Dementia
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Kenneth K Wogensen, MD
Neurologist located in Arcadia, CA
Is your loved one having a difficult time recalling recent conversations? Or do you find that you’re not able to complete normal, everyday tasks like you used to? Dementia isn’t a disease, but a group of symptoms that impacts quality of life. Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, in Arcadia, California, is an experienced neurologist who specializes in dementia and can evaluate your symptoms and help identify the underlying cause. For an examination from a compassionate physician, call the office today or book an appointment online.
Dementia Q & A
What is dementia?
Dementia is a medical term that describes a group of symptoms that affect your memory, thinking, and social skills that can ultimately impact your everyday activities. Dementia can develop from any number of causes, but Alzheimer’s disease, which is a progressive degenerative brain disorder, is the most common cause of dementia.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
The symptoms of dementia vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:
- Lapses in memory
- Personality changes
- Depression
- Paranoia or hallucinations
- Difficulty communicating or finding the right words
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Inability to handle normal everyday tasks
- Issues with gross motor function or coordination
If you or your loved one are experiencing these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Wogensen so he can evaluate your symptoms and find their underlying causes.
What causes dementia?
Dementia develops from damaged brain cells, which may result from a number of contributing factors. Common causes of dementia include:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Traumatic brain injury
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
Infections and nutritional deficiencies can also lead to dementia symptoms, and in many cases, may be able to be reversed.
How is dementia diagnosed?
Dr. Wogensen conducts a thorough evaluation when you or a loved one comes in with concerns about dementia. The ultimate goal of his evaluation is to identify the underlying cause.
For a diagnosis of dementia, two core mental functions must be impaired. These core mental functions include:
- Memory
- Visual perception
- Problem solving
- Focus
- Language skills
- Ability to reason
Dr. Wogensen conducts special testing to assess these skills. He may also recommend a brain scan and bloodwork to confirm or rule out underlying causes.
How is dementia treated?
Treatment for dementia depends on the underlying cause. Dr. Wogensen creates individualized treatment plans that are unique to you or your loved one. While some causes of dementia can lead to a cure, most do not and treatment may focus on managing the symptoms.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Medication
- Physical and/or occupational therapy
- Lifestyle modification
Dr. Wogensen also helps the family implement treatment plans so everyone is on the same page.
Dementia can affect every aspect of you or your loved one’s life. For management from a kind and compassionate physician, call Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, or book an appointment online.
