Dementia is a byproduct of other mentally degenerative conditions such as multiple strokes, Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. Dementia is a nearly irreversible disintegration of all the higher thinking skills that keep us sane and sociable. A patient suffering from this condition can still see and hear but has difficulty putting all of the sensory information he or she receives together coherently.
The person suffering from dementia may form nonsensical sentences or experience complete memory loss.
Dementia praecox, on the other hand, is a progressive mental disorder that affects a person’s cognitive abilities. It can cause changes in attention, reasoning, and personality, and sometimes lead to bizarre delusions and hallucinations.
Dementia praecox is in fact a premature dementia, which most likely has a tendency to affect much younger people than those who usually develop dementia symptoms. Unlike in dementia, most individuals who suffer from dementia praecox are teenagers or young adults.
Today, dementia praecox is referred to as schizophrenia.
How is the disorder treated?
Getting a diagnosis of dementia praecox or schizophrenia can be very devastating. Although the disorder has no cure, it doesn’t mean you can’t live a full and meaningful life.
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve the chance of recovery, so if you’re worried about the possibility of having the disorder, see a doctor right away. With proper treatment and support, many people are able to reduce their symptoms, live and work independently, build satisfying relationships, and enjoy life like normal people do.
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