Dementia Care
Understanding Dementia
Dementia is a condition that causes problems with memory, thinking, and everyday activities. It is not a normal part of aging, but it becomes more common as people get older.
It’s important to clarify that dementia is not a single disease. Instead, it is an "umbrella term" used to describe a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life.
The Main Types of Dementia
While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause (accounting for 60–80% of cases), there are several other types:
How is Dementia diagnosed?
Diagnosis of dementia is established by:
- Asking about changes in memory, thinking, and daily life, often with help from family or friends.
- Doing cognitive tests in the office to check memory and thinking.
- Obtaining necessary lab tests and imaging studies
- Checking for other causes, such as medication side effects, depression, or vitamin problems, with blood tests and brain scans.
Important Note: Some dementia-like symptoms are reversible if caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid issues, or certain infections. Thus, it is important to obtain medical evaluation of cognitive problems so to reach the right diagnosis.
Common symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the area of the brain affected, but they generally fall into two categories:
Cognitive Changes
Memory loss (usually noticed by someone else first).
Difficulty communicating or finding the right words.
Disorientation regarding time and place (getting lost in familiar areas).
Difficulty with complex tasks, such as managing finances or following a recipe.
Psychological Changes
Personality shifts (a gentle person becoming aggressive)
Depression or anxiety.
Inappropriate behavior in social settings.
Paranoia or seeing things that aren't there (hallucinations)
The 7 Stages of Progression
Dementia is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time. Doctors often use a 7-stage scale to track it:
No Impairment: No symptoms.
Very Mild Decline: "Senior moments" like forgetting where keys are.
Mild Decline: Noticeable forgetfulness; trouble at work or in social settings.
Moderate Decline: Difficulty with math, bills, or remembering personal history
Moderately Severe: Needs help choosing clothes or remembering their own phone number.
Severe Decline: Requires help with dressing/toileting; personality changes occur.
Very Severe: Loss of speech and physical control (swallowing, walking).
Treatment & Management
As of 2025, there is no cure for most types of dementia, but treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Medications: Drugs like Cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept) and Memantine (Namenda) can help manage memory and thinking symptoms for a limited time.
Therapies: Occupational therapy helps with home safety, while music and pet therapy are highly effective at reducing anxiety and agitation.
Environment: Reducing clutter, using labels on drawers, and maintaining a strict daily routine can significantly reduce confusion.
Vital Facts (2025 Statistics)
Prevalence: In 2025, an estimated 7.2 million Americans aged 65+ are living with Alzheimer’s (so far diagnosed).
Risk Factors: Age is the biggest factor, but others include genetics, smoking, untreated hearing loss, poor sleep hygiene and sedentary lifestyle.
The "Sandwich Generation": About 25% of dementia caregivers are "sandwiched," caring for both an aging parent and their own children simultaneously.
If you or someone you know is having trouble with memory or daily activities, reach out to us. Early diagnosis and support can make a big difference.
Dr. Sadikovic has experience in diagnosis, workup and treatment for dementia including management of anti-amyloid therapies. She works closely with infusion centers to provide access to these therapies in safe and efficient way. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for a memory assessment, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to assisting you.