Would dementia drugs be helpful/safe in healthy people who wanted a to boost memory?

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I was wondering whether drugs such as galantamine (Reminyl) are safe in healthy patients who are not suffering from dementia, and whether they can be of benefit as a nootropic.
No... and you should never take drugs that are not prescribed for you.  (+ info)

What is a biological mechanism for dementia?

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I'm doing a research paper on dementia and I have no idea what a biological mechanism is. Could someone please explain?
Honestly, that's not an easy question to answer in a sentence or two.  Basically, a biological mechanism is a system by which a living organism modifies, changes, etc. itself and its environment.  I think it's easier to grasp the concept by example.  There are "mechanisms" other than biological.  An abiotic system is free of biological organisms and abiotic transformations are accomplished, naturally, through non-biologic mechanisms.  For example, the modification of water from a liquid to a gasseous state by the application of heat is a result of an abiotic mechanism.  Another good example involves oil spill clean-ups.  There are a variety of methods used to clean oil from the water and shoreline.  One way is through the use of solvents and detergents. I'm familiar with one particular product that is a solution of diluted acids, water and sodium silicate that chemically reacts with hydrocarbon molecules and binds them into a solid silica matrix.  That would be an example of clean-up through the use of a chemical mechanism.  However, oil can also be removed by boremediation.  Boremediation is the use of certain bacteria (some laboratory-created) and fungi that sustain themselves on hydrocarbon.  When introduced, these living organisms "eat" the oil, producing modification/change of their environment.  That is an example of a biological mechanism.  So, essentially, you wil be focusing on the biological causes of dementia, whether the cause is viral, bacterial or prion-based.  I can think of a few.....symptoms of dementia can be seen in certain conditions caused by viruses.  Examples would be HIV-induced dementia, viral meningitis, viral encephalitis and PML, or progressive multi-focal leukoencephalopathy.  Both viral meningitis and encephaltitis can be caused by several types of viruses, while PML is caused by polyomavirus.  The HIV virus is able to pentrate the blood/brain barrier and infect the tissue directly.  Bacterial causes of dementia include Lyme disease (spriochete Borrelia burgdorferi), neurosyphilis (3rd stage of disease - caused by bacterium treponema pallidum).  Some persons would argue that dementia induced by prions should be classified as a biological mechanism.  Prions, or proteinaceous infectious particles are protein inside the body that becomes infectious.  The prion enters brain cell and converts the normal protein within that cell to a prion.  Prions are exactly the same as normal proteins, except that they do not fold normally - the helical structure of the amino acids, which is normally thighly wound, loosens up.  The priors completely clog the infected brain cell and it dies, releasing all the prions, which subsequently attack adjacent cells.    Eventually, the destruction of all of the brain cells creates holes in the brain tissue.  The problem with prions is that, like viruses, they are not similar to other living organisms and some believe that prions in fact, are not "alive" (many also argue that viruses are not "alive" by the usual definition of the word, as they have no basic metabolic activity and are incapable of procreation, eating and excreting).  However, I noticed that the EPA, after debate and scientific study, declared prions to be a "pest" under the current law, with "pest" defined as a form of animal life injurious to health.  So, it can be argued a biological mechanism for dementia are the actions of viruses and prions. 
I hope that helped a little :-)  (+ info)

Is it possible to get my elderly mother who suffers from dementia a referral to see a consultant?

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My GP doesn't have any training in dementia and I feel the medication he has prescribed for my mother isn't doing any good. Can I get him to refer her to see someone such a specialist who specialises in this illness?
Yes. You should ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatrist who specialises in the elderly and their problems. He/she will almost certainly agree, and if they dont, then they should give the reason. However is your GP also your mother's GP? If not then it would be better to contact the doctor or practice who look after her. Seeing a specialist will certainly help put your mind at rest that you have done everything for your mother, but it is possible that it may not improve this distressing condition. I hope it does.  (+ info)

What is the difference between Presenile Dementia compared with Amnesia and Delirium?

