Senility is the physical and mental deterioration caused by aging. It is otherwise known as dementia. Different skills and abilities of the person are controlled by different areas of the brain. When cerebral functions declines, their memory, language, orientation, and judgment will be affected.
There are several diseases that could lead to senility. These are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s chorea, Creutzfeldt-Jakob, Lewy body disease, Binswanger’s disease, Pick’s disease, strokes, Down syndrome, head trauma, and AIDS. In this scenario, it cannot be reversed. The most common form is the Alzheimer’s disease. People with this disease will encounter memory loss, thus making it difficult for them to remember past experiences as well as learning new things. However, there are other diseases that sometimes make senility treatable. Like for example depressive pseudodementia, tumors, normal pressure hydrocephalus, hypothyroidism, and those who are deficient in vitamins B1, B12, and A. Aside from degeneration of brain cells, it is also caused by depression, poor nutrition and diet, thyroid dysfunction, drug addiction, and alcoholism.
The following are guidelines on how to spot this disease: a) you must first consider your family history. Does this desease often run in your family? If it does then the possibility of you inheriting the disease is unavoidable; b) memory loss such as forgetting things or past events; c) confusion and loss of attention span. Does he or she recently mix things up when performing a task he or she has done so many times before? d) Watch out for any mood changes, irritability or emotional anxiety. They sometimes act inappropriately or out of character in social situations. If you recognize all these symptoms, then immediately consult a medical professional who handles this kind of situations. Thorough examination of deteriorating brain diseases involves a professional screening and evaluation. You must also remember that people experiencing the early stage of this ailment can be both frightening and depressing for them. Thus care, understanding, and most especially patience are very important in dealing with these people especially since this type of condition will worsen as time progresses.
Though it cannot be cured, if symptoms are recognized before the condition worsens, you can create a management plan that ensures the utmost value of life for the best amount of time, while reducing usual senility symptoms. A detailed examination and precise diagnosis is important to device a successful management plan. Medications can also be given to slow down the development of this problem but sometimes unwanted side effects will surface especially to the elderly patents.
There are also natural treatments that are practically free of unwanted side effects. These are herbal remedies such as Ginkgo biloba, Crataegus oxycanthus, Rosmarinus officinalis and Panax quinquefolium. They will help support the brain and psychological health. In addition, proper nutrition or diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle will help in preserving and supporting mental problems.
Keep in mind that as we grow older our body will also deteriorate. Therefore it is very important to 1) participate in stimulating activities such as exercise; 2) eat healthy foods; 3) do not eat food or drink beverages that are harmful to you; 4) always keep a healthy lifestyle. With these tips in mind you can prevent senility.
