Dementia And Head Injury

What is dementia? 

Dementia is a condition that causes memory loss and mental decline. As the condition progresses, you lose your ability to think, remember, and reason. Others around you might notice distinct changes in your personality and demeanor, too.

There are a few types of dementia. One of the most well-known types is Alzheimer’s disease, which causes your brain to shrink gradually due to cell death. In many cases, however, there is no identifiable underlying cause. 

Dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder and involves the gradual loss of neurons in your brain. There is no cure, and you can’t reverse your mental decline in most cases. However, managing your condition can slow its progression.

What is a head injury?

A head injury involves damage to your brain, which can vary in severity. Head injuries can also involve physical damage to your skull and scalp. A concussion is a mild type of head injury that happens when your brain knocks against the inside of your skull. 

Many head injuries cause damage to brain cells, often because of bleeding in the brain. Possible symptoms are:

• Confusion
• Headache
• Light sensitivity
• Sound sensitivity
• Balance problems
• Sleep pattern changes
• Fatigue

Some head injuries don’t cause symptoms or have symptoms that begin as mild but get worse over time. Get a professional medical opinion any time you suspect a head injury. 

How are dementia and head injuries evaluated?

The Fort Neuro team uses WAVi® neurocognitive and neuropsychological testing to scan your brain and gather information on its function. Whether you’re interested in examining age-related changes or assessing a head injury, WAVi gives your providers the information needed to diagnose dementia and head injuries. 

Even if you don’t have any current concerns about your cognitive function, consider getting a baseline brain scan. A baseline scan makes it easier to detect changes in your brain due to aging or a head injury. 

How are dementia and head injuries treated?

The care you receive at Fort Neuro depends on many factors, including the type of cognitive decline or head injury and the severity of your symptoms. The team closely monitors you and may take a watchful waiting approach at first before intervening. The team may collaborate with your other providers and specialists to give you the best possible care.

Find out more about dementia and head injuries by calling Fort Neuro or booking an appointment online today.