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Why Choose Dementech Dementia Treatment?
- Same day consultations mean you can receive a diagnosis and begin treatment at the earliest possible moment, providing the best chance at managing symptoms and maintaining an independent quality of life
- Scans and tests can be arranged within two days of a request being placed, with results becoming available two days after, allowing for faster treatment and peace of mind
- Access to our comprehensive team of in-house dementia specialists including consultants, neurologists, therapists, dieticians, and psychologists
- Access to participate in clinical trials for novel treatments before they are available to the public
- Prices for an hour-long consultation start at £485. Each follow up appointment will cost £285. We always maintain full transparency about our costs.
Types of Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term that covers several types of illnesses. The type of dementia a person has will influence the cognitive symptoms they experience. Several other conditions can cause or mimic the symptoms of dementia, and a small percentage of dementias are reversible.
Two common examples are dementia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency or thyroid dysfunction. Dementia could also be a symptom of pernicious anaemia. Below, we explore various types of dementia.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It’s thought that two proteins are responsible for Alzheimer’s: amyloid and tau. Abnormal deposits of amyloid clump up around brain cells, whilst deposits of tau make brain cells become ‘tangled’. Neurotransmitters become affected which means brain signals aren’t set properly, resulting in cognitive issues. Where the protein deposits are in the brain will affect the symptoms the patient has.
Vascular Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It’s thought that two proteins are responsible for Alzheimer’s: amyloid and tau. Abnormal deposits of amyloid clump up around brain cells, whilst deposits of tau make brain cells become ‘tangled’. Neurotransmitters become affected which means brain signals aren’t set properly, resulting in cognitive issues. Where the protein deposits are in the brain will affect the symptoms the patient has.
Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia is one of the only types of dementia that is somewhat more prevalent in younger people, with most patients being between 45 and 65. Frontotemporal dementia happens when tau protein clumps together on the front and temporal lobes, causing nerve damage and killing brain cells. This type of dementia can run in families.
Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia is caused by cumps of Lewy bodies (a type of protein), which deposit in the brain and eventually kill brain cells.
Parkinsonian Dementia
Parkinsonian dementia is similar to Lewy body dementia, but the cognitive impairment develops after a year of Parkinson’s disease symptoms become known. If the cognitive impairment develops before the loss of motor skills, it’s likely Lewy body dementia.
Dementia Symptoms
There are a number of symptoms that you might experience if you have dementia. Typically speaking, symptoms start slowly and get worse over time. Some people find their symptoms develop gradually and they live with the disease for many years, but other people may find that their symptoms rapidly get worse. The symptoms a dementia patient experiences may vary depending on what type of dementia they have and which part of the brain is affected. Common symptoms may include:
- Problems concentrating
- Hallucinations
- Memory loss
- Issues with judgement and reasoning
- Mood changes
- Sleep disruption
- Change in appetite
People experience dementia differently depending on what area of their brain is being affected. Generally, the outlook for patients with dementia is a gradual decline resulting in a loss of independence eventually. Most people survive their diagnosis for 6-12 years, but some can live longer.
Causes of Dementia & Rapidly Progressive Dementia
It is difficult to determine exactly what causes dementia, and even more challenging when it comes to Rapidly Progressive Dementias (RPDs). RPDs are quite rare, and refer to dementias that progress over the course of weeks / months rather than years. RPDs can be challenging to diagnose as there is less time to conduct essential tests that help to build a full picture of the condition. Below we explore some potential causes of dementia.
Pernicious Anaemia
This is custom heading elementPernicious anaemia is thought to be one of the common causes of dementia. This is a type of anaemia brought on by a vitamin B12 deficiency and can cause cognitive issues if left untreated.
In older people, the first symptoms of pernicious anaemia are often confusion, slowness, irritability, and apathy. An overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), as well as an underproduction (hypothyroidism), can cause dementia-like symptoms.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
The Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is an irreversible state of confusion and amnesia in alcoholics, resulting from thiamine deficiency due to long-term malnutrition. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol for a decade or more can also cause impaired thinking that resembles Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
In dementia due to alcoholism, memory, orientation, and attention deteriorate, although verbal skills are not always severely affected. In this type of dementia, abstinence may partly restore mental functioning.
Normal-Pressure Hydrocephalus
Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (“water on the brain”) is an excess of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain, which can also cause dementia. This condition can result from head trauma, brain haemorrhage, or meningitis (inflammation of the membrane covering the brain), but most cases occur spontaneously without an obvious preceding illness.
In addition to developing dementia, people with this condition lose bladder control and walk in a slow, hesitant manner, as if their feet are stuck to the floor.
Brain Tumours and Hematomas
Brain tumours can interfere with cognitive functioning and cause personality changes. Depending on the location of the tumour, they can also trigger other symptoms, such as headaches, seizures, or vomiting.
Hematomas are blood clots caused by bruising. When they are located in the subdural area, between the brain surface and the thin membrane that covers it, they can cause symptoms that mimic AD.
