Duke Signature Care: Dementia prevention, intervention, and care

Duke Signature Care

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August 2017

 As physicians, our patients often ask about dementia. Dementia is a syndrome that can be used to describe a decline in mental ability that makes it difficult for people to perform basic daily activities. There are various types of dementia including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson's and those associated with abnormal proteins, excess cerebrospinal fluid, increased thiamine deficiency or infections. Mixed dementias reflect a condition where more than one type occurs.

Symptoms of dementia can include memory loss, changes in behavior or personality, confusion, disorientation and hallucinations. While dementia typically occurs in patients over 65, it can be seen in younger people and is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Researchers believe that the causes of dementias include a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. 

While there is no evidence that supplements are useful treatments for the disease, some medications might slow decline and help with symptoms. A July 2017 article in the Lancet identifies factors to reduce our risk for dementia by 35% including education early in life; reducing high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes; treating hearing loss in mid-life; not smoking; getting physical exercise; and reducing depression and social isolation later in life. 

While much still needs to be understood, identification of risk and risk reduction through lifestyle modification will help us care for people with dementia. Talk to your physician about concerns you may have.
 
 

Take the (Exercise) Plunge

TUESDAY, Aug. 1, 2017 You can do more than just beat the heat the next time you go to the pool. Whether you swim or do aquatic exercises, working out in water improves strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health.

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Moving From 'Stroke Belt' Doesn't Undo Higher Dementia Risk

MONDAY, July 31, 2017 Health problems for people born in the so-called Stroke Belt of the United States also include a higher risk of developing dementia -- even if they move elsewhere, a new study suggests.

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Golfing and Gardening Your Way to Fitness

THURSDAY, July 27, 2017 Leisure-time activities like golf and gardening can become efficient calorie-burning exercises -- if you tweak your routine just a bit.

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Targeting 9 Risk Factors Could Prevent 1 in 3 Dementia Cases: Study

THURSDAY, July 20, 2017 One-third of dementia cases worldwide might be prevented by paying attention to nine risk factors throughout life, researchers say.

These measures include: staying in school until you're at least... Read more

Kathleen A. Waite, MD

Kathleen A. Waite, MD

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The news stories provided in this e-newsletter are a service of the nationally syndicated HealthDay news and information company. Stories refer to national trends and breaking health news, and are not necessarily indicative of or always supported by our facility and providers. This information is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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