Dementia, Neurology FAQ

Share to:
Struggling to Communicate: Understanding Cognitive Issues After Head Injury

Often struggles to express thoughts clearly, unable to fully articulate an event or a sentence? Hello, Doctor. About eight years ago, I lost consciousness suddenly while getting off a bus and fell to the ground, hitting my forehead against a parked motorcycle. I regained consciou...


Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, Miss: You mentioned that you are becoming increasingly forgetful, such as opening the refrigerator and suddenly forgetting what you were going to get, or switching tabs on your phone and forgetting what you were just about to do. Since this has already affected your daily ...

[Read More] Struggling to Communicate: Understanding Cognitive Issues After Head Injury


Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment: Treatment Options and Insights

Dementia Issues - Mild Cognitive Impairment Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my mother, who is currently 82 years old. Her memory has significantly declined over the past few years. Recently, she underwent a series of tests at the neurology department, where blood test re...


Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Ivy, You mentioned that "there are significant cavities in the gray matter... with an MMSE score of 22... indicating mild cognitive impairment." Regarding health insurance coverage, it is suggested that patients with an MMSE score between 10 and 26 or those cl...

[Read More] Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment: Treatment Options and Insights


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 Hydrocephalus in the Elderly: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Hydrocephalus (in the elderly) Hello, Doctor. My father (83 years old) was diagnosed with hydrocephalus last year, but during the New Year period, he exhibited symptoms such as reversed sleep-wake cycles, irritability, and delusions. Could you please tell me if hydrocephalus can ...


Dr. Peng Shiwei Reply:
The clinical manifestations of normal pressure hydrocephalus, in addition to gait instability, often include mild dementia and urinary incontinence. Early diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus and prompt drainage of cerebrospinal fluid can significantly improve the patient&#...

[Read More] Understanding Hydrocephalus in the Elderly: Symptoms and Treatment Options


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


Understanding Anxiety in Elderly Patients with Constipation: Causes and Solutions

Elderly individuals experience high anxiety regarding "not having a regular daily bowel movement." My father is 82 years old and has been experiencing significant anxiety about bowel movements for the past year. If he does not have a bowel movement early in the morning,...


Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Zoe, You mentioned, "What could be the possible causes of anxiety related to 'constipation' (pseudoconstipation)? Is it related to dementia? How can family members assist? Which specialty should we consult?" Anxiety can activate the sympathetic nervo...

[Read More] Understanding Anxiety in Elderly Patients with Constipation: Causes and Solutions


Exploring Causes of Slow Brain Waves with Normal MRI and Blood Tests

Slow wave in EEG (electroencephalogram) examination? The EEG shows slow waves, but blood tests and MRI are normal. However, there is a slight decline in attention, comprehension, and memory, not experienced throughout the entire day, with periods of clarity. After evaluations at ...


Dr. Wu Mukhan Reply:
Hello, the presence of slow waves in brain activity can have many causes, including drowsiness during the examination, cortical dysfunction, and neurological diseases (such as tumors or strokes). If you have already undergone an MRI and no significant lesions were found, that can...

[Read More] Exploring Causes of Slow Brain Waves with Normal MRI and Blood Tests


Understanding Unintentional Speech Errors in Older Adults: A Neurological Perspective

Mom often makes unintentional verbal slips? Hello Doctor: My mother is 60 years old and has been receiving treatment from a psychiatrist for some time. I am not entirely clear on her exact diagnosis, but I know she has sleep disorders. Living with her, I notice that she has a ver...


Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms mentioned, there is a suspicion of cognitive decline. Both depression and dementia may present with the aforementioned symptoms. A differential diagnosis is necessary for treatment, and it is recommended to visit a neurology outpatient clinic.

[Read More] Understanding Unintentional Speech Errors in Older Adults: A Neurological Perspective


Understanding Dementia: The Impact of Chronic Pain and Head Injuries

Dementia issues Hello Doctor, I am inquiring on behalf of my 73-year-old grandfather who was diagnosed with "mild dementia" by a neurologist within the past five months. On February 6, 2023, he fell and hit his head, experiencing a moment of altered consciousness. Subse...


Dr. Peng Shiwei Reply:
Hello, thank you for your concern about grandpa. However, since I am unable to diagnose patients online, I cannot provide you with an appropriate answer regarding whether grandpa's cognitive decline is due to long-term pain or a combination of various factors. It would be mo...

[Read More] Understanding Dementia: The Impact of Chronic Pain and Head Injuries


Understanding Rapid Dementia After Head Injury: Pain's Role Explained

Dementia issues Hello Dr. Wu, At the beginning of this year, my father was involved in a motorcycle accident where he sustained a head injury and was unconscious. A CT scan of the brain was performed in the emergency department, which showed no abnormalities. However, one month...


Dr. Wu Mukhan Reply:
Hello, according to current research, chronic pain or head trauma can indeed lead to long-term cognitive decline (dementia) as a consequence. However, it is challenging to establish a direct causal relationship between dementia and these factors in medical terms, especially since...

[Read More] Understanding Rapid Dementia After Head Injury: Pain's Role Explained


Can Piracetam Help Improve Brain Development in Adults?

