As people reach 50 or 60 years old, anxiety about dementia crosses their minds. Although there is no need to be overly afraid of dementia, it is important to properly deal with medical care and prepare in advance. Inspired by the maxims of geriatric psychiatrist Hideki Wada, who has dealt with numerous patients, we will think about positive aging for ourselves and our families. This paper is“How to Over 80”(Kosaido Publishing) excerpts and edits.
Dementia is not the only
Always consult a “specialist”
When it comes to dementia, there are many different types of dementia.
By the way, dementia is not the name of a disease. A term used to describe the state of dementia. There is a cause disease that has become a state of dementia.
When forgetfulness sets in, there are people who worry that they may have dementia, and family members who warn them not to develop dementia. If you have any concerns, please consult a specialist.
Recently, medicines for dementia are easily provided at internal medicine clinics, but dementia medicines are not intended to cure dementia.
Generally, it is “delaying the progression”, but this is also effective for some people and not for others. It is said that it is more effective if taken early, but if it is not effective, it may be better not to take it aimlessly.
Some people have been told that they do not have many side effects, but drugs do have side effects. The effect varies greatly from person to person.
Behind the symptoms of dementia
Even if another disease is masked
In general, rather than continuing to take dementia medicine prescribed by an internal medicine clinic, it is preferable to undergo an imaging diagnosis and a dementia test by a specialist, and consider measures after a proper diagnosis. Some people are more familiar with treating dementia than doctors, and some psychiatrists don’t know much about the elderly, so it’s best to first ask your care manager or local comprehensive support center about the doctor’s reputation before going to see a doctor. wise.
Typical examples of dementia include “Alzheimer’s disease,” “cerebrovascular disease,” and “Lewy body disease,” but there is no cure for any of these. Since it is progressive and there are no major differences in treatment, I don’t think it is necessary to focus too much on the causative disease. It may be due to illness.
