is whether or not do neurologists treat dementia.

While there are various specialists who can diagnose dementia, many patients are referred to a neurologist who determines the type of dementia, as well as treatment options.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a neurologic disease affecting cognition, involving the different aspects of cognitive function (memory, language, attention, social life, planning, and motor skills).

Dementia represents a decline that is severe enough to interfere with daily life and independence. When people think of dementia, Alzheimer’s comes to mind, and that’s because Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia.

Alzheimer’s is responsible for about 60-80% of all dementias in older adults. With an aging population, the overall prevalence of dementia is increasing worldwide.

Dementia is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time. In the early stages, it may be diagnosed at mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is an in-between stage between normal cognition and dementia.

MCI may progress to dementia.

What are different kinds of dementia?

The most common dementia in older adults is Alzheimer’s Disease. However, about 20% of patients with dementia have another form of dementia.

The main dementia syndromes include Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson disease dementia and variants, and vascular or stroke-related dementia.

Who can diagnose dementia and why a neurologist?

Dementia is a diagnosis made by a physician.

While it does not have to be a neurologist to diagnose dementia, many patients are referred to a neurologist to determine what type of dementia they have and to help with treatment options and symptom management.

A primary care physician can make a presumptive diagnosis of dementia if a patient fits certain criteria, and the symptoms are not explained by another mental disorder (such as major depressive disorder or another psychiatric condition).

A neurologist can help distinguish between the different types of dementia.

In some cases, advanced neuropsychiatric testing is done to better clarify the type of dementia.

How is dementia diagnosed?

A full dementia evaluation cannot be done in a quick office visit; a family member or a close friend should accompany the patient to their primary physician or neurologist and be able to recount the history over the past several weeks, months, and even years.

The first steps include a complete history and physical examination, neurologic examination, and laboratory or imaging workup.

The history, or story of the patient’s symptoms, is crucial to the diagnosis.

A doctor might ask when the patient first noticed memory loss, how it has progressed, and what sorts of things he or she is not able to do anymore independently (activities of daily living, or ADLs).

Certain details are key, such as loss of vision or strength, prominent personality changes, behavioral problems, hallucinations, sleep problems, and risk-taking behaviors.

There are several tests available to help with the diagnosis of dementia, which will be discussed further below.

A full evaluation includes a physical and neurologic exam, laboratory testing, and most times imaging tests such as a CT scan or an MRI of the brain.

By official definition, dementia is diagnosed when there is cognitive impairment in at least one cognitive domain (memory, language, attention, executive function, motor function, social function) that is progressive and interferes with independence in every-day activities, that is not explained by another medical or psychiatric disorder.

Why refer to a neurologist for dementia?

A neurologist will be helpful in diagnosing dementia, especially in distinguishing between different types of dementia as their treatments differ.

Also, a neurologist will perform a careful history and exam including labs and imaging to make sure there is nothing else being missed that would otherwise explain the symptoms of dementia.

In addition, a neurologist trained in cognitive neurology will have special expertise on managing the symptoms of dementia including the newest medications, clinical trials, and symptom management.

Often times, a neurologist will be able to give a prognosis and help guide family members through this chronic, progressive illness.

What does a neurologist examine for a dementia patient?

After taking a careful history of the symptoms, a neurologist will begin with a general physical examination.

Part of this includes the neurologic exam.

A neurologic exam contains six major components; mental status exam, cranial nerve exam, motor exam, sensory exam, reflexes, and cerebellar exam.

Abnormalities on the neurologic exam may give the neurologist clues as to what the diagnosis is.

The mental status exam will assess for orientation, attention, memory, visuospatial function, and language. Some common tools are the MOCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination).

These are a short series of tasks a neurologist may ask you to fill out, and based on how you score, can help in categorizing the types of deficits and hint as to the type of dementia.

What treatments might a neurologist prescribe for dementia?

There are a few medications that are approved for the treatment of Alzheimer Disease. These include cholinesterase inhibitors (such as donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine).

These medications work by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain and have some modest symptomatic benefit in patients with dementia.

