“Since we announced a diagnosis of aphasia in Spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has improved and now we have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia,” the specified family. “Unfortunately, the communication problems are just a symptom of the disease Bruce is suffering from. Although it’s a painful situation, it’s a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis,” he added.
Frontotemporal dementia is caused by disorders that progressively damage the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. This damage causes changes in thinking and behavior, explains the US Department of Health. Symptoms range from disinterest and impulsive behavior to body stiffness and difficulty walking.
There are also difficulties speaking or understanding, symptoms that fit with the aphasia diagnosis the 67-year-old actor was first given a few months ago.
Dementia, a disease that affects more and more people
The number of people with dementia will triple worldwide by 2050 something that will have a major impact on society unless drastic measures are taken to avoid it, a study published earlier this year warned. This neurodegenerative disease is already the seventh cause of death worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Washington’s National Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation concluded that global cases of dementia will increase from 57 million today to a total of 153 million by 2050. In the United States, the number will increase from just over 5 million to 10.5 million.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, exercise and diet influence the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. Taking steps to address them is a positive way to reduce risk. However, between 60% and 80% of the risk of disease depends on our genetics.
In the study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank, a large database that collects information from half a million people. This data was collected from a range of tests such as problem solving, number recall, reaction times and grip strength, as well as information on weight loss and gain and the number of falls suffered.
This allowed the researchers to see if there were any signs at baseline when the first measurements were taken five to nine years before diagnosis. People who later developed Alzheimer’s did worse than healthy individuals on problem-solving tasks, reaction times, recalling lists of numbers, and memory. According to the study, they had also fallen more often than healthy adults over the past 12 months.
Alzheimer’s disease is not curable. This is partly because it is often not diagnosed until symptoms appear, while the underlying problem may have started years or even decades before. It is not yet clear whether it is possible to detect changes in brain function before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis can make a big difference as it gives you access to treatments that can help you manage your symptoms and plan for the future.
It will also help researchers understand the brain changes they trigger and support the development and testing of new treatments.
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A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is a cerebral infarction that cuts off the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.
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In the United States, 133,000 people die from stroke each year. It affects Hispanics more than whites: It is the fifth cause overall, but fourth for that demographic and third for African Americans.
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Every forty seconds someone in the United States suffers a stroke and every four minutes someone dies, according to the National Stroke Association.
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There are two types of stroke: ischemic (when arteries become blocked due to a blood clot or a buildup of fat) and hemorrhagic (when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and blood leaks to the brain).
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87% of strokes are ischemic and 13% hemorrhagic, but the latter accounts for 30% of stroke deaths.
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As you age, you are more likely to have a transient ischemic stroke (a “mini” stroke). 40% of those affected suffer a complete stroke.
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Risk factors include a previous stroke, mini-stroke episode, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity.
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Two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, so early detection and care is important to save lives and reduce disability.
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American Heart Association
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The American Stroke Association states that the FAST test is used to detect the signs of a stroke. 1. Face: See if the person has sagging on one side of the face. 2- Arms (Arms): Ask him to raise both arms and see if any deviate down. 3- Speak (Speaking): Tell the person to repeat a simple sentence and note if it sounds strange. Time: If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
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Complications of stroke listed by the American Stroke Association include: encephalitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, seizures, clinical depression, ulcers, limb contractures, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the veins of the legs), and shoulder pain (due to weakness or paralysis).
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Treatment varies from case to case, but usually combines prescription medication and physical therapy (including physical therapy, bed changes, etc.). Psychological support is also possible.
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