How to Address Potential Mental Health Issues in Relatives?
How to handle it? Hello, doctor: Relative A does not live in the old home but is registered there. Whenever other relatives return to the old home, he calls the police to report that someone has emptied his house. This has happened several times. The local police are aware that h...
Dr. Wang Yixiang Reply:
Hello, it is not possible to determine the presence of a mental illness solely based on these judgments, as conditions such as dementia, delusional disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse can exhibit similar symptoms. It is recommended that you take your relative to a psychi...[Read More] How to Address Potential Mental Health Issues in Relatives?
Is It Dementia or Just Poor Memory? Understanding Cognitive Issues
Is it dementia or just poor memory? I have never had a great memory, but recently it has become even more exaggerated. Despite reminders, I still cannot recall certain events. Here are the details: 1. I forgot how my daughter got home after school the previous day. When I asked h...
Dr. Xiao Minghong Reply:
Dear Miss Ya, According to statistics, the prevalence of dementia in individuals under 65 years of age is approximately 0.1% based on data from the International Alzheimer's Association. If you do not have a significant family history of dementia, a history of alcohol use, ...[Read More] Is It Dementia or Just Poor Memory? Understanding Cognitive Issues
Understanding Dementia Medication Coverage and Exceptions in Taiwan
Dementia medication reimbursement Hello, Doctor: I would like to inquire about medications for dementia, as follows: 1. Regarding the medications for dementia treatment - acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine), I saw on the National Health Insura...
Dr. Wang Xiumei Reply:
The assessment of medical history can be used when there is comorbidity of Alzheimer's disease or Lewy body dementia. Patients can pay out of pocket at the hospital.[Read More] Understanding Dementia Medication Coverage and Exceptions in Taiwan
Caring for Elderly Bipolar Patients: Challenges and Solutions
Care for Elderly Patients with Bipolar Disorder Hello, Doctor: My mother is a patient with bipolar disorder, and she has been suffering from the illness, taking medication, and hospitalized for over ten years (though I am not sure of the exact duration, as I was not the primary c...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
Patients with bipolar disorder have a higher likelihood of developing dementia in old age compared to the general population. The specific reasons for this are currently unclear. If this is the case, treatment and care should be approached from the perspective of dementia. Regard...[Read More] Caring for Elderly Bipolar Patients: Challenges and Solutions
Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Next Steps for Care
Dad may have bipolar disorder? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question. My father has always had a rather impatient personality and a strong sense of masculinity. In recent years, those around him have noticed that his temper has become more irritable, easily angered, and s...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Di: My father is clearly not suffering from bipolar disorder, as he does not exhibit the manic and depressive episodes characteristic of the condition. Many people mistakenly believe that feeling irritable equates to bipolar disorder, but this is not the case. Bipolar...[Read More] Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Next Steps for Care
Unconscious Name Repetition: Understanding Possible Psychiatric Symptoms
Unconsciously mentioning a person's name? Hello, I would like to ask about my father. Recently, he seems to unconsciously mention a girl's name that none of us recognize. I haven't asked him who this person is, but he often makes sounds or calls out her name withou...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, the information provided in your question is somewhat insufficient for making a medical judgment, making it difficult to provide a definitive answer. Although you mentioned that your father is speaking unconsciously, it is still important to ask him why he is mentioning th...[Read More] Unconscious Name Repetition: Understanding Possible Psychiatric Symptoms
Understanding the Risks of Sleeping Pills and Dementia in Middle Age
Sleeping pills and dementia? Hello, my mother is currently around 50 years old and has been taking sleeping pills for several years, approximately four years. I once read in a health magazine (I can't remember if it was Health Magazine) about the many side effects of sleepin...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, 1. The immediate side effects of using sleeping pills include sedation, muscle weakness leading to falls, impaired memory, and lack of coordination, among others. 2. Numerous studies have shown a correlation between the use of anxiolytics and sleeping medications and th...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Sleeping Pills and Dementia in Middle Age
Understanding Aggressive Behavior in Elderly Patients: When to Seek Help
Aggressive behavior towards a specific target? My father is 70 years old and has been experiencing memory decline, poor appetite, and poor sleep quality since last year. Midway through this year, I noticed that he started to mumble to himself silently and would fall into deep tho...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, at this age, the onset of degeneration has started for some time, and the appearance of psychiatric symptoms is quite common among elderly individuals with dementia. The symptoms he has recently exhibited typically respond quickly and well to medication treatment, so it is...[Read More] Understanding Aggressive Behavior in Elderly Patients: When to Seek Help