Another category of medication includes Memantine, which is an NMDA-receptor antagonist. This works by blocking a different neurotransmitter (NMDA) which may protect the brain.

This also has been shown to have very modest benefits.

Neurologists may prescribe medications to help certain symptoms of dementia, such as behavioral disturbances, hallucinations, sleep problems, depression, agitation, and aggression.

These may include antidepressants, antipsychotics and various other medications.

Nutrition, physical therapy and cognitive rehab are also things a neurologist may consider in the multidisciplinary approach to dementia care.

What conditions can be mistaken for dementia?

There are certain conditions that can mimic dementia. It is essential to make sure these conditions are not responsible for the symptoms, as they are often reversible and treatable.

A good neurologist will rule out “reversible” causes and mimics of dementia.

There are certain “red flags” that should not be missed; these include young age, rapidly progressive dementia (ie someone getting much worse within days, weeks or a few months), or an abnormal or asymmetric neurologic exam such as weakness on one side of the body.

These will need an expedited and different type of evaluation than the standard dementia workup.

Many people confuse the signs of normal aging with dementia.

Normal aging does include a slight degree of cognitive decline including mild changes in memory and information processing. Some people visit their doctor for these symptoms, worried that they may have dementia.

Normal aging is quickly recognizable from dementia

However, normal aging is easily distinguishable from dementia.

It is generally not very progressive and does not affect daily function.

Examples include forgetting where one left the keys or some items on the shopping list at the grocery store.

There are other medical conditions that can mimic dementia. One is delirium.

Delirium is a condition of confusion and an altered sense of awareness of one’s surroundings.

Delirium is often associated with an underlying medical condition, such as an infection, metabolic issue, or prolonged hospitalization.

The time course of delirium (much shorter) and the fluctuations in attention are characteristic and distinguishable from dementia.

Vitamin deficiency, specifically of Vitamin B12 can contribute to dementia, so this should be checked and supplemented if low.

Thyroid tests, and sometimes HIV or syphilis testing is done to make sure symptoms are not due to these other treatable medical conditions.

Depression is an important mimic of dementia. In fact, depression causing dementia has been named “pseudodementia” or “dementia of depression.”

This is because people with uncontrolled depression may exhibit signs similar to dementia (physical and cognitive slowing, giving poor effort, being unable to function in activities of daily life).

It is crucial to recognize pseudodementia because it can be treated and reversed with appropriate psychiatric and psychological care.

Resources

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), American Psychiatric Association, Arlington 2013.

Knopman DS, DeKosky ST, Cummings JL, et al. Practice parameter: diagnosis of dementia (an evidence-based review). Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology 2001; 56:1143.

Knopman DS, Boeve BF, Petersen RC. Essentials of the proper diagnoses of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and major subtypes of dementia. Mayo Clin Proc 2003; 78:1290.

Reisberg B, Doody R, Stöffler A, et al. Memantine in moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. N Engl J Med 2003; 348:1333.

Petersen RC, Smith G, Kokmen E, et al. Memory function in normal aging. Neurology 1992; 42:396.

Geldmacher DS, Whitehouse PJ. Evaluation of dementia. N Engl J Med 1996; 335:330.

Brauner DJ, Muir JC, Sachs GA. Treating nondementia illnesses in patients with dementia. JAMA 2000; 283:3230.

Howard R, McShane R, Lindesay J, et al. Donepezil and memantine for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. N Engl J Med 2012; 366:893.

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.

5 Types of Vascular Dementia And Symptoms

Rok Krivec Blog, Signs, Types February 5, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, types of dementia, types of vascular dementia, vascular dementia

At the time of writing this, there are several different types of vascular dementia you should be aware of.

If you are ready to learn about all different varieties of the disease, this article covers all the necessary and then some.

Note, vascular dementia occurs when one starts to experience damaging blood vessels in the brain.

This can happen for an assortment of different reasons from poor oxygen flow and lack of nutrition to infarct and other brain diseases and injuries.

Have in mind, strokes are one of the most common reasons for the development of destructive vascular dementia.

While some of the types of vascular dementia are pretty similar, they still have particular details that are exclusive to the condition.

