First of all, let’s take a look at what senile dementia is all about. Basically, it is a deterioration of the brain’s functions which comes on as one ages. In the normal course of aging, the brain functions do get less as the years go by but this is different from senile dementia where the deterioration results in not just memory loss but also personality changes. The commonest forms of senile dementia are Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular dementia and Lewy body disease. Probably the most widely known is Alzheimer’s but the other forms are also prevalent.
In many types of senile dementia, the changes are slow initially so one does not notice the symptoms till it suddenly is very apparent one fine day. There have been broad classifications of the disease that have been done. Some classify these into Primary Dementia and Secondary Dementia. In Primary Dementia, the condition occurs by itself and is not a result of some other disease or condition. In Secondary Dementia, the condition arises because of another disease or circumstances like an accident or injury. The other classifications are Cortical Dementia, Subcortical Dementia and Progressive Dementia. In Cortical Dementia, the parts of the brain that are affected are the outer layers of the brain or the brain’s cortex. This is where language, memory and social behavior are located. Subcortical Dementia occurs when the areas below the cortex in the brain are affected. When this is affected, the movement and emotions get affected. In Progressive Dementia, the condition gets worse and worse with the passing of time and it interferes with the general cognitive abilities of the patient.
Even though senile dementia comes with age, there are many factors that could contribute to it and these must be tested for. In many cases, if dementia is due to certain factors, the condition can be reversed if the diagnosis is right. There are a few factors that can cause dementia or symptoms like dementia. One of the reasons could be an allergic reaction to drugs. Very often, strong medications are prescribed for certain diseases and these could have side effects with dementia-like symptoms. Sometimes, these symptoms are very acute and sudden and sometimes they manifest slowly. Another cause could be deficiencies and in this case, the necessary nutrients usually make things all right. In many cases, a B12 deficiency can cause dementia and in this case, vitamin tablets can put things right in a little while. Sometimes, dementia can occur because of certain hormonal problems like thyroid malfunction, diabetes or hypoglycemia, anemia or too little or too much of minerals in the body. Tests usually spot these problems and a course of medication can set them right. In some cases, infections also bring on problems in the brain’s functioning and this could happen even if poisons are ingested – either through food or through contact. Growths in the brain could also trigger off senile dementia because they interfere with the functioning of the brain.
There are so many factors that could bring on this condition and there are so many types. The main thing is to get medical attention as soon as the first signs are noticed and to see if it can be treated.