Dementia

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a condition that causes difficulties in a person’s thought processes such as memory and decision making. It is thought to be progressive and chronic in nature. Current estimates approximate that more than 7 million people ages 65 or older were diagnosed with dementia in 2020. Although it is common for people to have dementia as they get older, it is not a typical part of aging. Symptoms can start slowly and be mild in nature, but they can progress to be more debilitating and require people to be more dependent on others.

Common Symptoms of Dementia

  • Problems with mobility
  • Memory loss
  • Poor judgement
  • Difficulty expressing thoughts, speaking, reading/writing
  • Difficulty carrying out normal tasks
  • Repeating questions
  • Getting lost/wandering
  • Impulsive decision making
  • Emotional changes such as irritability

Types of Dementia

  • Alzheimer’s disease: frequently seen in older adults, mid 60’s or older.
  • Lewy body dementia: commonly seen in adults 50 years or older and is often associated with hallucinations and changes in movement.
  • Vascular dementia: caused by conditions that obstruct the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.
  • Frontotemporal dementia: usually seen in people younger than 60 years and occurs less frequently than other types of dementia.
  • Mixed dementia: having two or more types of dementia. The boundaries between different forms of dementia can be more subtle and mixed forms often co-exist.

Risk Factors of Dementia

There is no way to prevent dementia, however, there are conditions that may make people more vulnerable to illness. For example, having high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) may increase one’s risk of stroke. This is notable as many patients with vascular dementia have previously experienced strokes as shown through MRI technology. Although not everyone who has experienced a stroke will develop vascular dementia, it is important to address factors that could put one at an elevated risk.

Treatment and Care

Currently, there is no cure available for dementia. Medications and disease-modifying therapies developed have had limited effects. However, as of 2022, several new treatments are being investigated in various stages of clinical trials.
That being said, services can be offered to support and help improve the lives of people with dementia, including their caregivers and families. Main treatment goals for dementia include:

  • Early diagnosis in order to promote early and effective management
  • Optimizing physical health, cognition, activity and well-being
  • Identifying and treating accompanying physical illness
  • Providing education for and managing behavior changes
  • Providing information and support to caregivers.
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Based on 74 reviews
Angelo Troiano
Angelo Troiano
November 14, 2022
Very professional and thorough with my surgery.
Faith Schwenker
Faith Schwenker
March 22, 2022
Dr. Abraham’s did my surgery and it was a great success. After nearly 8 years of pain, I finally found a doctor who could help me. My sciatica nerve was compressing my L4 and L5 which was giving me pain and a very poor quality of life. Not only does Dr. Abraham’s have a great bedside manner, but also he certainly knows the complexities of the spine. Thank you so much for giving me my life back!! P.S. I have referred his name to several of my friends and they too have had a successful outcome!!
Kathleen Cully
Kathleen Cully
May 28, 2021
Dr. Abrahams is an extremely compassionate and highly skilled neurosurgeon who, along with Dr. C. Shannon, saved my husband's life by removing a complicated malignant metastatic brain tumor during a very long surgery. In addition, Dr. Abrahams has been my surgeon for several spinal procedures and I trust him with my life.
Kathleen Darcy
Kathleen Darcy
February 22, 2021
My experience was great 😊. Dr Abraham was fabulous.
Xavier Masi
Xavier Masi
February 15, 2021
Dr. Abrahams is the best, very caring and takes time out to listen instead of rushing!!! thanks Doc.. I might have to come see you again. Anthony
Dale
Dale
February 15, 2021
😷 Dr Abrahams is THE BEST! He is the absolute best brain & spine surgeon by far! His group is beyond excellent! My back & neck had been fractured in an accident, and I made the mistake of seeing a "spine doctor on Tarrytown Road," who did not want to see me again unless I needed more surgery! I was outright denied an appointment, even after this "doctor" performed a lumbar laminectomy on me!!!😡 I was miserable and in excruciating pain. Then everything changed.... 🙏THANK GOD I FOUND DR ABRAHAMS! He took all the time he needed with me to come up with a new plan and thoroughly explained the correct surgery I needed. I had a fractured sacrum, lower back S1, right up to L5, needing spinal fusion. I also had cervical herniations. My life changed after Dr Abrahams took care of my surgery, his office still checks up on me to make sure I'm doing well. The office and entire staff is so helpful, friendly and caring. I recommend Dr Abrahams on a regular basis to people I meet that have brain or spine problems. Dr Abrahams is also BRILLIANT. He is the creator of many medical devices that he received patents for. When you go in his office your eyes won't know what to look at first he has so many awards & patents. He's a MUST GO TO doctor! He changed my life, and I am forever grateful to him, Lisa (his personal coordinator), and his entire staff, fellow doctors that are also in group with Dr Abrahams. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM as well as the doctors in practice within his group. You will get the best care by far.😊
Helena Mattis
Helena Mattis
January 12, 2021
Dr. Abrahams literally saved my life. I went to him back in 2004 in horrible shape after being misdiagnosed by my Primary Care Physician. He went above and beyond in saving my life. I highly recommend him for his skills, ability, his humanity and love he demonstrates for both his patients and his work. Helena Edwards
Farah Rubeo
Farah Rubeo
September 13, 2020
Dr. Abrahams performed back surgery on me 6 years ago . I was 38 yrs old and in excruciating pain, not able to walk for longer longer than 5 minutes, sleeplessness nights and constantly being put on pain medication , including countless rounds of PT. Surgery was my only option to return to the quality of life I had before my injury and I am beyond grateful for Dr. Abrahams and his team. I have been playing softball, exercising , walking my dog and enjoying everything that I have missed for years! Dr. Abrahams to me Is a lifesaver! The best of the best !