Dementia is a disease in which brain tissue degenerates to the extent of loss of memory and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.In Dementia there is a severe and progressive decline in mental function.It affects a person's ability to:1. think, remember and reason2. learn new information and skills3. solve problems and make judgementWhat is the cause of Dementia?There are several different factors which may contribute to its development.They can be divided into:1. Irreversible conditionsa. Aging is one important risk factor.Alzheimer's Diseaseb. Strokec. Parkinson's disease2. Reversible conditionsa. Hypothyroidismb. Vitamin B12 deficiencyc. Alcohol dependence diseasesIrreversible Dementia cannot be cured but it may be possible to slow down the progression of the disease.It may be possible treat the cognitive symptoms.Potentially reversible dementia may be curable.What are the Symptoms of Dementia?1. Memory loss or Forgetfulness is often one of the earliest symptoms (Patients may forget dates, names of common objects and familiar people)2. Confusion (Disorientation in time and place)3. Trouble with organizing4. Misplacing things,5. Difficulty in expressing thoughts,6. Difficulty performing familiar tasks7. Difficulty understanding others8. Poor or decreased judgment9. Wandering and getting lost in familiar places10. Changes in mood and behavior (They may become easily agitated or depressed)a. Changes in personalityb. paranoiac. hallucinationsd. agitatione. anxietyf. sleep problemsHow is Dementia assessed and investigated?Diagnosis can be based on:1. History of depression, anxiety, hallucination, paranoia, agitation or sleep problems2. Various tests may be done to exclude other conditions that may be causing the same problems:a. blood sugar, thyroid hormone, vitamin B12 levelb. CT Scan or MRI of the brain to exclude tumors or strokeThe family doctor can refer the patient to a psychiatrist for further assessment if dementia is suspected.TABLE OF CONTENTChapter 1 DementiaChapter 2 Alzheimer's DiseaseChapter 3 AgingChapter 4 Epilogue Dr. Kenneth Kee is a well-known medical doctor from Singapore who has been practicing medicine since 1972.He graduated from the University of Singapore and furthered his studies with a Master of Science in Health Management in 1991, followed by a Ph.D. in Healthcare Administration in 1993.Dr. Kee established Kee Clinic in 1974, located in the Holland Drive area of Singapore. The clinic has been a prominent feature of the community, offering general medical services for 5 decades.Dr Kee also served his country Singapore as a national service police Inspector at night from 1975 to 1985 while working at his clinic during the day.He had served as a police guard to the Woodland Petroleum Tanks at night during the Indonesian Confrontation period, took part in police rounds at night in the Beach Road area and taught First aid and emergency resuscitation to Police recruits.He received the Singapore Police Bicentennial 2020 Medallion on 1st March 2024 as recognition for his work in the Singapore Police.Even as he grew older, Dr. Kee continued to work actively in his clinic, although he eventually reduced his consultation hours.Beyond his medical career, Dr. Kee is also an author.He started writing about medical conditions in 2007, using blogs and other online platforms to share his knowledge with a broader audience.Over time, he published various books, many of which provide simple and accessible guides to different health conditions.His works include "A Family Doctor's Tale," "My Personal Singapore History," and numerous medical guides, available through platforms like Amazon.His books often combine his personal experiences as a family doctor with insights into Singapore's healthcare system and history.Dr. Kee has written extensively on health topics, contributing to both medical literature and general knowledge resources.Dr. Kenneth Kee has written numerous books, primarily

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