The type of dementia a person has will influence the cognitive symptoms they experience. Several other conditions can cause or mimic the symptoms of dementia, so having symptoms of dementia doesn’t necessarily mean you have the disease.
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Our Happy Patients
Have had nothing but kindness and professionalism from Dementech and all their staff. From their initial guidance by Shakeela, through to staff conducting the MRI tests and Dr. Lucio D'Anna for his expertise clarity of explanation, compassion and consideration. Special mention to Zobia, who saved the day with her quick thinking that helped my mother-in-law to obtain extended care. Overall a perfect experience. Cannot recommend them enough.N Mohamed
My family and I experienced one of the hardest times of our lives having to deal with my wife’s deteriorating condition. I would like to personally thank the lovely young lady Zobiaa from Dementech, for showering us with compassion, empathy and genuine care and concern. Her professionalism, high-level customer service and communication, eye for detail, and willingness to go the extra mile to accommodate our needs and make not only my wife, but our whole family, feel as comfortable and supported as possible, is something we will always be grateful for. Thank you so much for your friendly and polite presence Zobiaa and taking the time and effort to build a relationship with us. You really made our visits to the clinic a positive, 5 star experience.P Allen
Same Week Consultations
We are proud to be able to facilitate same week consultations. This ensures a fast diagnosis and the option to start treatment early on, which can be fundamental when it comes to managing symptoms.
Quality Tests, Assessments & Scans
We can provide results for you in as little as two days. Our clinic has some of the most advanced diagnostic and testing equipment in the industry.
Patient Advisor Consultations
You will be assigned a Patient Advisor who will consult with you, and help to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Prices Starting at £485
Prices for an hour-long consultation start at £485. Each follow up appointment will cost £285. We always maintain full transparency about our costs.
Video Consultations Available
We provide consultations on FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Skype for those who can’t make it into our clinic for consultations.
Get a Dementia Diagnosis
Getting the right dementia diagnosis is vitally important. An accurate diagnosis will provide a clear picture of the options you have available in terms of treatment, which could allow you to live independently for longer.
After this, you will be referred for an MRI scan and blood tests to make sure there’s no other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. Following this, you will receive a diagnosis and a treatment plan will be actioned. This can all be completed within a week.
At Dementech Neurosciences, our team of doctors can provide a rapid and accurate diagnosis of the various forms of dementia and devise a bespoke treatment plan. Creating a plan early on in your dementia diagnosis can help you feel more in control of your condition.
To accurately diagnose dementia, we will require you to come in for a consultation where we will assess you and try to gauge what your symptoms are. We will also take into account your medical history.
Choosing a Private Neurologist
Dementia is a time-critical disease. The earlier it’s caught and treated, the more positive the outcome is for the patient. Whilst there’s no cure, symptoms can be managed for many years.
No Waiting Lists
By choosing a private neurologist, you won’t have to wait weeks to see a specialist or to undergo tests. We provide same-week consultations and rapid diagnostic testing so early intervention can begin as soon as possible.
Clinical Trials
We offer suitable patients the chance to take part in clinical trials of new pharmaceutical drugs that aren’t yet available to the public. Whilst there’s a chance the medications may not work, they could manage the symptoms of dementia in conjunction with the other therapies and treatments offered at Dementech.
Private Dementia Care Fees
As a private clinic, we do charge a fee for access to our services which is payable before appointments. If you would like more information on our fees, please get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to discuss this with you.
Get Dementia Treatment and Support Today
Meet our Doctors
Our team of dementia experts in London provide expert care to diagnose, manage and treat dementia symptoms.
Dr Lucio D’Anna – Consultant Neurologist in London
Lead Specialist
Memory Clinic
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Private Neurology
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FAQs About Dementia Causes
What happens during a dementia consultation?
A dementia consultation will entail you meeting with one of our dementia consultants to talk through your symptoms. They will perform an assessment to determine the scope of your symptoms, and run through your medical history to get a better understanding of what might be causing dementia (if you have it).
Can you arrange tests?
Yes, we can arrange diagnostic tests and scans for you either before or after your initial consultation takes place.
How quickly can I be seen?
We offer same week consultations for the majority of our patients wherever we can.
Will I get a copy of my test results?
We will give you a copy of your test results and a CD of your MRI scan if you request it.
Do you have MRI scan alternatives for those who are claustrophobic?
Yes, for patients who are claustrophobic, we offer open or upright MRI scans.
How quickly can I get MRI scans, blood tests and other testing done?
We endeavour to carry out all tests and scans within two days of them being requested, and we aim to get your results to you within 48 hours.
Will I be taken off the NHS waiting list if I'm seen privately?
No, the care you receive under the NHS will not be impacted by Dementech.
Do you offer video calls?
Yes, if you can’t make it to your appointment, we can call you via video on Skype, FaceTime, or WhatsApp.
Do you provide finance?
At the moment we don’t offer finance plans. You will need to pay for your treatment and appointments before your consultations take place.
Have a Question?
Speak to Dementia Specialists From Our Clinic in London
Our team is on hand to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Simply fill in the form below with your details, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Contact Dementech Today to Discuss Dementia Causes and Treatment