In other words, some are more common than others and the same goes for their symptoms.

Also, each type progresses uniquely if not treated early enough.

Of course, we all need to know that so far there is still no cure for dementia. However, if we act quickly enough, we can lighten the progress of the disease and ensure a more comfortable life.

With that in mind, let’s further investigate the different variations of vascular dementia and some of the causes.

By having the right knowledge, you can seek help from a doctor or a practitioner early enough for the older adult to get appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

Different Types of Vascular Dementia

1. Multi-Infarct Dementia (MID)

Vascular Dementia is a broad name that describes an umbrella of signs and symptoms related to brain damage caused by cerebrovascular disease.

The condition is marked by the impairment of blood flow to the brain owing to injured or damaged cells. In turn, it also hampers oxygen flow to the brain.

The impaired blood flow affects several functions initiated by the brain including memory, reasoning, judgment, and planning.

Vascular dementia presents itself in several ways depending on the specific cause and it also affects each individual person in different ways. Multi-infarct dementia (MID) is one of the types of vascular dementia.

What Causes MID

MID comes about when the brain suffers from several minor strokes causing injuries to several areas of the brain referred to as infarcts.

The strokes also cause extensive lesions in the brain’s nerve fibers. Physicians also explain that most of these “silent strokes” go unnoticed without any clinical symptoms.

That is how they manage to cause the severe and often irreparable damage to the brain cells resulting in the MID symptoms.

Since the infarcts affect secluded brain areas, the symptoms often have an adverse effect on specific functions like language or it can attack only one side of the body.

2. Subcortical Vascular Dementia

One of the other types of vascular dementia is Binswanger’s disease. For your information, many as well call this particular one subcortical vascular dementia.

It is marked by extensive damage to multiple tiny areas of the brain.

The result is an impairment in the arteries that supply blood to the brain’s subcortical regions which, in turn, diminishes blood circulation within the brain.

The more narrow the arteries get, the lesser the amount of blood that goes to the brain’s tissues, and the ultimate result is the inevitable death of the brain.

The condition could come about as a result of untreated diabetes or high blood pressure.

Symptoms of Subcortical Vascular Dementia

Notably, Binswanger’s disease is stroke-related and it presents even more impairments to the brain’s white substance as a result of the hardened arteries and several lunar infarctions.

Often, a person with this condition experiences memory difficulties and their reasoning skills deteriorate.

The condition also presents itself at the tail end of the fourth decade in life and its severity increases with age.

One of the symptoms characteristic of this type of vascular dementia is psychomotor slowness.

It presents itself with an increased length of time that a person takes to perform the simplest of tasks like writing the shape of a letter on a piece of paper.

Other symptoms include changes in speech, personality/ mood shifts, unsteady gait/clumsiness, or frequent falls.

3. Strategic Infarct Dementia

A single stroke can at times lead to vascular dementia depending on stroke’s size and its origin within the body.

The type of vascular dementia that comes about from these types of strokes is known as Strategic Infarct Dementia.

It occurs after the destruction of a significant cognitive process by an infarct in a specific area of the brain.

It is associated with the sudden onset of behavioral changes that take place after the stroke. Its symptoms depend on the function of the brain that the stroke damages.

If there are no subsequent series of strokes symptoms like impaired memory and decreased attention can often go unnoticed. Otherwise, the chances of the symptoms becoming worse are quite high.

Symptoms Associated With Strategic Infarct Dementia

Someone with Strategic Infarct Dementia often starts by presenting acute symptoms including fluctuating alertness and attentiveness.

Memory loss, psychomotor retardation and apathy are also some of the primary symptoms which suggest frontal lobe dysfunction.

When the stroke damages the left-sided infarcts it results in verbal memory loss while damages to the right-sided infarcts cause problems with visuospatial memory.

A state of altered consciousness also results in a lack of motivation as well as severe personality changes.

People who experience thalamic infarcts and hemorrhages might also experience motor aphasia and transcortical sensory issues.

4. Stroke-related Dementia

Note, many also use Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) when talking about this type of vascular dementia.

It affects the blood vessels within the brain as well as those in close proximity to it. This condition comes about when an artery feeding the brain with blood raptures.

