Doctors use the term dementia to describe the process that occurs when the brain of an individual ceases to work properly. When the condition does occur, the individuals affected start becoming confused and forgetful. Although many people tend to get confused and become forgetful as they grow older, this is exacerbated many times over in those who have dementia. These people may forget how to do simple everyday things such as brushing their teeth or getting dressed.

Dementia

There are other symptoms which indicate the condition in people, such as changes in the personality or not being able to think properly, and as the condition gets worse their behavior can start to change as well. They could start getting upset for no reason or they may start to become aggressive, this is why looking after someone with dementia can be a very hard job.

There are a few types of dementia known today, with the most common ones being Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and Lewy bodies. Although there are no cures for the various types of dementia at the moment, they can be treated to alleviate problems with the memory and other types of symptoms.

The condition can also be very distressing for the close family and friends of the sufferer as they see them gradually deteriorate and for all intents and purposes become a stranger. It is also exhausting work trying to care for them, despite all the good intentions.

The menopause is that period in a woman’s life when her periods stop permanently. It’s a natural process that marks the end of a females reproductive years and the average age at which this happens is 51, although it varies from woman to woman. The menopause actually takes place when there aren’t any more eggs in the ovaries. It is these eggs that stimulate the production of estrogen, but when the levels of this hormone drop in the blood, the menstrual cycle is disrupted.

Menopause

The menopause normally takes place gradually and for a few years prior to it a woman’s periods may become more irregular; occurring every couple of weeks or every few months. Bleeding may be a bit heavier during this time as well.

Some women do not suffer any symptoms on the onset of the menopause, but approximately eight out of ten women do. These symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, palpitations, insomnia, dry skin, thinning hair, brittle nails, aches and pains, loss of libido, headaches, weight gain, and vaginal and urinary changes.

The lower levels of hormones brought on by the menopause can also increase the risks associated with other health issues in the long term, including osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, weight gain and weakness of the pelvis and pelvic floor.

Physical exercise and changes in diet can help in the treatments of the menopause, as does hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is designed to replace some of the hormones after the menopause occurs.

A sore or hole in the lining of an organ is known as an ulcer.  A stomach ulcer is known as a gastric ulcer while a duodenal ulcer is an ulcer in the duodenum which is part of the small intestine. Duodenal ulcers occur more frequently in men and usually between the ages of 20-45, while stomach ulcers occur more often than not in people over the age of 50.

The stomach is protected from acid by a lining of mucus but if the lining is damaged then the acid can come into contact with the stomach or intestine wall, causing an ulcer.

Symptoms of an ulcer include abdominal pain, feeling sick after eating, loss of appetite, weight loss, or difficulty swallowing.  More serious symptoms include black or tar like stools, severe stomach pain, or vomiting blood.

Stomach Ulcers

Ulcers can be caused by bacteria known as Helicobacter Pylori and also use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin.  Other causes of ulcers are smoking and drinking alcohol and it is also thought to run in some families.  Stress can aggravate an ulcer as it causes the stomach to produce more acid.

Diagnosis of an ulcer is confirmed through a procedure known as an endoscopy.  This is done in a hospital and it involves a thin tube being passed down to the stomach through the mouth and gullet.  This can show the doctor whether an ulcer is present.

Treatment of an ulcer depends on whether the cause was a bacterium or by using NSAIDs. Proton pump inhibitors are prescribed for ulcers which have not been caused by the H pylori bacteria and they work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach.  For ulcers caused by H pylori bacteria, treatment is usually a combination of proton pump inhibitors and two antibiotics.

Skin Ulcers