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Dementia

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Chronic brain syndrome; Lewy body dementia; DLB; Vascular dementia 

Prevention:

Most causes of dementia are not preventable. The risk of vascular dementia, which is caused by a series of small strokes, can be reduced by quitting smoking and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes. Eating a low-fat diet and exercising regularly may also reduce the risk of vascular dementia. Vascular dementia may also play a role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

References:

Alva G. Alzheimer disease and other dementias. Clin Geriatr Med . 2003; 19(4): 763-76.

American Academy of Neurology. About Dementia. Neurology . 2004; 63(10); E20.

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry . 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:283-286.

Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology . 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003: 705-708.

• Review Date: 5/10/2006
• Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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