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As far as I can tell, an early sign of all three is short-term memory loss, but when one focuses on the presenile dementia, how does one differentiate between that and the possibility of amnesia or short-term delirium?
Dementia, which is commonly caused by Alzheimers (But also can be caused by other diseases like Parkinsons, and Head traumas, etc) is usually a permanent Condition. There is many different stages. Pre, Mid , and Late stage.
Amnesia, and Delerium are temporary conditions, and can involve memory loss short term, or long term. They are usually caused by a blow to the head, or often drugs, which is the main cause for delerium, like Hallucinogenics( 'Shrooms) , LSD, etc. These conditions are usually reversible, but in science, nothing is ever concrete, black and white. THere is exceptions for everything. Dementia really is something usually considered organic, resulting from a problem inside your brain, not from outside sources.

(Presenile DEmentia is just another word for Early Alzheimers, or Prealzheimers)  (+ info)

How do you deal with a parent who is getting Dementia?

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My mom is 77 years old and is showing signs of dementia. She becomes disoriented at time and can' remember things. Example she did not know what house she was in today when I talked to her on the phone. She is also a diabetic and is on Kidney dialysis. My dad takes care of her but doesn't seem to get the dementia, almost like a denial.
First thing you should do is take her to a good geriatric physician and get a thorough exam and memory test. She may just have a urinary tract infection. This can cause confusion and disorientation in elderly people. My mom had that and she ended up in a geriatric psych hospital because she became completely paranoid and delusional.

If it's truly dementia that she has then you should check to see if your state or county has an aging services department. They can give you good information and usually have lists of social workers or counselors who are experts in dealing with dementia. They can give you advice for your dad as well as your mom. Don't try to take this on alone.  (+ info)

How do I deal with my grandfather who suffers from Dementia?

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A few months ago, my grandfather had a stroke and my mom says he has a symptom of a stroke called Dementia. This means that he can't control his behavior at times. He mostly has his attacks on me. He looks really angry. He says some things and makes threats. It makes me want to not be around him. He is nice most of the time however. I want to know how I can respond to him when he is having a ''Dementia Attack'' as I call it.
Dementia can be extremely difficult on the families and loved ones of those who have the disease. As such, part of treatment should involve ensuring that you, your mother, and anyone else who has contact with him is doing okay emotionally.

Unfortunately, there is not a way to make the disease go away, nor is there a way to reverse it, so you must understand this and accept it. This way, you do not get angry at your grandfather, as he is not truly in control of his actions.

Of course, this doesn't mean his actions should be ignored, but it is easy to get angry or upset at someone with dementia and this will help no one.

The best thing you can do is love him when you can, help your mother deal with her feelings, and understand that he still loves you, even if he isn't acting like it.  (+ info)

Any good support groups for adult children of dementia sufferers?

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My father passed away a year ago and now my mom is diagnosed with dementia. I feel overwhelmed with guilt, depression and confusion. I feel like no one understands me and wonder how anyone survives this without going insane themselves. I searched online but I can't seem to find any help or advise. I am located in northern california.
If you are looking for more of a face to face support group call the local hospitals in your area explain the situation and they should be able to find you a support group  (+ info)

What should be considered prior to the use of restraints, physical and chemical in dementia patients?

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I am doing research on dementia patients. This question is one that i need to answer.I am currently studying aged care in nursing.
Which is in line with the guidelines in the mental health act.
Prescription drugs to calm them.  (+ info)

My grandmother has dementia and keeps spreading stories about my family?

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My granny is in her 80's and has what we are fairly sure is dementia. Now she wont speak to me, or my mother, and she keeps telling her friends that people in our family are dead. Can we get the british social services (she lives in the UK) involved, and what can they do. She lives alone in the country and is slowly starving herself to death. What can we do? She is aggressive and won't allow anyone to help her.
You are going to have to put her in a home. Why don't you tell her that you are taking her on holiday and just find her a suitable old peoples home that deals with people who have mental health problems. You can get the doctor to come out and see her, he will be happy to help. People with dementia have good days and bad days. You should just let her believe that what she is saying is true, you don't upset her. If she doesn't reconise you when you say her, as her who she thinks you are and just make sure that you are her friend.

I don't think it social services problem. Its up to you to take care of her and find a suitable old peoples home  (+ info)

What things can people still do for themselves who have dementia and live in their own home?

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I am doing a course on dementia and i am stuck on this question its mainly based on someone with Alzheimer`s.
They can do some limited chores. My mom had it, but when she cooked, she forgot some steps and it would either take a long time to get it done or it would taste awful. The more steps a chore takes, the worse off they are. A lot depends on if they are living alone. Sometimes they need a gentle reminder on what needs to be done.  (+ info)

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