Dementia

A neurological disorder that affects the ability to think, reason and remember. It is a chronic, progressive condition that usually occurs in people over the age of 65, but can also affect younger individuals. Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a term used to describe a series of symptoms associated with a decline in cognitive function.
 Dementia is caused by a combination of diseases and injuries that primarily or to a lesser extent affect the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease or stroke.

Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability and dependency among the elderly worldwide. It is particularly distressing, not only for the patients, but also for the caregivers and families. Dementia is a misunderstood reality, which leads to stigmatization and barriers to diagnosis and care. The disease has consequences that can be physical, psychological, social or economic for caregivers, families and societies.

1. Beta-amyloid proteins: These proteins are found in the amyloid plaques that form in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. Blood or cerebrospinal fluid tests can detect high levels of these proteins.

2. Tau protein: This protein is found in the neurofibrillary tangles that also form in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. Blood or cerebrospinal fluid tests can also detect high levels of this protein.

3. Brain imaging: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show changes in brain structure that may be associated with dementia.  Positron emission tomography (PET) scans can also show areas of the brain with abnormal activity.

4. Neuropsychological tests: these tests can assess cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and reasoning skills, and can help identify cognitive deficits associated with dementia.