It also comes about when part of the brain is deprived of enough blood affecting its normal functioning (termed ischemia) leading to the death of the cells (infarction).

Ischemia, which is also known as atherosclerosis, occurs when arteries supplying blood to the brain are narrow as a result of plaque, a fatty deposit.

These fatty deposits can rupture forming a blood clot that together can travel to arteries in the brain and block the vessels causing a stroke.

Symptoms Of Stroke-related Dementia

The symptoms that come about after a stroke leading to dementia vary based on the part of the brain that is affected.

The most common symptoms of stroke-related dementia include paralysis or weakness experienced on either side of the body. It can lead to the complete or partial loss of sensations or voluntary movements related to the arms or legs.

Also, it can cause speech problems owing to weakened face muscles, and drooling is often a symptom too.

When a stroke hits the base of the brain it affects functions like balance, consciousness, swallowing, and even breathing.

Strokes are a medical emergency and it’s important to seek medical assistance when you suspect someone is having a stroke.

5. Post-Stroke Dementia

Another common vascular dementia type is Post-stroke Dementia (PSD) that often occurs after suffering from a stroke. It uniquely comprises of the symptoms associated with other types of dementia collectively.

It could be degenerative dementia Alzheimer’s disease or a mix of both. At this point, cognitive abilities usually deteriorate, unlike the temporary physical disability symptoms experience post strokes.

Since the vascular system in the brain is damaged due to an insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients, a person with vascular dementia often exhibits depression with rapid mood fluctuations.

Post-stroke cognitive damage may also affect a large number of stroke survivors. People with pre-stroke cognitive decline have a high risk of also developing PSD.

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.

Middle Stage Alzheimer’s Disease – What to Expect

Rok Krivec Blog, Stages February 4, 2021October 16, 2021alzheimer's disease, middle stage alzheimer's disease, signs of alzheimer's

In this article, we cover all the possible symptoms, challenges and what to do during the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease.

This comprehensive “guide” will help you as a caregiver or someone who is concerned about their situation.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder, one of the most common dementia types. It causes numerous changes in the lives of persons who have the illness.

This includes confusion, memory loss, gradual loss of independence, and changes in personality among many others.

The disease progresses through four main stages.

4 Alzheimer’s Disease Stages

Pre-clinical stage

This is where a person experiences changes in the brain before any symptoms of the disease start showing up.

Early/mild stage

It is the onset of the disease that makes a person mildly experience various symptoms. Examples of such include mild forgetfulness and problems managing money, etc.

Middle/moderate stage

At this stage, the symptoms of the illness become more pronounced where persons with the disease start to face new challenges like difficulties learning new information and problems with communication amidst others.

Late/severe stage

This is the last leg of the disease where an individual becomes less independent as they have to tackle worsening symptoms before their demise.

Each of these stages of Alzheimer’s is unique in terms of the level of independence a person has and the symptoms they go through.

Today we will focus on middle stage Alzheimer’s disease. This is typically the longest stage of the illness.

Below we will let you in on what to expect during this phase.

Signs of Middle Stage Alzheimer’s disease

Some of the symptoms that you may experience during the middle stage of the illness include:

Communication Problems

Persons with Alzheimer’s gradually lose their ability to express thoughts, find the right words, and keep conversations going.

As time passes by, a considerable percentage will also have a problem understanding what other people are saying.

Communication problems that may crop up during the middle stage include repetitiveness, trouble finding the proper words, reverting to native language, losing train of thought, and relying on non-verbal communication.

Behavioral Changes

Individuals with Alzheimer’s may experience various changes in behaviors. These may include anxiety, depression, irritability, verbal, and physical outbursts.

Loss Of Independence

Most people with Alzheimer’s will start to have difficulties completing daily tasks.

They may need assistance with activities like grooming, eating, choosing the clothes to wear, taking a bath, brushing teeth, and so forth.

Memory Loss

More significant loss of memory is one of the hallmarks of mid-stage Alzheimer’s. Persons at this stage may have a hard time recalling information.

These include personal details like phone numbers, where they live, or important dates like anniversaries and birthdays.

