Diseases and conditions that affect the brain can be far more difficult to handle, understand, and cope with. When we do come face to face with the knowledge of being affected by these diseases, having the knowledge of that disease, its diagnosis, and different types of treatment options can help us reduce our anxiety associated with the situation.

It would give us time and space in order to plan the future properly and make sure that all the necessary things are in place. One of the most common problems that people in the old age face today is dementia. It represents a group of symptoms that target the capability of thinking, social abilities, and memory.

However, the problem that arises with the diagnosis of this condition is that it is very challenging. The condition cannot be entirely confirmed or diagnosed until at least two important mental functions are so deteriorated that they begin to cause problems with regular functioning and daily living.

These important mental functions would include language skills, memory, ability to pay attention or focus on things that one wishes to, reasoning capabilities, visual perception, and problem solving abilities.

Diagnosis of dementia is usually not possible through a single test. Hence, along with general examination and family history, the doctors would need to perform various other tests. These tests include brain scans such as CT/MRI/PET scans, neurological evaluation, neuropsychological tests and cognitive tests, psychiatric evaluation, and laboratory tests to understand any other factors that would be causing problems with the brain function.

For treatment options, different kinds of medications are available. Cholinesterase inhibitors are a class of medicines that function by increasing the levels of chemical messengers that control the aspects of memory and judgment. Memantine is another medicine that is used to adjust the activity of glutamate (a chemical messenger that handles the aspects of learning and memory).

Memantine can be suggested to be taken in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor. Some other medication might also be prescribed to depending on the basis of the symptoms that the patient is experiencing.

In the beginning, some of the symptoms caused by this condition can be handled with approaches that do not include the usage of drugs. Occupational therapy can be considered as it would help the family of the patient to make their home a safer place. It would help the patient manage their behavior, and avoid accidents.

Modifying the environment in order to reduce the clutter around the house and reduce the noise can help the patient maintain their focus and function effectively. Hazardous objects or sharp items such as knives should be placed in safe regions and be kept away. Daily tasks should be modified by breaking them down into simple steps to help the patient focus. Having a routine in place and following a structure could prove to be really helpful. In addition, having monitoring systems in place can be useful.