Dear Counsellor:

I have been hearing a lot about dementia. I am curious to know more about this condition.

- Sarah

Dear Sarah:

Dementia is a medical condition that affects the elderly. It is seen in both males and females. Usually, the memory is the first to be affected and this is progressive. There are various causes of dementia. Alzheimer's is well known as a form of dementia. Individuals who have hypertension are prone to develop dementia. Dementia is associated with various medical conditions. Vitamin B deficiency can present as dementia in the elderly. It, therefore, means that a physical examination and relevant investigations need to be carried out on individuals suspected of having dementia.

Some individuals with dementia develop sleep problems, behaviour problems or have psychosis. Others also become verbally or physically aggressive towards caregivers. We need to treat these patients in a comprehensive manner so that the individuals can improve. Dementia is a progressive condition, so after a time their speeches become irrelevant and illogical.

Need caregivers

In the early stages of dementia, the individuals can take care of themselves. However, as the condition progresses, the individuals need caregivers to take care of them. Individuals with dementia cannot live alone and after a time they are not able to recognise family or know where they are.

Research is being done to identify the causes of dementia and to develop a cure. There are a variety of medication available to treat dementia but they are only effective in the early stages. Individuals therefore need to make arrangements for their well-being quite early. Patients with dementia are incompetent to make decisions involving themselves or property.

Dear Counsellor:

People think that I am strange. I eat out of the garbage and play in it. Why? I have been diagnosed as having schizophrenia, agoraphobia, clinical depression and multiple personality disorder. I have an IQ three points from genius. So why do I do these queer things? I await your reply.

- Ann

Dear Ann:

Schizophrenia is a severe form of mental illness which causes loss of function and inappropriate behaviours in individuals. Patients are not usually aware of their strange behaviours and it usually requires others to tell the individuals about their actions.

The exact aetiology of schizophrenia is unknown but there are various theories about possible causes. Patients with schizophrenia need to take their medications and get supportive counselling to help them to cope. The outcome with medication and counselling is very good as the patients desist from inappropriate behaviours and are able to function normally. You should therefore speak with your psychiatrist about the elimination of inappropriate behaviours.

It is important to take the medications and visit your doctor frequently. Do you live with family members or in a residential facility? Family involvement in the care of patients is critical to the success of treatment. Family members and patients need to be educated about schizophrenia, stress management and medication use. The Internet has many sites dealing with mental illness. You should therefore acquaint yourself with this information so that you can be more compliant with medication and office visit.

Individuals with schizophrenia need to have a family physician who will deal with the physical aspects of their health. Sometimes, patients have deficiencies of various vitamins, minerals or nutrients and they need to be assessed for these.

Send your questions and comments to Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at: yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call: 978-8602.