Is It Dementia? Understanding Sudden Memory Loss in the Elderly
Is it Alzheimer's disease? Dear Doctor, my grandmother is 87 years old. At the beginning of this month, one night she suddenly exhibited signs of inappropriate laughter, appeared very fatigued, had an unsteady gait, and was unable to recognize family members or her surroundi...
Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello, 1. Your grandmother is 87 years old, and the likelihood of developing dementia is quite high. According to studies from abroad, over 20% of individuals aged 80 and above have dementia. 2. The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer's disease (accounting for 50...[Read More] Is It Dementia? Understanding Sudden Memory Loss in the Elderly
Health Risks of Dehydration in Seniors: Concerns and Solutions
What health issues can arise from elderly individuals not drinking enough water? Hello, my grandmother is 95 years old and usually only eats congee for her three meals (due to poor dental health). Occasionally, she eats some fruit. Additionally, she does not drink plain water eve...
Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello, Mr. Yeh. 1. Elderly individuals often drink insufficient water, which can lead to dehydration and an elevated concentration of metabolic waste in the blood. Blood tests may reveal abnormalities in kidney function tests (BUN/creatinine > 20). 2. If dehydration become...[Read More] Health Risks of Dehydration in Seniors: Concerns and Solutions
Understanding Excessive Sleepiness in Elderly: Causes and Solutions
Elderly individuals experiencing excessive sleepiness? Dear Dr. Ouyang, My father is 78 years old and recently, possibly due to the cold weather or other reasons, he has been frequently sleeping deeply and not waking up, missing both breakfast and lunch. He has previously been e...
Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello, Liu Zu-Jie. It is true that a significant proportion of individuals with dementia (currently referred to as cognitive impairment) experience sleep issues, including insomnia, hypersomnia, and problems with circadian rhythms. Your father’s hypersomnia may require further in...[Read More] Understanding Excessive Sleepiness in Elderly: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Pain in Centenarians: When to Seek Medical Advice
Aging? Hello, Dr. Shen. My grandmother is 100 years old and has dementia. She usually does not like to move but can still walk by herself. She has no other health issues and is not taking any supplements. She only visited a traditional Chinese medicine doctor last month for a col...
Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello, Xiaoyu. Individuals with dementia can also have physical illnesses and have the right to seek medical treatment. Your grandmother is experiencing pain in her hands and feet, which raises concerns about poor peripheral circulation or peripheral neuropathy due to deficiencie...[Read More] Understanding Pain in Centenarians: When to Seek Medical Advice
Improving Weakness and Numbness in Elderly Hands and Feet
Weakness in the limbs? Grandpa often complains of weakness and numbness in his hands. What can the doctor do to improve these symptoms?
Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Johnson should be over 65 years old! He often complains of "weakness and numbness in his hands," which may indicate poor cerebral and peripheral blood circulation or a potential stroke. Additionally, some elderly individuals with dementia and depression may present with...[Read More] Improving Weakness and Numbness in Elderly Hands and Feet
Understanding and Supporting Elderly Relatives with Hallucinations and Memory Issues
Elderly individuals at home? My grandmother (85 years old) has started to exhibit a state where she converses with imagined people since yesterday, as if she is talking to the air and interacting with it. In terms of memory, she does not have a clear understanding of her current ...
Dr. Shen Zhengnan Reply:
Mr. Lin may be exhibiting signs of dementia. It is best to consult a psychiatrist to determine the underlying causes. Learning caregiving techniques and providing reality orientation can be helpful, but in severe cases, medication treatment may be necessary.[Read More] Understanding and Supporting Elderly Relatives with Hallucinations and Memory Issues
Understanding Memory Decline in the Elderly: What to Do Next?
Could you please provide more details about the symptoms? Doctor, my grandmother has started showing signs of memory decline over the past six months. She is currently 84 years old, and since I am the only one at home with her, I can clearly notice that she seems to be getting fo...
Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello Theolin, your mother is experiencing gradual memory decline and is already 84 years old, which makes it very likely that she has Alzheimer's disease, similar to former President Reagan. Currently, there are medications available for treatment, and after an evaluation b...[Read More] Understanding Memory Decline in the Elderly: What to Do Next?
Managing Sleep Disorders and Depression in the Elderly: A Clinical Perspective
Sleep disorders in the elderly, depression in the elderly? Currently, at Chimei Hospital, the patient is taking the following medications: in the morning, one tablet of Sulpiride 50 mg and one tablet of Fluoxetine 20 mg for depression, along with antihypertensive and osteoporosis...
Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello, Miss Hsiang-Lan. I would like to know the age of the person you are inquiring about. If they are over 65 years old and experiencing insomnia, depression, or memory issues, they can schedule an initial consultation with our geriatric psychiatry specialists at our hospital. ...[Read More] Managing Sleep Disorders and Depression in the Elderly: A Clinical Perspective
Is Memory Decline Normal at 44? Understanding Cognitive Health
Is it normal to experience degenerative changes at the age of 44? Hello! It's nice to connect with someone from Caotun. I have a question that I hope you can help me with! My mom is currently 43 years old. She has had some minor memory lapses in the past, but recently she ha...
Dr. Shen Zhengnan Reply:
Hello, based on what you described, it seems more like normal forgetfulness. If it does not affect daily life or work performance, there is no need to worry too much. It’s important to check for anxiety or depressive symptoms, as well as issues like distractibility, lack of focus...[Read More] Is Memory Decline Normal at 44? Understanding Cognitive Health
Navigating Alzheimer's Care: Seeking Disability Certification for Severe Cases
Dementia Hello! I would like to inquire about dementia issues. My grandmother has been diagnosed with brain atrophy and has been classified as a patient with Alzheimer's disease for over two years, with her condition progressively worsening. Additionally, she has diabetes an...
Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello, Guo Guo. Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia, and you can certainly apply for a disability certificate under the dementia category. This type of disability assessment can be conducted by psychiatrists at specialized teaching hospitals, such as our institution (C...[Read More] Navigating Alzheimer's Care: Seeking Disability Certification for Severe Cases
Understanding Medication Side Effects in Elderly Patients: A Guide
Side effects of medications? Hello Doctor: Following your advice, I took my grandmother to see a doctor, but after taking the following medications: Supride, Dogmatyl, Nicergoline, and Sermion, she experienced body weakness, generalized fatigue, and was unable to move, even strug...
Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello, regarding elderly patients with dementia, they are very sensitive to medications. The choice of medication and dosage should start from the minimum effective dose and be increased slowly. It is advisable to prefer newer generation antipsychotic medications. Supride and Dog...[Read More] Understanding Medication Side Effects in Elderly Patients: A Guide
Caring for an Elderly Relative: Signs of Dementia and What to Do
Elderly individuals with dementia at home? My grandmother at home is 92 years old and, considering her physical condition, she is doing quite well. Her mental state is also relatively stable; she can still walk around with a cane. However, recently I have been concerned that she ...
Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello, Xiao Fei! Your grandmother may indeed have dementia, specifically Alzheimer's disease. The likelihood of developing dementia increases with age, and by the age of 85 and older, approximately 20% of individuals may have dementia. Your grandmother's tendency to onl...[Read More] Caring for an Elderly Relative: Signs of Dementia and What to Do
Understanding Alzheimer's: Key Questions and Concerns for Caregivers
Questions about dementia in the elderly? I am very concerned about my mother's recent condition, as it seems to be a precursor to dementia. I have researched some information online, but I still want to understand a few things: 1. Are there any methods to confirm her conditi...
Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello, Ms. Wu. Dementia, currently referred to as cognitive impairment, is a degenerative brain disease. The main symptom is poor recent memory, while long-term memory may still be intact. If your mother’s memory has been consistently poor for more than six months and seems to be...[Read More] Understanding Alzheimer's: Key Questions and Concerns for Caregivers
Understanding Dementia: Symptoms, Age of Onset, and Prevention Tips
Dementia in the elderly At what age do symptoms of dementia typically begin to appear in the elderly? What are the common symptoms? Are there any nutritional supplements or health products that can help prevent it? Could you provide some recommendations? Thanks!
Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello Wanrong: (1) The most common types of dementia in the elderly are vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease, which together account for 80-85% of all dementia cases. Vascular dementia typically occurs gradually or suddenly after a stroke, with onset not strictly age-d...[Read More] Understanding Dementia: Symptoms, Age of Onset, and Prevention Tips
Understanding Dementia: Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis in Seniors
Is it dementia? My grandfather is 76 years old. Since the beginning of December, he has frequently been unaware of what he is doing. Initially, he could still recognize family members, but in recent days, he not only fails to recognize them but also has become very irritable, oft...
Dr. Lin Yanhong Reply:
Hello: Your grandfather started showing changes only in early December. If there were no prior warning signs, this should still be considered an acute change, and organic factors cannot be ruled out. A normal EEG does not necessarily mean there is no issue. A detailed neurologica...[Read More] Understanding Dementia: Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis in Seniors
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