Is Poor Memory a Sign of Being Unintelligent? Understanding Mental Health
Is poor memory related to benzene? Hello Dr. Ding, does having a poor memory mean that someone is not smart or quick-witted? I often feel depressed and lack confidence because of this, especially when I forget things that clients just told me in an instant. Does this mean I am no...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, poor memory is a common complaint in psychiatric outpatient clinics. Besides elderly individuals who may be experiencing dementia, many young people also face this issue. As you mentioned, various factors could contribute to this. Anxiety disorders, depression, and being o...[Read More] Is Poor Memory a Sign of Being Unintelligent? Understanding Mental Health
Can OCD Lead to Memory Decline? Understanding the Connection and Recovery
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and memory impairment? Hello, I have always felt that I have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A year ago, I had a concussion from a car accident. After six weeks of dizziness, I have recovered, but I still feel paranoid about potential long...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, or depression often experience noticeable stages of their conditions where they may feel a decline in memory or difficulty concentrating. A relatable analogy is that our mental capacity is limited; if it is filled...[Read More] Can OCD Lead to Memory Decline? Understanding the Connection and Recovery
Understanding Fish Oil: Benefits for Brain Health and Mental Disorders
Follow-up questions regarding fish oil and related issues? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if fish oil and cod liver oil are the same or different? What is the role of Omega-3 in fish oil? How should I choose a pollution-free and effective fish oil? What is the recommended way...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: This question is quite broad and partially falls outside my area of expertise. Sometimes, it may be more appropriate to consult a pharmacist or a nutritionist. In the meantime, I suggest you start by googling (DHA, EPA functions), where you can find relevant reference mate...[Read More] Understanding Fish Oil: Benefits for Brain Health and Mental Disorders
Stroke and Memory Loss: Understanding Cognitive Decline in Seniors
Stroke and Amnesia Hello, doctor. My father is 61 years old and has had two minor strokes. He can move by himself, but it is somewhat inconvenient for him. He often doesn't know what to do at home and ends up lying in bed listening to the radio. Recently, he has started to f...
Dr. Li Renqin Reply:
Hello, dear friend! Based on the content of your letter, there is a strong suspicion that your father may be experiencing symptoms of dementia. Many elderly individuals may forget daily tasks (such as taking medication), which can also be observed in some younger individuals who ...[Read More] Stroke and Memory Loss: Understanding Cognitive Decline in Seniors
Finding Balance in Special Education: Navigating Challenges and Stress
Seeking balance? Hello, Doctor: I am an elementary school special education teacher, but I have been struggling to find a balance and often feel anxious after work. For example, when a child with autism is in the classroom, it can significantly impact the class dynamics, especial...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello: For helpers, it is essential to prioritize one's own physical and mental health in order to effectively assist others. A rubber band that is constantly stretched will quickly become fatigued; if you feel too tense, it is advisable to take breaks and engage in other le...[Read More] Finding Balance in Special Education: Navigating Challenges and Stress
Understanding Brain Aging and Mental Health: Key Questions Answered
Brain issues Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask: 1. At what age does brain aging begin? Is it possible for someone in their thirties to experience aging that leads to dementia? 2. If a person has experienced a significant head injury, could it result in lifelong regrets or affe...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Recent medical research has found that the brain has a high degree of plasticity; with continuous thinking, learning, or exercise, the brain actually becomes smarter the more it is used. Head injuries that result in intracranial blood clots or bleeding can indeed affect intellige...[Read More] Understanding Brain Aging and Mental Health: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Patient Symptoms: Exploring Psychiatric Issues and Management
What are the patient's symptoms? Hello Dr. Ding, I would like to ask you a question regarding a situation that has been ongoing for about six months. The patient's symptoms are as follows: the onset of symptoms typically occurs in the morning upon waking or in the even...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, actually, if we are not the parties involved, we cannot know the truth behind their marital disputes. Some situations are easier for outsiders to assess, such as an eighty-year-old person with dementia who suspects that their seventy-year-old spouse, who is bedridden due t...[Read More] Understanding Patient Symptoms: Exploring Psychiatric Issues and Management
Understanding Psychiatric Medications: Duration, Side Effects, and Solutions
Psychiatric medications Hello, Doctor: 1. How many years do psychiatric medications need to be taken for improvement? 2. If psychiatric medications cause irregular menstrual cycles, how can this be addressed? 3. If past physical and mental trauma has resulted in psychological st...
