Complications of Dementia Pathophysiology
Dementia is broad category of neurological illness that arises independently or as a consequence of other conditions. Alzheimer's disease is a well-known example, but dementia is also a common symptom of HIV/AIDS, Huntington's disease, alcoholism, drug abuse, thyroid conditions and many other illnesses. The complications of dementia are widespread and affect every aspect of a patient's lifestyle.
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Symptoms
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The primary effects of dementia manipulate behavior and emotion, with a possibility of psychotic break. The experiences are dynamic and thus not always consistent enough to effectively diagnose. Treatment is often a combination of drug therapy and various forms of social counseling. Many theories exist to explain why these symptoms develop. Overall, much still can be learned about the pathophysiology of dementia and the extent of its complications.
Behavioral Disorder
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Likely behavioral symptoms from dementia include delirium, restlessness and aggression. These complications are commonly caused by cerebral neuron malfunction, which manifests in a variety of illnesses. The natural process of aging also alters neuron activity, which may directly result in these effects of dementia. Certain anticholinergic medications interact with neurotransmitters which also lead to forms of dementia that may be temporary.
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Emotional Disorder
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Extremes in emotional response are characteristic of all forms of dementia. Both positive and negative emotional states may present from neurological conditions. These include lethargy, indifference and mania. Depression is the most commonly reported syndrome associated dementia and may present as a long-term problem or as a transitional condition. This particular symptom often has the most impact on treatment, leading to rapid institutionalization in many cases.
Psychosis
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Delusional states and accompanied hallucinations are intense complications of dementia and usually respond to treatment. These experiences are caused by a malfunction in the brain's processing of emotional reaction. When the patient has an inappropriate emotional response to an environment, this confusion leads to unexpected changes in their motivation. Delusions present as the brain attempts to understand this conflict between its reaction to the external world.
Other Causes
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In addition to neurological disease, dementia is associated with some circumstances unrelated to illness. Rates of dementia are elevated in areas of low economic status. This could be due to poor dietary standards, as certain vitamin deficiencies lead to these complications. Excessive institutionalization is known to cause dementia in some patients under treatment for other conditions. Low standards of care at home or in hospitals is also associated with the formation of dementia.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jim Fischer
