Dementia is not a disease itself but rather a collection of symptoms

Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Neurology Specialist Dr. Pınar Gelener Arsal stated that dementia in Latin means the permanent memory loss which occurs in time.

Dr. Pınar Gelener Arsal made a statement on the occasion of the 21st of September World Alzheimer’s Day and noted that multiple mental abilities could be impaired as a result of damage to the adult central nervous system which is a permanent and progressive condition.

Arsal noted that deterioration of the patients’ daily life activity has negative effects on professional performance, ability to continue daily life, financial independence, use of ordinary devices, hobbies, social relations, household chores and self-care, and as a result the patient’s performance in all these areas is progressively deteriorated.

Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Neurology Specialist Dr. Pınar Gelener Arsal stressed that dementia is not a disease itself but rather a collection of symptoms and Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of progressive dementia, although there are many reasons that may cause dementia.

Arsal underlined that the effects of normal aging on some mental abilities are expected with the increasing age and unlike patients with dementia, these individuals can maintain their daily lives independently.

Neurology Specialist Dr. Pınar Gelener Arsal said that; early stage Alzheimer’s findings are; mild but obvious forgetfulness, partial memory loss, mild disability in problem solving, identifying  similarities and differences abilities, slight deterioration in work, shopping, volunteer groups and social groups, slight deterioration in home life, hobbies and intellectual interests and slight difficulty in time management, and also stated that these people are able to carry out self-care.

Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Neurology Specialist Dr. Pınar Gelener Arsal underlined that middle-stage Alzheimer’s findings are;  moderate forgetfulness which is more prominent for recent events which affect daily activities, confusion with time or place, geographical disorientation, moderate deterioration in problem solving,  identifying  similarities and differences abilities, home life, moderate hobbies and intellectual disruptions.

At the end of her statement Arsal listed the symptoms of advanced stage Alzheimer’s cases; severe forgetfulness, difficulty in recalling new information, severe confusion with time or place,  severe deterioration in problem solving, inability to carry-out daily life independently and experiencing difficulties with using the toilet. “