Dr. Xie Dicheng Reply:
Hello: 1. The timing of medication intake is related to the disease and symptoms, and it needs to be discussed with the attending physician. 2. It is important to first confirm whether the medication is indeed the cause. If there is a strong suspicion that it is related to the me...[Read More] Understanding Psychiatric Medications: Duration, Side Effects, and Solutions
Understanding Lexotan: Addiction Risks and Alternatives for Insomnia
Regarding sleeping pills? Hello, doctor: May I ask if it is safe to take one tablet of a medication called Lexotan every day? Will it lead to addiction? What are the potential side effects? Besides sleeping pills, what other methods can help improve chronic insomnia? Thank you.
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, the medications prescribed by your physician should be taken according to their instructions, and there is no need to consult others about this. If you have any doubts regarding the medication, you should discuss them with your physician. Since they are the ones who examin...[Read More] Understanding Lexotan: Addiction Risks and Alternatives for Insomnia
Understanding Delusional Disorders in the Elderly: Signs and Treatment Options
The issue of fantasy disorders? Hello, Doctor! My mother passed away in July 2010. My father, who is now 75 years old, lives alone in a three-story house (the grandchildren live elsewhere). My father has poor health, suffering from hypertension and hearing loss, and he has been t...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello! Yes, the psychiatrist's statement is likely very close to the truth. Delusions and hallucinations are not only present in delusional disorder or other psychiatric illnesses; they can also frequently occur in dementia. The effects of pharmacological treatment can be ra...[Read More] Understanding Delusional Disorders in the Elderly: Signs and Treatment Options
Understanding Cognitive Impairment: My Experience and Questions for Experts
Cognitive impairment disorder I visited a psychiatrist today due to my depression and anxiety, for which I have been regularly receiving treatment and medication. However, I saw news reports about police officers being issued citations for visiting a psychiatrist regarding cognit...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
First, I'm not sure what you mean by "cognitive impairment syndrome," as it is not an official medical term. The most common form of cognitive impairment is dementia, particularly in the elderly. Your doctor is actually correct. Additionally, many cases of depressi...[Read More] Understanding Cognitive Impairment: My Experience and Questions for Experts
Understanding Paranoia in Elderly: Causes, Treatment, and Specialist Guidance
Mental health issues Hello Dr. Ding: My father is 82 years old. For the past year, he has been saying that someone is trying to harm him or that he needs to escape quickly. What kind of illness is this? Is it treatable? Which specialist should we see?
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, if there were no similar issues in the past and they have only arisen in the last year, it is important to consider whether these symptoms are related to dementia in the elderly. It is best to consult a psychiatrist for this issue; however, if that is not convenient, a neu...[Read More] Understanding Paranoia in Elderly: Causes, Treatment, and Specialist Guidance