Piracetam medication consultation? I am 27 years old and have attention deficit disorder. I have been taking Strattera and Piracetam. I have experienced slower cerebellar development compared to my peers, which has led to poor learning and comprehension abilities, affecting my wo...


Dr. Peng Shiwei Reply:
Hello, based on your question, I searched the medical literature. Although I may not be able to fully answer your question, here are some references for your consideration: 1. It is generally believed that "Nootropics" are cognitive enhancers. While they may not direct...

[Read More] Can Piracetam Help Improve Brain Development in Adults?


Neck Issues Impacting Brain and Vision: A Neurology Consultation Guide

Consultation for Brain and Eye Issues Related to Cervical Spine Problems The elderly patient has been taking dementia medication since last year and has recently experienced discomfort in the head and blurred vision. A cervical spine X-ray was performed, and the report indicates ...


Dr. Peng Shiwei Reply:
Hello, based on your cervical X-ray, I would also recommend focusing on rehabilitation therapy. Cervical degeneration typically does not cause dizziness. If you are concerned about inadequate blood flow from the carotid or vertebral arteries, you may consult a neurologist to eval...

[Read More] Neck Issues Impacting Brain and Vision: A Neurology Consultation Guide


Managing Parkinson's Disease: Addressing Anxiety and Daily Challenges

Parkinson's disease Dear Dr. Jiang, My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease last August at the age of 66. She has had long-standing insomnia issues and has a naturally introverted and anxious personality. It wasn't until last year that she experienced wea...


Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, You mentioned, "Heavy metal testing, due to living in the countryside and working in hotel housekeeping for 25 years. If there has indeed been excessive exposure and treatment, would it improve symptoms, and would her mood improve?" For atypical Parkins...

[Read More] Managing Parkinson's Disease: Addressing Anxiety and Daily Challenges


Understanding Hand Numbness and Memory Lapses in Seniors

Numbness in the hands and brief episodes of mental blankness? Hello, my father is 68 years old and has been experiencing insomnia and numbness in his hands for about six months. Recently, while playing Mahjong with friends at night, he found it difficult to arrange the tiles. He ...


Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: You mentioned that "you found it difficult to arrange the Mahjong tiles... and your father is concerned whether it is dementia." This symptom is indeed indicative of cognitive dysfunction. Clinically, we would inquire about the patient's medical history and ...

[Read More] Understanding Hand Numbness and Memory Lapses in Seniors


Understanding Dementia: Discrepancies in PET and SPECT Imaging Results

Is it dementia? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing sleep disturbances since November of last year, along with afternoon dizziness and brain fog. Despite consulting various doctors, no cause has been identified. In January of this year, I started taking psychiatric medication,...


Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: FDG-PET and ECD-SPECT are both functional imaging tests that provide information about the current metabolic state of the brain. The image quality can vary significantly between different machines, and there may also be differences in interpretation among various physician...

[Read More] Understanding Dementia: Discrepancies in PET and SPECT Imaging Results


Understanding the Differences Between Brain MRI and Head MRI: A Comprehensive Guide

The difference between a brain MRI and a head MRI lies primarily in the focus of the imaging. A brain MRI specifically targets the brain tissue, providing detailed images of the brain's structure, including the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and The first time I sought medical...


Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, Miss: You mentioned "dizziness, vertigo, unilateral tinnitus, and wanting to check for Alzheimer's atrophy, whether there is a stroke, acoustic neuroma, or brain tumor; what kind of imaging should be done for a comprehensive evaluation?" These issues can gen...

[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Brain MRI and Head MRI: A Comprehensive Guide


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


Is This Delusion? Understanding Cognitive Changes After Stroke

Is this a delusional disorder? Hello, Dr. Hong: My father-in-law had a minor stroke last month, and his condition is currently very stable. His speech and walking are all normal. However, recently I've noticed that he often confuses things. For example, when there is road co...


Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: This may indicate cognitive impairment, as the patient seems to exhibit delusions and misidentifications. It is advisable to seek assistance from a neurologist or psychiatrist. Hong Wei-bin

[Read More] Is This Delusion? Understanding Cognitive Changes After Stroke


Can Tooth Extraction Affect Mental Health and Cognitive Function?

Dementia? Hello doctor, after having two teeth extracted last year, my mental state has been very poor, and I have experienced difficulties with memory, cognition, and awareness. I later found some information suggesting a connection between teeth and the brain. Can you tell me i...


Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Ashu, You asked, "Can tooth extraction really change a person's mental state?" Many case reports suggest that poor dental hygiene may increase the risk of dementia. However, systematic reviews indicate that the evidence is insufficient to draw such concl...

[Read More] Can Tooth Extraction Affect Mental Health and Cognitive Function?


Understanding Head Trauma: Recovery Time and Memory Issues in Seniors

Head trauma An elderly family member (approximately 71 years old) was struck by a motorcycle while walking, resulting in an external injury above the right ear, with some minor internal bleeding and air present. After being hospitalized for two weeks, he has been discharged home,...


Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang, You mentioned that there is trauma in the upper right area behind your ear, with some minor internal bleeding and air present. After being hospitalized for two weeks, you have been discharged home, but your memory remains confused. You are wondering if this is re...

[Read More] Understanding Head Trauma: Recovery Time and Memory Issues in Seniors


Page Next