Contrary to popular beliefs, dementia is not a single disorder; it is an overall term used to describe a wide range of symptoms that are characterized by a severe decline in an individual’s memory or thinking capacity and affects the person’s ability to perform daily activities. People often attribute dementia to old age, which is true to a certain extent; however, not every individual who goes through the aging process develops dementia. The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease, FrontoTemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD), Dementia with Lewy bodies, Huntington’s disease, Alcohol-related dementia (Korsakoff’s syndrome), and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Each of these types of dementia has varying underlying causes. Before dementia can surface completely, certain symptoms emerge that is indicative that the disorder is in progress. The early symptoms of dementia are as follows: Alterations in the short-term memory Dementia is characterized by changes or complete loss of memory. One of the earliest symptoms of dementia is that the individual might experience subtle changes to their short-term memory. This means that the person can remember things that happened years ago but might have difficulty in recalling what he had for lunch. Other symptoms of such alterations to the short-term memory might include forgetting where they left things or struggling to remember why they entered a particular room.

Dementia is a term used to describe a progressive decline in the mental ability that goes on to affect one’s working in daily functions. It is not a specific condition or disease but an overall term that is used for the symptoms that severely affect thinking skills. Commonly, dementia is associated with the process of aging. However, it is a widespread incorrect belief and can affect any individual at any age. Dementia is triggered when the brain cells get damaged. The impact to the brain cells interferes with the ability to effectively communicate and function normally. With time, there is a sudden change in the behavior and feelings of the individual. Sometimes, a distinct region of the brain can get affected and that causes a disruption of functions carried out by that region. Diagnosis and treatment options for dementia The diagnosis of dementia is challenging as there are no particular tests available to determine the condition. Also, understanding the type of dementia can be a major issue. Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most common dementia types, and other types are diagnosed after a physical examination and study of one’s medical history and symptoms. Dementia is generally diagnosed after at least two core mental functions are found to be impaired and interfere with daily activities.

Insulin is a peptide hormone that is produced in the pancreas and helps the body’s cells utilize glucose for energy. It allows the glucose to travel from the blood into cells. As we know, there are two types of diabetes: type 1 and 2. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce insulin, while in type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin properly. Diabetes is a chronic disease, but can be managed by adopting a few lifestyle changes such as following a proper diet, regular exercise, regular intake of prescribed medications, and proper and timely use of insulin. Individuals suffering from type 1 diabetes are required to inject insulin for the rest of their life. Although the very idea may seem laborious, one can learn to use and inject insulin with the right guidance from healthcare professionals and with practice. Before injecting the insulin, be sure to check its quality. If the insulin was refrigerated, let it come to room temperature. If the insulin looks opaque, roll the insulin vial between your palms to mix the contents properly. One should not shake the insulin vial. Moreover, thickened, discolored, and grainy insulin should not be used. Here are the steps to use and inject insulin properly.

One of the common and important treatments for diabetes is insulin therapy. Insulin is sensitive to heat and oxygen exposure. An insulin bottle once opened cannot be used for more than 28 days, it needs to be discarded before that. This is because the insulin loses its effect. The role that insulin plays in your body It is necessary to understand how insulin normally works to know why insulin therapy is needed for treating diabetes. Here is what insulin does to your body and how it affects you- Stores glucose for energy When your insulin levels are high, whatever you eat, the excess glucose of it is stored in your liver in the form of glycogen. However, in between your meals, the insulin levels are low, and glucose is released into your bloodstream that was stored in your liver in the form of glycogen. This process is helpful because it regulates your sugar and keeps it in the narrow range. If you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, your pancreas secrete little or no insulin. Whereas, if you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not produce enough insulin or has become resistant to the action of insulin. This leads to increase in the level of glucose in your bloodstream and it is unable to enter the cells of your body.

Diabetes mellitus is a condition that consist of a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar. Glucose is the primary source of energy for the cells of your muscles and tissues and hence, it is extremely essential for your overall good health. Also, glucose is the main source that is responsible to fuel your brain. Causes of diabetes The causes of diabetes vary from the types of diabetes. Each type of diabetes is caused because of a different reason. Causes of type 1 diabetes The exact reason that causes type 1 diabetes is unknown. The known fact is that in type 1 diabetes, your immune system which fights harmful bacteria or viruses tends to attack and destroy the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. This leaves your body with little or no insulin. Hence, sugar builds up in your bloodstream instead of being transferred to your cells where energy is needed. Type 1 diabetes is possibly caused due to the genetic factors and environmental factors. However, the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. Causes of gestational diabetes To sustain a pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones when a woman is pregnant. Your cells become more resistant to insulin because of these hormones.

Dyskinesia causes uncontrollable, abnormal, and involuntary movements. This neurological disorder can cause minor tics as well as full-body tremors. It has been known to occur among people who are undergoing treatment with long-term neuroleptic medication. Neuroleptic medications are antipsychotic medications that affect dopamine receptors and the central nervous system. Dyskinesia also occurs with the long-term use of drugs such as levodopa, which are required to manage Parkinson’s disease. Brain injury can also cause dyskinesia. Sometimes, dyskinesia can be a standalone condition as well. Depending on the cause, there are the following major types of dyskinesia. Levodopa-induced or Parkinson’s dyskinesia Tremors Dystonia Chorea Tardive or delayed dyskinesia Myoclonus Spasmodic torticollis Ballism Athetosis Stereotypies and tics Common symptoms of dyskinesia Dyskinesia symptoms differ from person to person and also depend on the cause of the disorder. The symptoms can range from mild intensity to severe tremors. The following are some of the common symptoms observed among patients with dyskinesia. Slight involuntary shaking of an arm, a leg, or the head Severe tremors in multiple parts of the body Fidgeting Body swaying involuntarily Head bobbing Restlessness Twitching Wriggling Diagnosis of dyskinesia Diagnosing dyskinesia can be difficult since most of the symptoms are similar to the tremors that occur due to Parkinson’s or any other tic disorder.