I have found there is a lot of stimulates between Dementia and Brain Injuries,
a lot of the symptoms are the same and closely linked.
This is sad for me as a survivor because the changes of dementia is 41/2 times more likely.
Working on steps that are known to counter act signs of Dementia I feel is an Important step for all TBI survivors.
The following information has been gathered from the Internet and this is what I have found.
Dementia-related symptoms in head injury are those that affect thinking and concentration, memory,
communication, personality, interactions with others, mood, and behavior.
These are only some of the symptoms that might be experienced after a head injury.
Individuals experience different combinations of these symptoms depending on the part of the head injured,
the force of the blow, the damage caused, and the person’s personality before the injury.
Some symptoms appear rapidly, while others develop more slowly.
In most cases, symptoms have at least started to appear in the first month after the injury.
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Symptoms of dementia in head-injured persons include the following: Problems thinking clearly Memory loss Poor concentration Slowed thought processes Irritability, easily frustrated Impulsive behavior Mood swings Inappropriate behavior in social situations Grooming and dressing eccentric or neglected Restlessness or agitation Insomnia Aggression, combativeness, or hostility Headache Fatigue Vague, nonspecific physical symptoms Apathy |
Some people develop seizures after a head injury.
These are not part of the dementia, but they can complicate diagnosis and treatment of dementia.
Major mental disorders may develop after head injury.
Two or more of these may appear together in the same person.
Depression – Sadness, tearfulness, lethargy, withdrawal, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed,
insomnia or sleeping too much, weight gain or loss.
Anxiety – Excessive worry or fear that disrupts everyday activities or relationships;
physical signs such as restlessness or extreme fatigue, muscle tension, sleeping problems.
Mania – State of extreme excitement, restlessness, hyperactivity, insomnia,
rapid speech, impulsiveness, poor judgment.
Psychosis – Inability to think realistically; symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions
(false beliefs not shared by others), paranoia (suspicious and feeling of being under outside control),
and problems thinking clearly; if severe, behavior seriously disrupted; if milder, behavior bizarre, strange, or suspicious.
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms – Development of obsessions (uncontrolled, irrational thoughts and beliefs) and compulsions
(odd behaviors that must be carried out to control the thoughts and beliefs); preoccupation with details, rules,
or orderliness to such a degree that the larger goal is lost; lack of flexibility or ability to change.
Suicide risk – States feelings of worthlessness or that life is not worth living or that world would be better
off without him or her, talks about suicide, states intention to commit suicide, develops plan to commit suicide.
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How please don't be alarmed to much but the idea that we know this can happen,
is a very good reason to actively do something about it.
I would love to be able to help research and maybe it would help others.
If you have questions about the subject of Dementia and being a TBI survivor
please talk to your Doctor or Professional help.
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Answers can come from personal experience, but so much can come from other
TBI survivors find help from support groups online or in person.
Because brain injury is the invisible disability it can be a very
challenging time once you come home from hospital.
Dealing with the Past and Not trying to live in the past can make a big difference,
Finding answers with new things and not always things from the past also can help.
Surviving a Brain Injury is a New Challenge for everybody
to regain their Life and move on with what you have and can learn.
Finding strength from Religion or others, no matter what it is,
its For Yourself the SURVIVOR.
