Dementia Specialist
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Clinical Neurology
Clinical Neurology located in Leesburg, VA, Purcellville, VA & Reston, VA
Everyone may experience memory loss or mood changes from time to time. But when these symptoms become more frequent and seem to stick around longer each time, you might be experiencing the early stages of dementia. Dr. Harmeet Singh at Clinical Neurology in Leesburg, Virginia,, can offer cognitive testing to determine whether you’re experiencing dementia. Call Dr. Singh to schedule your consultation or book your appointment online and start your treatment right away. Clinical Neurology is currently accepting new patients from Leesburg, Lansdowne, Ashburn, Purcellville, Sterling, Herndon and surrounding areas.
Dementia Q & A
What is dementia?
Dementia is not a specific disease, but instead a collection of symptoms or conditions that contribute to a decline in your mental capabilities, interfering with your day-to-day life.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
While a variety of conditions can lead to dementia, Dr. Singh diagnoses the condition based on your symptoms. Generally, a dementia diagnosis requires significant impairment to at least two of the following functions:
- Memory
- The ability to communicate
- Language
- Ability to focus or pay attention
- Visual ability
- Reasoning or judgment
Who is at risk for dementia?
The symptoms of dementia are typically caused by damage to your brain cells. This damage can occur for a variety of reasons, making dementia a somewhat challenging condition to diagnose. There are a few common risk factors for the development of dementia. They include:
Age
Age is one of the largest risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. Most individuals diagnosed with dementia tend to be over the age of 65, with roughly one-third of people over 85 suffering from the condition.
Family history
If someone in your family suffers from dementia, particularly a parent or sibling, it could mean you have a greater chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Head injury
Research suggests that repeated concussions or other injuries to the head, such as those experienced by football players, can damage brain cells and increase the risk of dementia over time.
How is dementia treated?
While research is ongoing, there is currently no cure that stops or slows the progression of dementia. But rest assured, Dr. Singh can provide medications to relieve some of the symptoms of dementia that you or a loved one may be experiencing.
Recent research suggests that you may lower your risk of developing dementia by making certain lifestyle changes, such as getting plenty of exercise, eating a heart-healthy diet, and maintaining good cardiovascular health.
If you have a family history of dementia and want to know more about how you can reduce your risks as you get older, call Dr. Singh at Clinical Neurology to book your appointment, or schedule online.
