Which Imaging Test is Best for Diagnosing Dementia: CT, MRI, or PET?
Which imaging method is more accurate for diagnosing dementia: CT, MRI, or PET? I have a history of type 2 diabetes for 8 years and have been taking medication for depression for 15 years: DOXEPIN 25 mg (2 tablets) and Escitalopram 10 mg (1 tablet). I have had insomnia for 20 yea...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello: For memory function disorders, a CT scan is typically arranged, and an MRI is only ordered if there is suspicion of a stroke. PET scans are not helpful for assessing memory function.[Read More] Which Imaging Test is Best for Diagnosing Dementia: CT, MRI, or PET?
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 Cervical Spine Vascular Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Cervical vascular issues Hello, doctor. A year ago, I underwent cervical traction therapy due to cervical degeneration. However, after just one session of traction, my body began to undergo significant changes. Initially, I experienced dizziness, headaches, rapid heartbeat, insom...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if rehabilitation does not yield satisfactory results, an MRI of the cervical spine may be considered. The symptoms you mentioned may be related to cervical disc herniation, which often exacerbates nerve root pain during coughing or sneezing. A d...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Vascular Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Cervical Spine Vascular Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Cervical vascular issues Hello, doctor. A year ago, I underwent cervical traction therapy due to cervical degeneration. However, after just one session of traction, my body began to undergo significant changes. Initially, I experienced dizziness, headaches, rapid heartbeat, insom...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you choose a medical center near your home for relevant examinations. This will make it easier to compare changes over time. Additionally, the information will be more comprehensive, and it will be easier for physicians from different specialties to ...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Vascular Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Memory Lapses: Could They Indicate Early Dementia?
Forgot what I did about eight hours ago? 1. About six days ago, I seemed to have taken my daily medication (finasteride, quartered) at 8 PM, and then at 3 AM, I suddenly remembered this, but I had no clear memory of taking the medication and was uncertain if I had taken it or not...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: It is not uncommon for individuals to suddenly forget things they have just done, but later recall them at some point, albeit without a complete memory of the event (for example, remembering that they took a shower but being unsure if they washed their hair; recalling that...[Read More] Understanding Memory Lapses: Could They Indicate Early Dementia?
Understanding Parkinson's Surgery: Costs, Benefits, and Long-Term Effects
Surgery for Parkinson's Disease Hello Doctor, my mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2012 and has been on medication for many years. Recently, she has been experiencing numerous side effects, such as involuntary movements and a feeling that the medication i...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: 1. The National Health Insurance Administration included "Deep Brain Stimulators" in the health insurance benefits starting from January 1, 2015. Subsequently, on July 1, 2016, the reimbursement regulations were relaxed, removing the lifetime limit of one-time ...[Read More] Understanding Parkinson's Surgery: Costs, Benefits, and Long-Term Effects
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
Is Forgetfulness a Sign of Dementia? Understanding Early Symptoms
Dementia in the elderly Hello Dr. Hong, yesterday afternoon at work, I suddenly couldn't remember my computer's login password, which I've been using daily for the past five or six years; in fact, I had used it that morning. It took me over two hours to recall it. ...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: This indicates that there may be an issue with the retrieval aspect of your memory, which is a normal part of aging. The phenomenon where you can't quite find the words you want to say is known as the "tip-of-the-tongue" phenomenon, and it is not a disease; ...[Read More] Is Forgetfulness a Sign of Dementia? Understanding Early Symptoms
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?
Understanding Respiratory Issues and Intubation in Stroke Patients in ICU
Inquiries regarding respiratory issues caused by stroke and intubation in the intensive care unit? Hello, my father experienced weakness in his limbs and inability to speak (while conscious) on August 7 and went to the emergency room. After more than nine hours of waiting, he fin...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
If the patient truly does not want to suffer excessively, and the family wishes to alleviate the patient's discomfort after discussion, it is advisable to request the attending physician to consult the hospital's palliative care team. Since September 1, 2009, the follow...[Read More] Understanding Respiratory Issues and Intubation in Stroke Patients in ICU
Understanding Sleep Disorders: Nightmares and Body Movements Explained
Sleep concerns? Since elementary school, I have experienced nightmares where my body moves as I wake up, usually involving my legs or body. I can remember the last scene of the dream, and when I feel my body move, I immediately wake up with a racing heart. I often find myself rea...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if the body movements during the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep are caused by Parkinson's disease, patients typically have difficulty recalling the events upon waking. Your issue may warrant consideration of obstructive sleep apnea: this con...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disorders: Nightmares and Body Movements Explained
Is It Really Dementia? Understanding Cognitive Decline in Elderly Patients
Is it really dementia? My grandfather is 80 years old and has been in poor health due to a stroke he suffered two years ago. Recently, he was hospitalized for malnutrition, but the doctor mentioned that my grandfather has dementia, which has caused him to forget how to eat and dr...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: Dementia is a syndrome, not a single disease (for example, influenza is a disease caused by the influenza virus; however, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a syndrome with multiple manifestations, such as pneumocystis pneumonia, fungal infections, tumors, etc.). When a...[Read More] Is It Really Dementia? Understanding Cognitive Decline in Elderly Patients
Understanding Sudden Balance Issues: When to Seek Neurological Help
Sudden loss of balance? A few days ago, I started experiencing poor balance, consistently leaning to the left while walking and driving. Strangely, I also have difficulty counting money; I clearly counted ten bills, but when I counted again, there were two extra bills (this has h...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, due to your history of diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases, you belong to a high-risk group for stroke. If you experience sudden neurological deficits such as limb weakness or other neurological dysfunctions, the first consideration should...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Balance Issues: When to Seek Neurological Help
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
Post-Surgery Recovery After Brain Surgery: Symptoms and Concerns
Postoperative care after brain surgery? The brain sustained a concussion, and the occipital bone was removed due to intracranial hemorrhage with injury to the cerebellum. Other than that, there was a fracture of the big toe. The patient was conscious before surgery and was transf...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: I'm not sure if the patient you mentioned belongs to the elderly population, but when there is a change in consciousness in the intensive care unit, delirium should be considered. This is an acute confusional state that commonly occurs in hospitalized patients aged 65...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery After Brain Surgery: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Sundowning Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Support Strategies
Sundowning Syndrome Hello, Doctor: A few weeks ago, I was involved in a car accident where I hit an elderly person. Recently, I visited them and learned that the accident triggered dementia in the elderly individual, leading to episodes of agitation and aggression, which is refer...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: The Sundown Phenomenon may not necessarily be caused by the incident you encountered; the car accident could simply be the last straw that broke the camel's back. Sometimes, elderly individuals may experience this due to chronic cognitive decline, especially when tran...[Read More] Understanding Sundowning Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Support Strategies
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
Could My Severe Headaches Indicate a Brain Tumor?
Hello doctor, could my condition be a brain tumor? Hello, Doctor. In recent years, I have been experiencing frequent headaches. When they occur, they are quite severe, sometimes causing nausea and vomiting that affect my daily life. I often feel fatigued, dizzy, and have a sensat...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Based on your description, it is a classic case of migraine with aura. You should seek further evaluation and treatment from a neurologist. Brain tumors can present with symptoms or be asymptomatic, making it difficult to definitively rule them out. However, your headache exhibit...[Read More] Could My Severe Headaches Indicate a Brain Tumor?