Dementia

Introduction: neurons are the basic unit of the nervous system. These are specialized cells having the ability to communicate with other cells in the brain.

Axons and dendrites are the special structure of the neuron that helps in communication between two neurons. Dendrites receive signals from other neurons and axons are the nerve fibers that carry signals away from the neuron body.

The junction between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrites of the next neuron called a synapse.

The average number of neurons is 86 billion in the human brain.
Neurons do not regenerate and do not divide like other cells in the body.

DEMENTIA: dementia is not a disease, it is a group of symptoms connected with decreased mental ability. Impaired memory is marked in dementia.
Dementia has an effect on day-to-day activities like thinking problems, difficulty in social interaction as well as other activities associated with the brain.

Causes :

●  Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of

dementia. In which neurons degenerate and get worse

with time.

●  Alcohol consumption.

●  Parkinson’s disease.

●  Multiple sclerosis.

● Huntington’s disease.
● Trauma to the brain.
● Infection of the brain.
● Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain. ● Tumors.

● Vitamin B12 deficiency. ● Low blood sugar.
● Diabetes.

Types of dementia :

Vascular dementia: vascular dementia caused by decreased blood flow in the brain. Plaque deposition in arteries can cause strokes that may lead to dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease: Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder that occurs due to the degeneration of neurons and cortical atrophy of the brain.

Lewy body dementia: protein deposits in nerve cells that prevent the neurons to send signals.

Parkinson’s disorder.

Frontotemporal dementia: it is the progressive damage that occurs in the frontal or temporal lobe.

Alcohol-related dementia.

Symptoms: Symptoms usually occur gradually. Stages :

Early-stage: in the early stages symptoms are mild. ● Forgetfulness

● Absent-minded
● Lack of concentration. ● Confusion.

Middle stage: in the middle stage symptoms get clearer.

●  Difficulty in communication.

●  Difficulty in concentration.

●  Repeating behavior, repeating one thing again and

again.

●  Forget names and places.

Late-stage: in the late stage of dementia patients will be dependent on others.

●  Difficulty in recognizing names and places or family members.

●  Difficulty in walking.

●  Behavioral changes.

●  A person becomes aggressive.

Diagnosis :
1. MRI scan: MRI helps to rule out which types of diseases

cause dementia.
To see the abnormal growth in the brain. To see the atrophic changes in the brain.

2. EEG: to record the brain signals of the brain. Management :

● Avoid smoking.

●  Avoid alcohol consumption.

●  A healthy nutritional diet that may include a plant-based

diet like vegetables, beans, fruits, nuts should be taken.

●  Exercise regularly.

●  Brain-related exercises like solving puzzles, play games

that stimulate brain activity.

●  Interaction with people is important.

Homeopathy management :
1. Anacardium: Anacardium is the best-indicated medicine

for dementia. Impaired memory with forgetfulness. Can’t remember the name and places. Loss of confidence. The patient is absent-minded and loss of ideas is marked with brain fag.

Baryta carb: it has marked action on senile dementia. Forgetfulness while talking. The patient couldn’t find a word to speak. Forgetfulness can’t recollect past events. It can be given where dementia occurs in the early stages due to functional changes of the brain after stroke.

Cannabis indica: cannabis Indica can be given in dementia where communication with others becomes difficult. Forgetfulness of a word they intend to speak between conversation. They also forget words while writing and make so many mistakes. Speech is difficult. Couldn’t remember the past/recent events.

Bacopa: bacopa should be given as a stimulator of brain function. It can be given to any age group of people. It enhances brain function and memory. forgetfulness and confusion are marked in this remedy.