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Dementia services offered in Katy, TX
Dementia is a distressing and challenging condition, causing worsening confusion, memory loss, and other cognitive difficulties. Sadia Yasser, MD, and her team at Advanced Neurology of Katy in Katy, Texas, can help. They have extensive experience in supporting people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by using the most up-to-date treatments. To benefit from their expertise, call Advanced Neurology of Katy and schedule a consultation or fill in the online booking form today.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a symptom of diseases that affect your cognitive abilities (memory and concentration) so severely that it interferes with your daily life. The main types of dementia are:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Frontotemporal disorders
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
The likeliest cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.
What symptoms does dementia cause?
Memory problems are the most well-known symptom of dementia. Other signs include:
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Difficulties problem solving
- Visual disturbances
- Personality changes
- Problems judging distance and time
- Tending to wander or get lost
- Difficulties finding or using the right words
- Increasing social isolation
- Depression and mood swings
Symptoms like aggression and hallucinations can also affect some people with dementia. Loss of physical function typically occurs in the later stages of the disease.
How is dementia diagnosed?
To diagnose your condition, the Advanced Neurology of Katy team performs a physical exam and asks you to complete some cognitive and neuropsychological tests. These assess your memory, problem-solving ability, use of language, and attention. Your provider may need to speak to your family members or friends to learn about any changes in your behavior.
The signs of dementia are evident to experienced neurologists. To confirm the diagnosis, find out the type of dementia you have, and assess its progress, you might need to undergo an MRI or a positron emission tomography (PET) scan to view your brain activity. Lab tests will rule out other possible dementia symptom causes like vitamin deficiencies.
How is dementia treated?
Dementia due to chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s disease is incurable. However, Advanced Neurology of Katy’s expert treatment can slow the disease’s progression and help manage your symptoms.
Medications called cholinesterase inhibitors can ease the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. Both these medications enable you to continue with normal daily life for longer.
If you have vascular dementia due to diseased blood vessels, reducing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels is beneficial. Various treatments also help with behavioral changes and improve your sleep patterns. Physical and occupational therapy techniques keep your mind and body active.
To learn more about dementia or schedule a consultation, call Advanced Neurology of Katy or book an appointment online today.