Early Detection of Dementia Is Important!
Early Detection of Dementia Is Important!
You may think that since dementia cannot be cured, there is no point in seeing a doctor. However, early diagnosis and treatment of dementia, like other diseases, are very important.
Advantages of early detection
1. You can prepare for your future life.
If an early diagnosis of dementia is made, the patient and his/her family members can prepare for their future lives by gaining a better understanding of dementia and discussing the disease seriously while the symptoms are mild.It is possible to reduce difficulties in daily life by improving the living environment, including using long-term care insurance services.
2. Some types of dementia are reversible and/or temporary.
Since some diseases (normal-pressure hydrocephalus, chronic subdural hematoma, hypothyroidism, etc.) that cause dementia can be improved with early treatment,it is important to see a doctor earlier to determine the disease causing dementia.
3. It may be possible to slow the progression of dementia.
It is said that the progression of Alzheimer’s dementia can be delayed by medication and other treatment from an early stage and by appropriate care sensitive to the feelings of the patient (see the figure below).
Although the effects of medication vary between individuals, the effect shown in the graph below may be brought about.
<Figure> Example of the progression of Alzheimer’s dementia
Note: Medication may cause side effects, including nausea and loss of appetite.