Dementia
Overview
Dementia is the progressive decline of cognitive function due to organic damage to the cerebellum and the supratentorial region of the brain. Areas particularly affected include memory, attention, judgment, language, and problem-solving. Thus, neuropsychological findings will include the progressive deterioration of both short and long-term memories.
Short-term memory loss in cases of superficial siderosis can be traced to stress, depressionOverview Depression is a common and serious mental health di... More, and cerebellar difficulties. A diagnosis of short-term memoryOverview Short-term memory refers to our capacity to briefly... More loss or mild cognitive impairmentOverview Cognition is the range of high-level brain function... More does not mean you have early-stage dementia or will ever progress to dementia. Dementia is an infrequent occurrence in infratentorial superficial siderosis. It’s estimated only 25% of superficial siderosis patients with both hemosiderin located in the supratentorial region of the brain combined with severe cognitive difficulties will progress into clinical dementia.²
Diagnosis
The key distinction between other cognitive problems and dementia is the ability to function independently on a daily basis. Memory, executive thinking, and social behaviors become so compromised in later stages of dementia it will interfere with your ability to function. People will show difficulty in finding words, reasoning or problem-solving, handling complex tasks, planning, and organizing, coordination, and motor functions, confusion and disorientation.¹
Behavioral Signs of Dementia
- Extreme PersonalityOverview Superficial siderosis progression may have profound... More Changes
- Clinial Depression
- Anxiety
- Inappropriate Behavior
- Paranoia
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Decreased verbal fluency
Care Plan
Your neuropsychologist will be able to recommend the necessary care plan in coordination with your primary care physician.
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