Ashley Court of
Brighton
7400 Challis Road, Brighton, Michigan 48116
Ph: (810) 225-7400 Fax: (810) 225-8281
(Located next to Mt. Brighton Ski Resort)
What is Dementia?
Dementia is the loss of intellectual functions (such as thinking, remembering and reasoning) of sufficient severity to interfere with a person's daily functioning. It is not a disease in itself, but rather a group of symptoms which may accompany certain diseases or physical conditions. The cause and rate of progression of dementia's vary. Some of the more well-known diseases that produce dementia include Alzheimer's disease, multi-infarct dementia, Huntington's disease, Pick's disease, Creutzfeld-Jakob disease, and Parkinson's disease. Other conditions which may cause or mimic dementia includes depression, brain tumors, nutritional deficiencies, head injuries, hydrocephalus, infections (AIDS, meningitis, and syphilis), drug reactions and thyroid problems. It is imperative that all persons experiencing memory deficits or confusion undergo a thorough diagnosis of dementing disorders and detailed laboratory testing. The examination should include a re-evaluation of all medications. This process will help the patient obtain treatment for reversible conditions, aid the patient and family in planning future care, and provide important medical information for future generations.
