Brain atrophy

Sarai

I am new on this journey but grateful for this group. My husband fell this spring, broke multiple ribs and was hospitalized.  The head CT indicated that the ventricles in his brain are enlarged so we were referred to a neurologist.  The neurologist indicated that the enlargement of the ventricles was consistent with the amount of atrophy in his brain. Is brain atrophy the same as dementia? He exhibits the same types of behaviors common to dementia.  We don't have a follow up until November.  Thank you.

loveskitties

Brain atrophy can cause dementia symptoms.  Dementia applies to a number of diseases such as alzheimers, lewy body, etc.

The atrophy itself can be caused by injury, disease, infection.

Best to ask dr. what caused the atrophy, but he might not be able to give a definitive answer.

Regardless of the cause, you are at a good place here on the boards to find folks who can answer questions about behaviors and how to help a LO.

Wishing you the best.

Sarai

Thank you for the information.

Rescue mom

When my DH was tested regarding dementia-like problems, the tests included brain scans. The neurologist talked about how the scans showed so much atrophy,  and he seemed to use it synonymously with other phrases such as brain loss, diminished brain matter, etc. I guess it depends a lot on how much atrophy there is—DH had a lot, even I could see that on the scans—and symptoms often relate to which parts of the brain are gone (as I understood it).

The atrophy was a big reason for his belief that DH has Alzheimer’s. DH also had other tests, and had many other signs and symptoms. Beyond giving the official Dx, and ruling out other problems that could be treated, the neurologist was no help, and indeed there is not much he could do about it.

I am sorry if this is graphic. Seeing those scans was stunning, breath-taking, for me, although I’d seen the symptoms. 

Quilting brings calm

My Mom fell into concrete from a camper step in 2013.  She ended up with a skull fracture and her hearing aid pressed into her ear.  Subsequent scans have shown a cerebral loss of volume (atrophy)  in the frontotemporal areas.  That’s just like it sounds- the front and the sides.  A CT last month shows an increase in volume loss since 2019.  The injury is assumed to play a part in that. 

She has issues with taste, smell, balance, etc for a couple years and then improved for a few years.   2019 brought a medical crisis and a swift downgrade into dementia. 

Her official diagnosis is mild cognitive impairment. A recent change to her antidepressant medication has resulted in some improvement of her symptoms, although she is definitely not normal even on her best days. The progress from MCI to dementia only goes one direction- but it can stay at MCI for quite some time or not. 

There are various types of dementia, some due to injuries, strokes, blood vessels, others without a confirmation until after death.  This forum is here for you just like it’s here for anyone else dealing with a loved one with cognitive issues. 

The book the 36 hour day will be helpful for you as will be a PDF available on the internet … understanding the dementia experience.  I’ve also found the dementiacarecentral.com website helpful in discussing the path your loved one will be experiencing.