Dementia is a medical term that is used to describe a group of brain-related symptoms which all too often affect older people. Impaired memory, confusion, poor judgment, and difficulty carrying out basic daily activities are some of the most commonly seen. Whereas dementia can result from many possible sources, such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and head injury, the most common cause is Alzheimer's disease, which accounts for 70 to 80 percent of the cases.
Unfortunately, dementia and Alzheimer's are both increasing at an alarming rate. In the US, it is estimated that five million people are now living with Alzheimer's, with someone being diagnosed with the disease every 72 seconds. Likewise, these two conditions are rapidly increasing in Taiwan.
Because of their similarities, the two conditions are often confused, and doctors are frequently asked to explain the difference between them. Dementia is any loss of mental ability that is severe enough to interfere with daily activities, such as keeping track of keys or wallets, paying bills, preparing meals, and remembering appointments. Memory loss is the most common symptom, and both short-term and long-term memory can be affected. Basically, dementia is not a specific disease, making it different from Alzheimer's, which is. Alzheimer's is a serious mental illness and the cause of most cases of dementia. People suffering from the disease may forget what day or season it is, have trouble speaking and writing, and not understanding what they see. Alzheimer's is progressive and always fatal, and like cancer, there is unfortunately no known cure for it. Alzheimer's patients are given specific drugs that help in managing some of the disease's symptoms.
There is a common misconception that severe loss of mental functions is a normal part of the aging process. This false notion is sometimes reflected in the term senile dementia, which is wrongly used to describe the condition of any elderly person who seems mentally afflicted. If older people eat right, stay active, and exercise their brains, they can avoid developing a disease that ultimately robs them of their mental capacity.
1. What is dementia?
(A) A specific brain problem which affects people with Parkinson's disease.
(B) The process of making bad decisions for long periods of time.
(C) A temporary loss of memory after a terrible accident.
(D) A mental problem with multiple symptoms and causes.
2. Which of the following is NOT a symptom of dementia?
(A) Alzheimer's disease.
(B) Memory loss.
(C) Confusion.
(D) Having a hard time preparing meals.
3. How is dementia related to Alzheimer's disease?
(A) When dementia becomes overwhelming, it turns into Alzheimer's disease.
(B) It's much easier to do exercise when someone has experienced Alzheimer's disease.
(C) Alzheimer's disease is the main cause of people suffering from dementia.
(D) Both conditions are closely related because neither one is fatal.
4. According to the article, what is a common misconception people have?
(A) People in developed countries don't have as many mental problems.
(B) People who constantly diet never develop dementia.
(C) Arguing with relatives is one way for people to test for Alzheimer's disease.
(D) Losing mental abilities is something that happens to everyone. |
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