Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Can Dementia In An Elderly Person Be Treated?
Question: My husband gets well known roads confused although he knows where he is. He also gets confused over repairs that are simple but can do more involved projects with no trouble. Am i right in thinking he has dementia problems, and if so does it usually take years for these symptoms to get worse? He is 77.
Brief Answer:
Get examined by a neurologist and investigated
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
Possibility of dementia is likely which starts with forgetting small things in day to day activities.
Dementia is age related and incidence increases with aging.
Other factors that may contribute to dementia are hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, vitamin B 12 deficiency, genetics, head injury and many more causes.
Evaluation by a neurologist is required.
Blood investigations like vitamin B 12, thyroid profile, liver function and renal function test, blood sugar should be done.
Brain imaging is also required to diagnose subdural hematoma.
Drugs are also available like donepezil, memantine or rivastigmine.
The rate of progression is variable and depends upon various risk factors as mentioned above.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further information.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Get examined by a neurologist and investigated
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
Possibility of dementia is likely which starts with forgetting small things in day to day activities.
Dementia is age related and incidence increases with aging.
Other factors that may contribute to dementia are hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, vitamin B 12 deficiency, genetics, head injury and many more causes.
Evaluation by a neurologist is required.
Blood investigations like vitamin B 12, thyroid profile, liver function and renal function test, blood sugar should be done.
Brain imaging is also required to diagnose subdural hematoma.
Drugs are also available like donepezil, memantine or rivastigmine.
The rate of progression is variable and depends upon various risk factors as mentioned above.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further information.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