Some people have challenges identifying people who are close to them. They may recognize familiar faces but have no clue what their names are or the relationship they share.

Other symptoms that people experience at his stage include worsening judgment and poorer concentration levels.

People with Alzheimer’s at this point may not be able to tell the time or place they are in.

Knowing the changes to expect is important for the person with the disease and the caregivers as well.

The person suffering will not be too overwhelmed with the changes happening because they already anticipate them.

Caregivers can also come up with the most suitable solutions to deal with these signs so that the person under their care remains as comfortable as possible.

With this in mind, it is also vital to emphasize that Alzheimer’s disease is an individual experience, which means that the warning signs and progression rate can vary widely across individuals.

Safety Concerns During Alzheimer’s Disease Middle Stage

The signs above may lead to the development of a couple of safety concerns for persons who are going through Alzheimer’s middle stage.

One of the main ones has got to be driving.

Because of changes that are happening in a person’s body, it is advisable for people who have Alzheimer’s to stop driving when they get to the middle stages because it is no longer safe.

Persons with the illness may find it hard at first, but the people around them must reassure them it is the right move.

Additionally, friends and relatives should make sure the affected individuals always get rides when need be.

It also becomes dangerous to leave a person who has Alzheimer’s alone during the middle stages. They are bound to wander and get lost or hurt.

Safety precautions also need to be prioritized, especially if the person is still living at home to avoid accidents and enhance safety.

If the person with Alzheimer’s lives alone, it would be a great idea for them to move in with relatives who are willing to offer round the clock care.

If this is not possible, a residential care setting is an excellent alternative.

These are usually built for seniors who have Alzheimer’s; thus, take care of resident’s needs in the proper way.

Coping with Middle Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

Going through mid-stage Alzheimer’s does not mean that life comes to an end. There are plenty of things that ill people can do to remain sane and enjoy life a little bit like:

Engage in Pleasurable Activities

Depending on the level of interest and ability, a person with Alzheimer’s needs to take part in activities they will enjoy.

This can be anything from going for short walks, gardening, crafts, or helping with meal times. These do not need to be anything strenuous and difficult.

The main goal of engaging in various activities is to have fun and forget about the sickness even if it’s just for a little while.

This will not only enhance the quality of life, but it can also help to reduce some behaviors like aggression and wandering.

Remember that the person with Alzheimer’s has to enjoy these activities, or else it will not bring forth the desired results.

Work with a Suitable Daily Care Plan

Daily routines work out well for persons experiencing middle stage Alzheimer’s disease. Planning out the day in advance means that a person knows what they will do.

This is beneficial because the suffering individual does not need to spend a lot of time trying to figure out what they should be doing.

At this stage, a caregiver should assist in planning for the day. They should schedule activities that focus on a person’s strengths, likes, interests, and abilities.

The day must include adequate time for bathing, dressing, meals, and rest time.

For people who experience any type of sleep problem, it would be best if they stick to regular times for going to bed and waking up.

Daily routines also need to be flexible enough so that if need be a person can add some spontaneous, meaningful activities.

Most importantly, the day to day routines should adapt to changes the person with Alzheimer’s is going through.

Incorporate Music and Art

Art and music have a way of enriching the lives of individuals who have Alzheimer’s, particularly at the middle and end stages.

These allow affected people to engage and express themselves better.

Studies show that music might help improve some behavioral issues.

For instance, if a person listens or dances to the tunes, they love, it can help them feel less agitated.

Music is also known to offer a way to connect in cases where verbal communication becomes more difficult.

Art projects, on the other hand, can offer a sense of purpose and achievement. It should be exciting to engage in using materials that are not toxic or sharp.

Persons participating in the art project should also take their time and have a blast with the activity keeping in mind that the project does not have to end in a single sitting.

Join Support Groups

Alzheimer’s disease can be a very alienating illness where most people just want to stay alone. This is not wise because this is what leads to health complications like depression.

It is crucial to find a support group that is close to your location. You can thereby meet other people who are in a similar situation.

This can give you solace, knowing that other people also experience the same challenges.

