If you or a loved one struggle with memory problems and you suspect dementia is to blame, turn to Golden Oak Medicine in Asheville, North Carolina. Kate Marshall, MD, Golnosh Sharafsaleh, MD, MS, AGSF, FAAFP, and their expert team can help you better manage dementia and reduce the risk of disease progression. Call the office to learn more or book an appointment online today.
Common dementia signs and symptoms include:
Complications that can occur because of dementia include poor nutrition, difficulty swallowing, choking, poor personal hygiene, safety challenges, and a higher risk of pneumonia.
Common causes of dementia include:
Some causes of dementia are reversible, while others aren’t. See the team at Golden Oak Medicine at the first sign of memory issues.
Many factors can increase your risk of developing dementia. Examples include:
Your risk of developing dementia increases with low levels of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, or vitamin D.
To diagnose dementia and develop a treatment plan if needed, the Golden Oak Medicine team discusses your medical history and symptoms. They complete lab tests, a physical exam, cognitive and neurological evaluations, psychiatric assessments, and more if necessary.
Your specialist may recommend a CT scan, PET scan, MRI, or other imaging procedures to get a more in-depth picture of your brain’s health.
While there’s no cure for many types of dementia, treatment can reduce symptoms and help you or a loved one better manage their disease. Examples include:
Adopting healthy habits can reduce your risk of dementia symptoms and disease progression. Eat healthy foods, get regular exercise and plenty of sleep, keep your mind active with brain-stimulating exercises, take supplements if your doctor recommends it, and stay socially active. Avoid smoking and manage heart-disease risk factors, depression, or anxiety.
Taking certain medicines can reduce symptoms associated with dementia or delay disease progression.
Examples of therapies commonly used to reduce dementia include occupational therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, modifying your environment, and simplifying tasks. Your geriatric specialist personalizes each treatment to ensure the best outcome.
To get evaluated or treated for dementia, call the Golden Oak Medicine office or schedule an appointment online today.
