The symptoms of dementia

Featuring Dr. Duncan Miller, BSc, MD

Video Title: What Are The Symptoms and Conditions of Dementia Duration: 1 minute, 26 seconds

Dementia is not a specific disease, rather, a cluster of conditions that are really typified by a decrease in brain function. Just like there's kidney failure and heart failure, dementia really can be thought of as brain failure.

Typically, it presents as a loss of brain function, but in practical words, it really presents as a concern about your memory or a loved one's memory, and also, a loss of function, or maybe a problem with language, or their ability to do complex tasks.

It can have a number of causes, some of which are reversible. So, it's important to seek medical attention if you have concerns about somebody – either yourself or a loved one – having dementia.

One of the things that your primary healthcare provider will do is rule out reversible problems, like, for example, problems with your thyroid, deficiency in Vitamin B12 – but it can also have metabolic problems. If your calcium levels or other functions in your body aren't working properly, it does affect your memory and your brain's functioning.

Just remember that treatment for your condition will vary with the individual and the condition they may have. So, always consult your primary healthcare provider for more information.

Presenter: Dr. Duncan Miller, Family Doctor, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Family Doctor