The support groups can also offer great resources that can help make the Alzheimer’s journey a little bit easier.

Closing Remarks

Experts are currently working tirelessly to come up with a cure for Alzheimer’s because there is none.

For this reason, is important for a person going through middle stage Alzheimer’s to closely work with their doctor to explore treatment options that can help to reduce symptoms that a person experiences.

Do not forget to pay attention to other health issues like dental needs.

Understand that the middle level of the disease requires more effort than the earlier stages.

This implies that persons with Alzheimer’s need all the support they need to live life to the fullest.

As a side note, the person with Alzheimer’s also needs to start planning for the future if the necessary measures are not put in place yet.

This way, there will be no debate when it comes to fulfilling care, legal, and financial wishes when the time comes. Some steps that you can take to secure the future include:

1. Looking into services that are available as your needs change and the illness progresses. These can include care facilities, community programs like Meals on Wheels, respite care, and homecare.

2. Appointing a power of attorney to a trustworthy person. This is the individual who will be responsible for voicing out your decisions when it comes to legal, care, and financial matters where you are not in a position to make a sound judgment.

Can an MRI Detect Dementia?

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention February 4, 2021October 16, 2021brain scan, dementia, mri

People who are suspected to have dementia will often ask can an MRI detect dementia.

This is because doctors often use brain scans to identify tumors, strokes, and other problems that might lead to dementia development.

MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomographic) scans are the most common types of brain scans that doctors use when they want to confirm whether a person has a neurodegenerative illness or not.

Brain Scans and Dementia

Below, however, we will focus on answering the query, “Can an MRI detect dementia?”

Why Doctors Consider MRI to Detect Dementia

Medical experts will advise on the use of MRI when they suspect that a person has dementia.

MRI uses focused radio waves and magnetic fields to detect the presence of hydrogen atoms in tissues in the human body.

MRI scans also reveal the brain’s anatomic structure with 3D imaging allowing doctors to get a clear view of the current state of the organ.

This way, the doctor is able to rule out other health problems like hydrocephalus, hemorrhage, stroke, and tumors that can mimic dementia.

With these scans, physicians can also detect loss of brain mass that relates to different types of dementia.

fMRI (functional MRI) records blood flow changes that are linked to the activities of the brain. This may help physicians differentiate dementia types.

Verywellhealth.com also suggests that MRI scans can at times identify reversible cognitive decline.

In such a case, a doctor will recommend appropriate treatment that will reverse this decline and restore cognitive functioning.

MRI Scans can show dementia

According to researchers from Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the answer to can an MRI detect dementia is to some extent yes.

The scientists explained that doctors have an easier time telling whether a person has dementia through MRI scans.

This gets rid of the need to carry out invasive tests that people find unfriendly like the lumbar puncture where a doctor must stick a needle in the spine.

Additionally, it also helps to speed up the diagnosis process which is important seeing that dementia diagnosis for the longest time has been a struggle for medics often leading to delayed treatment.

In addition to telling whether a person has dementia, MRI scans may in the future help doctors determine whether an individual is at risk of dementia according to new research.

Research from the University of California San Francisco and the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis conducted a small study where MRI brain scans were able to predict with 89% accuracy the people who were going to develop dementia in three years.

The researchers presented their findings in Chicago during a Radiological Society of North America meeting.

It suggested that in a few years, physicians will be able to tell people their risk of developing dementia before they start to showcase any symptoms of the neurodegenerative illness.

Closing Thoughts

To answer the query can an MRI detect dementia it is safe to say that for now, doctors can use MRI scans as well as other diagnostic procedures to tell whether a person has dementia.

With time, however, researchers are hopeful that they will perfect MRI techniques.

These will improve the doctor’s ability to diagnose various forms of dementia with better accuracy using the scans alone.

Cannabis, CBD Oil and Dementia Patients

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention, Resources February 4, 2021October 16, 2021cannabis dementia, cbd oil and dementia, dementia

When looking into dementia treatment options, one that stands out has got to be CBD oil and dementia.

CBD or Cannabidiol is a compound that comes from the Cannabis plant. This has positive medicinal effects that do not make users feel anxious or “high.”

