Understanding SPECT Cerebral Perfusion Scan Results for Dementia Diagnosis
CEREBRAL PERFUSION SCAN WITH SPECT Report Consultation Dear Doctor, Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Below are the results of my father's (78 years old) Cerebral Perfusion Scan with SPECT conducted on February 21, 2024. I would like to inquire about the...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin, Has your father’s condition progressed to Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease due to his illness? The report you provided indicates that there seems to be a diagnosis of Alzheimer's based on imaging. There is a noted decrease in cerebral bloo...[Read More] Understanding SPECT Cerebral Perfusion Scan Results for Dementia Diagnosis
Understanding SPECT Cerebral Perfusion Scan Results in Dementia Diagnosis
CEREBRAL PERFUSION SCAN WITH SPECT REPORT INQUIRY Dear Doctor, Thank you for taking the time to assist with my inquiries. Below are the results from my father's (78 years old) Cerebral Perfusion Scan with SPECT conducted on February 21, 2024. I would like to ask the followi...
Dr. Peng Shiwei Reply:
Each individual's condition and physical status are different, so it is advisable to discuss with the elder's original attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding SPECT Cerebral Perfusion Scan Results in Dementia Diagnosis
Sudden Weakness and Unconsciousness in Elderly: Causes and Risks
Sudden paralysis and coma? The patient is 87 years old and has moderate Alzheimer's disease. At the end of 2022, he was diagnosed with aortic regurgitation, with no follow-up appointments. He has experienced two episodes (one year apart) of sudden loss of consciousness and w...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Ms. Huang, You mentioned experiencing "sudden loss of consciousness and weakness for about 5-10 minutes." I'm wondering if blood pressure and heart rate monitoring were conducted at that time? This symptom should be considered as a sign of syncope, with the ...[Read More] Sudden Weakness and Unconsciousness in Elderly: Causes and Risks
Understanding Taste Changes: Neurological Insights for Seniors
Oral issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my father who has recently experienced a lack of taste for the first bite of food, but the second bite tastes normal. He is 55 years old and has a history of hypertension and myocardial infarction. He also has cold symptoms with...
Dr. Peng Shiwei Reply:
If you experience changes in taste, it is recommended to seek evaluation from a neurologist, a gastroenterologist specializing in liver and biliary disorders, or an otolaryngologist (ENT). Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Taste Changes: Neurological Insights for Seniors
Managing Mild Dementia: Strategies for Caregivers and Health Concerns
Could you please clarify the relationship between dementia and occasional shortness of breath along with feelings of weakness? Hello Doctor, recently my father took my mother to the hospital for a neurology examination, and the doctor informed us that my mother has mild dementia....
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: In addition to pharmacological treatment for dementia, there are non-pharmacological interventions, including occupational therapy, cognitive training, reminiscence therapy, art therapy, and social activities, among others. You can contact the dementia care centers or long...[Read More] Managing Mild Dementia: Strategies for Caregivers and Health Concerns
Understanding Dementia and Hydrocephalus: Key Questions and Insights
Consultation regarding dementia (suspected to be caused by hydrocephalus)? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about my father, who is 63 years old and has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia for over a year. His main symptoms include significant short-term memory decline and...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: Diagnosing dementia requires not only imaging studies but also a thorough assessment of the patient's clinical symptoms and disease progression to make an accurate diagnosis. Generally, if dementia is caused by normal pressure hydrocephalus, the patient often presents...[Read More] Understanding Dementia and Hydrocephalus: Key Questions and Insights
Can Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease Be Achieved?
Can dementia be detected early? I recently saw news online that people with herpes labialis have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. I've had herpes labialis since childhood, and it's been several decades now. Sometimes I worry about developing dementi...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: At 30 years old, your chances of developing dementia are very low. There are some early-onset genetic markers that can be tested, but if there is no family history, early testing is not recommended. For patients who exhibit symptoms, we typically inquire about their medica...[Read More] Can Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease Be Achieved?
Understanding the Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide
Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia There are multiple articles online, each describing slightly different symptoms. What are the symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia? Thank you for your response, doctor.
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: I suggest you start with Professor Wu Rui-mei's article. http://www.pdcenterntuh.org.tw/UpLoad/F122015012716204432.pdf An excerpt from it: Diffuse Lewy Body Dementia (DLBD) is characterized by dementia symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease, combined with motor ...[Read More] Understanding the Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding PET Scans for Dementia Diagnosis: A Patient's Guide
Dementia Self-Paid PET Scan I have a history of type 2 diabetes for 8 years and have been taking tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) and Lyrica for depression for 15 years, but I still experience insomnia and do not achieve deep sleep. I have a history of smoking. My grandmother pass...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many types of PET scans, and typically, the PET/CT scans performed at health check-up centers are used to detect suspected tumors throughout the body, not to assess for dementia. 2. You need to check if the hospital offers PET scans for dementia. Currently, th...[Read More] Understanding PET Scans for Dementia Diagnosis: A Patient's Guide
Which Imaging Test is Best for Diagnosing Dementia: CT, MRI, or PET?
Which imaging technique is more accurate for diagnosing dementia: CT, MRI, or PET? I have a history of type 2 diabetes for 8 years, depression for 20 years, and insomnia without deep sleep for that duration. I have a history of smoking. My grandmother passed away from dementia. M...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: 1. If there are issues with a head computed tomography (CT) scan that cannot be resolved, a head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be arranged for further examination. If the CT scan shows no problems, then an MRI may not be necessary. Arranging for examinations must ...[Read More] Which Imaging Test is Best for Diagnosing Dementia: CT, MRI, or PET?
