Expert: Michalene Peticca - 7/26/2011

Question
QUESTION: After a series of tests at our local memory clinic...the psychiatrist diagnosed my mother with senile dementia. I am totally at a loss as to what that is..and I can't figure out whether it is alzheimers or whether it is not.  They told her the good news is that she doesn't have to worry about leaving her home anytime soon..and the social worker seemed confident that the Aricept they put her on would possibly even stop the deterioration.  Could you explain this stuff to me?  Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Jennifer,

Thank you for writing.  

Senile dementia is a disease that is characterized by dementia symptoms....forgetfulness, personality changes, etc.   It is usually associated with our "elder" population.  Those being over 75 years old.   

True Alzheimer's disease usually starts with someone in their early 60's...or it can even be earlier onset than this.

You will find some very good reference to senile dementia on the Internet.

While Aricept only helps to Slow down the progress of Senile dementia, it does not stop it's progress.

Senile dementia is a slow deterioration of the brain that will progressively get worse as your mom ages.  It is not curable and you will see many of the same symptoms as Alzheimer's disease.

Please search on it's origin, it's symptoms and ways to cope with this disease as it affects your mom.

Best Regards,

Michalene Peticca, MA

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Could you give me some good websites where I can learn more about senile dementia and will help me? thanks

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

There are lots of good websites...i would start by typing in Senile dementia to your browser and go from there.

Research institutes that have studied Senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease are Mass General in Boston, MA   and Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD   as well as the Mayo Clinic.

Hope this gives you a start!

Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca, MA