You should not confuse CBD for Marijuana or the compound Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that makes people “high.”

CBD oil that we mention here has nothing to do with Marijuana and THC, as there are no components in the oil that will cause the “high” effect.

The most common form of administering cannabidiol is through CBD oil that is mostly found in a dropper bottle or gel cap.

Learn how persons with dementia can benefit from CBD oil below.

How Does CBD Help Persons with Dementia?

Multiple studies, including one from California’s Salk Institute, report that cannabinoids like CBD can help to get rid of dementia from brain cells.

There are different ways that people with dementia can benefit from the consumption of CBD oil like:

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is known to increase the negative effects of dementia. It normally happens where the immune cells in the brain fail to clear the disorienting blockages.

Experts agree that inflammation is a major cause of most of dementia symptoms. Using CBD oil takes care of the inflammation issue, ultimately improving the health of the suffering person.

Acts a Neuroprotectant and Brain Stimulant

Anyone who has dementia experiences rapid destruction and decline of brain cells.

CBD has the potential of stimulating brain tissues in a way that can prevent or reverse the development of the adverse effects of dementia.

A study by Carl Group and Tim Karl researchers from Australia in 2011 revealed that CBD could promote the growth and development of cells in the brain in a bid to reduce memory decline and enhance other brain functions.

Reduces Oxygen Build-up

Individuals with dementia will often experience oxygen build up in their bodies. Dementia releases oxygen as a stress-induced and reactive component of the illness.

As the brain gets more oxygen, essential functions like memory will also decrease.

Loss of memory and other brain deterioration causes increased levels of oxygen in the brain.

In such a scenario, CBD works like an antioxidant that tackles the issues that come about because of oxygen stress.

Using CBD helps to improve brain functions that have been affected by high oxygen levels.

Reduction of Stress and Anxiety

When talking about CBD oil and dementia, many users agree that oil is effective in reducing anxiety and stress.

Risks and Side Effects of CBD

No public health problems are associated with the use of organic CBD, according to WHO (World Health Organization). Some users, however, report side effects like nausea, bloating, and diarrhea.

A small percentage of persons with dementia underwent liver problems, which prompted the discontinuation of CBD use. Others also said that they experienced increased terror while taking high CBD doses.

Because the use of CBD oil as a treatment is relatively new, it is best for caregivers as well as the persons with the illness to monitor the outcomes and effects closely.

This can help a person determine whether the CBD oil and dementia route is right for an individual.

Considerations for Taking CBD Oil

Just like any other medication, one has to be careful when it comes to CBD oil and dementia.

Major factors to consider include the weight, height, and age of the weak person as well as the stage and severity of the illness.

Qualified physicians will be in a position to prescribe the correct dosage after taking into account all the necessary considerations.

Other than taking cannabis in oil form, a professional medic might also recommend other forms of administration like edibles and patches.

Is CBD Legal?

The legality of CBD depends on the plant where it originates from. This is because the Cannabis plant includes both marijuana and hemp.

While you can create CBD from both, CBD oil derived from hemp is what patients with dementia should use.

This is generally legal in more than thirty states. There are still some minor legal issues that exist because of the stigma that surrounds the plant.

Many states approve CBD from hemp because it contains less than 0.3% of THC. This said different states have their laws when it comes to the consumption of CBD.

If you have any concerns when you want to explore the perks of CBD oil and dementia, it is best to do thorough research on the state you are in to know the laws that surround the use of CBD.

Worth noting is that the US food and Drug Administration has not yet approved CBD as a drug for treating dementia.

Bottom Line

While many studies support the fact that CBD oil is excellent for persons with dementia, there is still no hard evidence that cannabis can cannabis oil can prevent, reverse, or stop dementia.

There is still a need for more research as well as clinical trials that will offer more conclusive results.

The future of CBD oil remains bright even though the entire topic of CBD oil and dementia is still in its early stages.

Do People with Dementia Sleep a Lot?

Rok Krivec Blog February 3, 2021August 15, 2023dementia, dementia and sleep, sleep

There is one question that comes up a lot when discussing dementia and that is do people with dementia sleep a lot?

