Dementia is a syndrome affecting cognitive functions such as memory, language, judgment, orientation, and planning, significantly impacting daily life. The possibility of treatment depends on the underlying cause and the extent of brain damage.

This condition often progresses subtly. Initially, individuals may forget recent events, repeat questions, struggle to find words, or take longer to complete familiar tasks. As the disease advances, patients might become confused about time, get lost in familiar places, face challenges managing finances, take incorrect medication doses, or experience a reduced ability to care for themselves. Some individuals also undergo personality changes, becoming apathetic, irritable, or suspicious of family members.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. It is linked to abnormal brain changes that damage and gradually destroy nerve cells over time. Currently, there is no method to fully restore lost nerve cells or reverse cognitive function to its pre-disease state. Other forms of neurodegenerative dementia also share similar progressive characteristics.

Treatment approaches primarily aim to slow cognitive decline, help patients maintain their ability to self-care, and enhance their quality of life.

Doctors may prescribe medication to improve or stabilize certain cognitive symptoms and manage associated issues like insomnia, anxiety, depression, agitation, or behavioral changes. Furthermore, engaging in appropriate physical activity, maintaining social interaction, and adopting healthy dietary and sleep habits can contribute to preserving brain function.

If dementia is related to cerebrovascular diseases or brain damage following a stroke, doctors typically focus on controlling underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and other vascular risk factors to limit ongoing brain damage.

It is advisable to take your father to a neurology specialist for a comprehensive assessment of his memory, attention, language, orientation, reasoning, and executive functions using specialized methods. Depending on the symptoms and identified risk factors, the patient may undergo tests like an MRI for a detailed survey of brain structure or a CT scan for a rapid assessment of the brain and its vascular system.

Patients undergo 3 Tesla MRI for early screening and detection of dementia. *Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Specialists combine imaging results with clinical examinations, cognitive assessments, and necessary laboratory tests to identify the cause and extent of damage early, enabling appropriate intervention and treatment.

Older adults, especially those with a history of stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, or a family history of dementia, should proactively seek examination if any abnormalities arise. Early detection is crucial for identifying causes, intervening in treatable factors, slowing cognitive decline, and planning long-term care.

Dr. Than Thi Minh Trung

Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Center

Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM