An Exploration Of Dementia Care San Clemente

By Lolita Jacobs


Dementia is a mental health condition that involves the progressive decline in brain activity. There is a severe reduction in mental functioning including the processes of memory, judgement, language, understanding, and thinking. Often sufferers are unable to partake in daily activities and therefore need help in everyday tasks - this is clear in dementia care San Clemente.

There are four different types: Alzheimer's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular, and frontotemporal. Alzheimer's occurs when protein begins to grow around the brain cells disrupting brain functioning. The condition with Lewy bodies occurs when abnormal structures are found in the brain. The vascular form happens when the blood and oxygen supply are not delivered to the brain causing the blood circulation in the brain to cease. Frontotemporal occurs when the temporal and frontal lobes begin to decrease in size. This final form is very unique and is found primarily in individuals over the age of 65.

All the aforementioned types have different causes and contributing factors. Restriction of blood and oxygen to the brain may be caused by various factors including substance abuse or dependence, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet and obesity. The frontotemporal form is a genetic disorder and is a mutation of the tau protein. The tau protein is a protein found within the brain cells. It maintains stability and damage can cause an erratic change in personality.

More uncommon causes include repeated injuries to the head, infections of the brain, a result of other mental health diseases and conditions (Huntington's disease), dehydration, a lack of vitamin B, and/or having a brain tumor.

Signs can include a decreased attention span and periods of confusion. The individual may show a change some memory loss and will experience movement difficulties. There may be a change in personality and possible sleeping difficulties accompanied with hallucinations. Those with frontotemporal have been seen to display aggressive and compulsive behaviour.

As is aforementioned, individuals who experience this condition have difficulty in everyday functioning. It is because of this that dementia care is offered to assist those who suffer from this condition. Understanding the disorder and the treatment available is a way to make life easier for those who have to live with this incurable disease.




About the Author: