Conditions Treated
Conditions Treated
Cognition involves a group of key brain functions including memory, concentration, problem solving, judgement, language skills, spatial awareness and socially appropriate behaviour.
At SMS we accept referrals for patients with concerns regarding their cognition.
Patients with MCI are at a higher risk of developing dementia in the years to come and require ongoing review. There are a significant proportion of patients with MCI whose symptoms do not progress on to dementia.
At SMS we identify patients with concerning MCI symptoms using a combination of detailed history taking, cognitive testing and imaging. In all patients we take a proactive approach and discuss early instigation of lifestyle measures such as exercise and encouraging social interactions. We address any modifiable exacerbating factors such as obstructive sleep apnoea, depression, and hearing impairment, and can provide education and strategies to help our patients with MCI to manage their condition.
Some common symptoms include memory loss for recent events, disorientation to time, navigational issues, word-finding difficulties, problem-solving difficulties and personality change. Anxiety and mood changes can often occur early in the course of the condition.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition. In the early stages it can interfere with a person’s ability to complete their daily tasks, and over time they will become more dependent on others for assistance. There are some treatments and interventions that may help those with Alzheimer’s disease, but unfortunately, there is currently no cure.
As the name suggests, DLB is caused by the build-up of Lewy body protein in the brain. This is the same disease process as is seen in Parkinson’s disease, but in DLB early build up occurs the surface structures of the brain (cortices) which are important in memory, thinking and visual processing. In Parkinson’s disease motor symptoms arise first as a result of deep brain structure involvement.
There are some treatments that help symptoms. There are also key medications to avoid that can worsen symptoms. This dementia can also easily worsen suddenly in the setting of other medical problems like mild infection.
Most people are aware that strokes can cause physical disabilities, but cognitive symptoms following on from a stroke are under-recognized yet common. Post-stroke cognitive impairment can affect a person’s ability to complete everyday tasks such as dressing, cooking a meal, and working.
Cognitive symptoms can occur suddenly following a stroke, or more gradually over time with the build up of vascular damage to deep wiring areas of the brain (small vessel disease). This can result in gradually progressive memory, behavioural and problem solving difficulties.
Vascular changes in the brain often occur alongside other brain conditions, including other forms of dementia such as Alzhiemer’s disease.
Patients with bvFTD often experience a delay in obtaining a diagnosis. This type of dementia is often mistaken for a “midlife crisis” or depression. Symptoms include poor insight, personality change, inappropriate behavior (loss of “social filter”), compulsive repetitive acts (hoarding, collecting), lack of initiation in pursuing interests and hobbies (apathy), poor judgement, and planning. There can also be a change in food preference including a tendency to have fixed food preferences and an intense sweet food drive. There is less impact on memory in the early stages of the condition than is typically seen in Alzheimer’s disease.
For more information on genetics please see Is dementia inherited ?
Posterior cortical atrophy is a visual variant of Alzheimer’s disease with typical onset between ages 50 and 65. PCA involves progressive damage to the posterior (back of the brain) structures causing atrophy (shrinkage). Early symptoms may include excessive visual glare, difficulties with depth and spatial perception, judging distances and reading. These visual symptoms can have a significant impact on daily life. Often patients are mistakenly thought to have an eye issue and anxiety is a common feature. Over time other areas of cognition, such as memory and language, become affected.