Dementia is a large class of neurological symptoms involving difficulty with daily functioning. Memory loss typically affects people with dementia, but memory loss on its own does not indicate dementia. To have dementia, you must have difficulty with at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and impaired language. Dementia can cause confusion and problems with memory as well as personality and behavior changes. However, some causes of dementia are treatable and even reversible.
Some causes of dementia include:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Lewy body dementia
- Vascular dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It destroys connections between brain cells, causing deterioration of thinking, memory and social behavior. If you experience difficulty performing routine mental tasks, such as balancing a checkbook, or if you begin to get lost in familiar settings, you may want to schedule an appointment with one of our trained specialists for an evaluation. Other diseases may have similar symptoms, so early diagnosis and treatment are vital to preserving your abilities and maximizing your quality of life.
Other causes of dementia, some of which are reversible, include:
- Brain injury
- Tumors
- Metabolic imbalances in blood sugar
- Sodium imbalances
- Low levels of vitamin B12
- Long-term alcohol abuse
- Multiple sclerosis
- HIV/AIDS
- Lyme’s disease
Dementia is a complex disease that demands a personalized treatment approach. Novant Health medical staff is highly trained in this area and can provide a wide range of advanced assessments and treatments.
To make an appointment with a neurologist for you or a loved one, call 704-384-CARE (2273).