Dementia

The condition of dementia refers to an incurable, degenerative memory disorder that affects over one million people in Germany and presents in a wide variety of forms. Its most common manifestation: Alzheimer's dementia.

However, although the condition is irreversible, comprehensive therapy can slow its progression and alleviate its symptoms. Our experienced doctors support you at all our locations.

For a reliable diagnosis of the dementia syndrome, the following criteria must be met in potentially affected individuals:

• existing symptoms must have been present for at least six months
• impairment of higher cognitive functions must be demonstrated by clinical and/or laboratory assessment
• disorders of consciousness (such as delirium) must be excluded
• the sensory organs must be functioning within largely normal parameters

The condition of dementia is fundamentally divided into two groups: primary and secondary dementia syndromes.

Primary dementia is caused by a slowly progressive reduction in brain mass. The most well-known forms include:

• Alzheimer's dementia (protein deposits in the brain)
• Frontotemporal dementia (atrophy particularly in the frontal and temporal lobes)
• Dementia in Parkinson's disease
• Lewy body dementia (deposits of so-called Lewy bodies)
• Vascular dementia (caused by changes in the cerebral vessels, usually due to high blood pressure)

The secondary dementia syndrome, by contrast, is caused by brain damage resulting from, for example:

• oxygen deprivation
• trauma such as haemorrhage
• liver damage
• poisoning of any kind (alcohol, medications)
• electrolyte disorders (e.g. excessively high or low sodium levels in the blood)
• chronic vitamin deficiency (B vitamins)
• inflammatory conditions (e.g. in HIV, syphilis, Lyme disease)

The typical accompanying features of the dementia syndrome include:

• deterioration of memory and the associated limitations in daily life, including difficulties finding one's way or operating devices
• impairment of concentration and orientation (temporal, spatial, and in later stages, personal). Those affected may forget, for example, where they are, and in the further course of the condition, personal details such as their own name or date of birth

The first step in the comprehensive treatment of dementia is diagnostics. For us at avi, this includes:

• exclusion of a transient memory impairment (through taking a medical history and physical examinations)
• neurological investigations including a memory test
• blood tests for vitamin deficiencies or inflammatory markers
• where applicable, cerebrospinal fluid analysis (lumbar puncture)
• CT of the head (with a specialist)

This is followed by targeted therapy of dementia, aimed at slowing its progressive course and alleviating its symptoms. This encompasses:

• specialist training sessions, where those affected and their families receive guidance and tips on preserving memory, as well as guidance on managing everyday situations arising from the condition
• non-pharmacological therapies (occupational therapy, movement therapy)
• pharmacological options to address cognitive decline (anti-dementia drugs) and accompanying symptoms (such as antidepressants for depression)