Senility Symptoms
Senility, also known as dementia, is not a specific disease, but a collection of underlying medical conditions affecting the brain. Senility normally affects memory and the inability to carry out day to day tasks. The condition typically affects the elderly and can cause an emotional and financial toll on loved ones.
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Causes
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Senility can be caused by a number of medical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, head injury, stroke, Parkinson's dementia, Huntington's disease, a family history of dementia, medications and infections. Dementia is classified according to what part of the brain is being affected and whether or not the disorder is progressive. Dementia caused by medication and infection may be stopped and reversed. Dementia caused by destruction of the brain cells from disease only gets progressively worse.
Early Symptoms Of Senility
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Symptoms will vary from person to person and on the underlying cause for the dementia. The most common first sign is a short-term memory loss, for instance the person may repeat something they said a few moments before or forgotten where they had just laid something. Other symptoms may include forgetting names or appointments, moodiness, not remembering how to do everyday tasks such as cooking or driving, confusion or disorientation in familiar settings and personality changes.
Intermediate Senility Symptoms
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As the disease progresses, other signs may emerge, including an inability to bathe, eat, clothe one-self or use the toilet without assistance. Inattention, depression, hallucinations, a feeling of paranoia, aggressiveness and an inability to learn or process new information all can accompany the disease.
Severe Senility Symptoms
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Severe dementia will include all the symptoms of early and intermediate stages, only to a worsening degree. Other symptoms may include an inability to walk or walk without assistance, complete dependence on others, unable to recognize close relatives or friends, and a loss of long-term memory.
Risks
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Dementia can cause an impairment in your ability to swallow making choking or aspiration a risk. Other risks involve stroke, pressure sores, dehydration, loss of bladder control and a risk of injury from falls.
The person suffering from dementia in its early and intermediate stages might notice something is wrong and become frustrated and angry with their inability to think or remember clearly. As the disease progresses to a severe stage, the patient may become more passive, not even aware of their behavior changes. They may sit and stare, not communicating or their speech is unintelligible.
Medications
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For those with irreversible dementia, the decline is normally slow over a span of years. Medications such as Aricept and Razadyne work by stimulating a chemical in your brain involving judgment and memory and may be helpful in delaying dementia. Your doctor will be able to advise you and your loved ones on what medications and support groups are available.
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