Which Imaging Test is Best for Dementia Diagnosis: CT, MRI, or PET?
Which imaging technique is more accurate for diagnosing dementia: CT, MRI, or PET? I have a history of type 2 diabetes for 8 years, depression for 20 years, and insomnia without deep sleep for that duration. I have a history of smoking. My grandmother passed away from dementia. M...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, here are the answers to your questions. Question 1: I visited a neurologist, but they only agreed to arrange a brain CT scan. The MRI doctor said I would have to pay out of pocket. Why is that? Answer: The conditions for insurance coverage for an MRI typically require t...[Read More] Which Imaging Test is Best for Dementia Diagnosis: CT, MRI, or PET?
Understanding Early Signs of Dementia: A Guide for Caregivers
Dementia issues Hello, doctor. My grandmother is 75 years old. About six months ago, I noticed that she sometimes forgets things, like when she bought tofu and left it in her scooter, only to realize it the next day. However, this doesn't happen very often, just occasionally...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: If you notice any abnormalities in your memory, it is advisable to consult a neurologist for discussion. Alzheimer's disease primarily affects memory function. Generally, the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) focuses more on orientation and is less ef...[Read More] Understanding Early Signs of Dementia: A Guide for Caregivers
Does Cooking with Aluminum Pots Increase Dementia Risk?
Aluminum cookware issues? Doctor, I would like to ask if cooking porridge in aluminum pots increases the risk of dementia in the elderly? I have searched on Google, but I still feel worried. Recently, I have been eating at a porridge place near my home that uses aluminum pots! Th...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
According to a systematic review from 2015 titled "ALUMINUM AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: A COMPREHENSIVE META-ANALYSIS" by Sohaib A. et al., which collected data from 37 studies conducted between 1980 and 2012 involving 1,227 cases (621 Alzheimer's disease patients), i...[Read More] Does Cooking with Aluminum Pots Increase Dementia Risk?
Can Nucleic Acid Drinks Prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's disease Hello Dr. Jiang: I have friends and family introducing a nucleic acid drink called Natural DN Collagen from Japan, claiming that nucleic acids can prevent and improve Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. I would like to ask you, Dr. Jian...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: According to the product introduction from For Days LLC, "Natural DN Collagen" utilizes a unique water-soluble patented technology combined with nucleic acid (DNA, RNA) components in a health drink. It is based on salmon essence extract (containing DNA) and is ba...[Read More] Can Nucleic Acid Drinks Prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease?
Can Frequent Hits to the Back of the Head Affect My Brain Function?
Frequently hit on the back of the head? Hello, doctor: I am currently in high school, but my classmates often make fun of me and frequently hit the back of my head (quite hard, and it makes me feel dizzy). This has been happening for almost a year... I would like to know if this ...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: Chronic head trauma can indeed lead to brain damage and even pose a risk of intracranial hemorrhage, which over time may result in cognitive decline. Foreign studies have found that individuals who experience head injuries at a young age, such as boxers or football players...[Read More] Can Frequent Hits to the Back of the Head Affect My Brain Function?
Can Mild Concussion Lead to Dementia? Expert Insights
Will mild traumatic brain injury lead to dementia? Hello Dr. Jiang, I would like to ask if a person who has been pushed and falls to the ground, experiencing dizziness similar to a mild concussion, is at risk of developing dementia?
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: The causes of dementia are divided into primary degenerative dementia (accounting for about 70-80%) and secondary dementia (accounting for about 10-20%). Primary degenerative dementia refers to the degeneration or pathology of brain neurons, but the true underlying causes ...[Read More] Can Mild Concussion Lead to Dementia? Expert Insights
Essential Tests for Stroke and Dementia in Elderly Patients
Examination items for stroke/dementia in the elderly? Hello, my mother is 73 years old. Last month, she had a cold and visited a clinic near our home for medication. The following afternoon, she went out as usual but did not return home for a long time. In the evening, family mem...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your concern for your mother is truly touching. Based on your description, it seems that your mother is experiencing acute altered mental status (personality changes, slowed movements). Your neurologist is correct; potential causes could include...[Read More] Essential Tests for Stroke and Dementia in Elderly Patients
Is Alzheimer's Disease Contagious? Debunking Common Myths
Scientific Research: Is Alzheimer's Disease Highly Likely to Be Infectious? Doctor, due to my mother's dementia, I often search for articles about dementia online, but I frequently come across some strange articles. One of them claims that dementia is contagious. To my ...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your question. This is a very interesting topic that deserves further exploration and discussion. Indeed, it is currently believed that many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, Huntington...[Read More] Is Alzheimer's Disease Contagious? Debunking Common Myths
Understanding Organic Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: Key Differences
Organic dementia and Alzheimer's disease? Hello, doctor: Is organic dementia the same as Alzheimer's disease? What does the term "organic" refer to? What is the relationship between organic psychosis and organic dementia? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Alzheimer's disease is classified as a primary form of dementia, excluding all secondary causes such as stroke, encephalitis, tumors, trauma, and metabolic disorders. Organic dementia refers to dementia caused by identifiable factors, such as those mentioned above.[Read More] Understanding Organic Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: Key Differences
Can Alzheimer's Medications Treat Other Dementia Types?
Alzheimer's disease medication issues? Hello, doctor: May I ask if the dementia medications covered by health insurance, donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Reminyl), are all aimed at treating cognitive function? Are these medications only for patien...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
According to the pharmacological effects, as you mentioned, there is significant assistance for cognitive function. Other types of dementia may be mixed types, and some may also include Alzheimer's-related brain changes; in such cases, there should be a certain degree of eff...[Read More] Can Alzheimer's Medications Treat Other Dementia Types?