It has been established that individuals with dementia tend to sleep too much especially those who are already in the later stages.

This happens at night and during the daytime as well.

Below we will tackle this topic focusing on the reasons that may cause persons with dementia to oversleep and what to do when it happens.

Reasons People with Dementia Sleep a Lot

Seeing that most people will answer yes when you ask do people with dementia sleep a lot it is important to discuss some of the reasons behind people with the illness sleeping too much.

One of them is the fact that as the disease progresses, the damage that occurs to the brain becomes more widespread.

These changes that occur in the human brain normally interfere with a person’s circadian rhythm which is the daily cycle that determines an individual’s sleeping patterns.

Dementia often affects sleeping habits in several ways.

You may find that one person sleeps a lot during the day; thus, it becomes difficult to fall asleep at night.

Some people may go through what is known as sundowning.

This causes irritability, restlessness, or confusion as the daylight begins to fade away. This makes it difficult for the person with the illness to fall asleep or even remain in their beds.

Dementia Often Affects Sleeping Habits

While trying to come up with a conclusive answer to the query do people with dementia sleep a lot, researchers from the University of California conducted a study trying to establish the link between neurodegenerative illnesses and excessive sleepiness.

They found that people who have dementia often experience significant brain cell loss in the parts of the organ that keeps people awake.

The experts published their findings in the Alzheimer’s & Dementia journal.

They also stated that the over-accumulation of tau proteins is also responsible for triggering these changes in the brain.

These tau proteins form tangles that interfere with communication between impact cell health and brain cells or neurons.

Medication can make dementia patients sleepy

Lacking quality sleep especially when a person is ill can also make an individual become weaker making it difficult to do anything; hence, the weak persons will spend most of their time sleeping.

Medication that people with dementia take may also contribute to spending too much time sleeping.

These may include sleeping pills as well as antihistamines, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.

Another reason that may cause individuals with dementia to sleep a lot is those who suffer from sleeping disorders.

An example is sleep apnoea which causes a person to stop breathing occasionally as they sleep.

It can be a result of muscles in the throat relaxing or issues with brain signals. This can lead the affected person to sleep for longer hours.

Restless leg syndrome which is common in persons with dementia can cause unpleasant tingling or crawling sensations that usually strike at night when a person is enjoying long periods of rest.

This can make a person have trouble sleeping and they may want to compensate for these interruptions the next day.

Coping Mechanisms for People with Dementia who Sleep a Lot

Family members and caregivers can worry a lot when a loved one with dementia starts to sleep a lot.

There are a few practical steps you can take to make the situation a little better depending on the cause of the sleepiness.

For instance, if a person with dementia is sleeping a lot because of disease progression, there is not much you can do.

However, if it is the medication they are taking that is causing them to sleep too much, you can always visit a professional doctor who will review the medicines they are taking.

Consult a doctor

Consulting a doctor is important when asking yourself do people with dementia sleep a lot.

This is because the professional can also help rule out any other health conditions or infections that may be causing the individual with dementia to sleep too much.

If the person with dementia has other physical ailments that are making them sleep a lot, the doctor will come in and offer the most appropriate solutions that can help ease the sleep issues.

Other coping mechanisms you can adopt include keeping a regular sleep/wake cycle.

You can also try and keep the person with dementia busy or entertained during the day so that they do not feel the need to go to bed when it is not the time for sleeping.

If a person can still complete daily activities help to come up with simple routines that they can accomplish throughout the day so that they can always have something to look forward to.

It is crucial to expose persons with dementia to natural daylight because it helps to regulate the body clock.

When the person is sleeping too much and they are comfortable without any negative impact, it is best to let them be.

Closing Remarks

The most common answer to the question, “Do people with dementia sleep a lot?” is yes.

Persons with the illness tend to sleep too much not because they want to but because the condition they are in forces them to want to spend more time in bed.

Caregivers can try and mitigate the situation by trying various non-medical approaches that might help.

It is also important to visit a doctor to make sure it is not other infections or illnesses that are causing a person to oversleep.

The experts are in the best position to offer practical solutions that can help persons with dementia.