Dementia Specialist
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North Texas Internal Medicine Specialists
Internal Medicine located in Plano, TX
The memory loss, confusion, and personality changes typical of dementia are difficult and distressing for both the patient and their loved ones. A knowledgeable, compassionate doctor makes all the difference. Mihaela Perijoc, MD, MHA, of North Texas Internal Medicine Specialists in Plano, Texas, is a highly qualified functional medicine specialist who uses a combination of therapies to improve the lives of people with dementia and their families. Call Dr. Perijoc today to arrange a consultation or book an appointment online.
Dementia Q & A
What is dementia?
Dementia is a collection of symptoms, rather than a specific disease. People often associate dementia with memory loss, but that alone isn’t sufficient for a diagnosis. Other symptoms of dementia include:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Problems communicating
- Reduced planning and organizational skills
- Difficulties reasoning and problem-solving
- Inability to cope with complex or challenging tasks
- Personality changes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Behaving inappropriately
- Paranoia
- Agitation
Family members and friends often notice the early instances of memory loss even when the person with dementia hasn’t picked up on the condition. Eventually, memory loss may become so severe that patients don’t recognize close friends and family.
What causes dementia?
Dementia results from nerve cell damage that occurs in different parts of the brain and the effects of dementia vary according to where the nerve cell damage originates.
Most causes of dementia are progressive diseases such as:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
Some people have a combination of different conditions called mixed dementia.
Other conditions that may cause dementia include:
- Huntington's disease
- Traumatic brain injury
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
- Parkinson's disease
If dementia develops as a result of other causes such as infection, an immune disorder, metabolic problem, or endocrine abnormality, symptoms may be reversible.
What treatments are available for dementia?
If your dementia is due to one of the reversible causes, then Dr. Perijoc can treat your condition and reverse the effects of dementia.
In other cases, she uses medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine to improve brain function and reduce symptoms. Dr. Perijoc may also recommend medication for symptoms to treat sleeping difficulties, agitation, and depression.
In addition to medication, therapeutic interventions can help you cope with dementia. An occupational therapist can help make sure your home is a safe environment and teach you coping strategies. Innovative forms of treatment like art and music therapy are also available.
People with dementia tend to prefer quieter surroundings and familiar routines, and they will need help with an increasing number of everyday tasks as dementia progresses. Knowing you have dementia and learning to cope is a challenging task, and caring for a loved one with dementia is a highly stressful experience.
Find out how Dr. Perijoc can help you during this difficult time by arranging an appointment to discuss your options. Call North Texas Internal Medicine Specialists today or use the online booking tool.
