dementia part of brain

[grandmacath]

can anyone help with this question if the temporal lobe area of the brain was affected discribe the difficulties you would have and what tasks would you find difficult ? thanks

[noxlumos]

Hi I can't help you with the dementia aspect but I have brain injuries to both the frontal and temporal lobes of my brain and I can tell you the symptoms I exhibit if that's of any help.I have a slight paralysis and tremor in my hand and quite dramatic mood swings which I've learned to deal with without the use of drugs, although I do find it difficult sometimes to understand what some people are getting at exactly when other people seem to understand perfectly. The flip side of that seems to be I think quite laterally and understand how some very odd things link together. Some very basic tasks take immense thinking about and I stumble over them every time although for the most part I am capable of very complex thinking and motor function.I have a very odd memory. Some things I can remember perfectly fine other things I have to set pointers to remind myself what the hell is going on. I find I have memory gaps, but by and large I don't think unless it's pointed out to anyone that they realise that I have a brain injury as I'm quite outgoing and play sport etc and function pretty much like everyone else. I sustained my injuries though when still quite a small child so I think perhaps I have adapted and consider them normal now anyway so it's quite hard for me to judge what my exact symptoms are as a whole.Anger and frustration have always been my problems ahead of everything else, but whether that's because of my injury or other things I really don't know. Probably not much help to you, but since it was the same part of the brain I thought I'd answer.

[grandmacath]

noxlumos thank you for your answer most of the things you said relates to some of our residents so i found it helpful i would like to say you sound a remarkable person to be able to cope like you do,keep up the good fight and be happy

[kissyfur]

Its not pasted very well but theres some notes here from a lec I had on dementia, hope it helps.

Overview of Dementia
Diagnostic Criteria for Dementia

Impaired social or occupational function

Impaired memory, plus
one or more area of the following cognitive functions

Abstract/problem solving

Judgment

Language

Personality


Clear consciousness

Differentiate Depression from Dementia
Depression Dementia

Relatively rapid onset

Depressive symptoms start before dementia

Patient complains more than family

Appears depressed

Response of "I don't know"

Inconsistent Cognitive impairment

Response to antidepressant

very slow onset

depressive symptoms develop after cognitive decline

Patient tends to deny any memory problem

May or may not appear depressed

Try to give an excuse or general answer

Cognitive impairment fairly consistent

Antidepressant may have no effect

[grandmacath]

kissyfur thank you for replying i found it very helpfull and interesting i have taken notes for my course