Comprehensive Symptom Navigator

Dementia (Initial Diagnosis and Management)

Category: Neurological and Mental Health Conditions

Symptoms:
memory loss; difficulty with language; impaired judgment; mood changes; difficulty completing daily tasks

Root Cause:
Progressive loss of cognitive function due to neurodegeneration (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, cognitive tests (e.g., MMSE, MoCA), imaging (MRI, CT), blood tests to rule out reversible causes.

Treatment:
Symptom management, support for caregivers, medications for slowing progression in some types.

Medications:
Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil ), NMDA receptor antagonists (e.g., memantine ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 5–8% of adults over 60; increases with age.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aging, family history, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, smoking.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive; treatment focuses on symptom management and support.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Disability, dependence on caregivers, reduced quality of life.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neurodegenerative Disorders

Symptoms:
memory loss; confusion; difficulty planning or solving problems; changes in mood or personality; difficulty completing familiar tasks; language problems; disorientation; loss of initiative; poor judgment

Root Cause:
Progressive accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles in the brain, leading to neuronal degeneration and loss of synaptic connections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via cognitive testing and brain imaging.

Treatment:
Treated with cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil) and NMDA receptor antagonists (e.g., memantine).

Medications:
Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., Donepezil , Rivastigmine , Galantamine ) to improve communication between nerve cells. NMDA receptor antagonist (e.g., Memantine ) to regulate glutamate and prevent neuronal damage. Newer drugs, such as Leqembi (lecanemab ), which targets amyloid plaques.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 6 million people in the United States; globally, over 50 million people are living with dementia, with Alzheimer’s accounting for 60–80% of cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, genetic predisposition (e.g., APOE-e4 allele), family history, cardiovascular conditions (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia), head trauma, lower education levels, and lifestyle factors (e.g., sedentary lifestyle).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive and incurable; life expectancy varies from 3–20 years post-diagnosis, with an average of 8–10 years.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe cognitive decline, inability to perform daily tasks, increased risk of infections (e.g., pneumonia), malnutrition, falls, and complete dependency on caregivers.

Encephalitis (e.g., Herpes Simplex Encephalitis)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Infections and Inflammatory Diseases

Symptoms:
fever; headache; altered mental status; seizures; focal neurological deficits; confusion; memory loss; personality changes

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the brain, often caused by viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex virus, arboviruses) or autoimmune mechanisms.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI to detect brain inflammation; lumbar puncture for CSF analysis and PCR for viral DNA (e.g., HSV); EEG to evaluate for seizures; blood tests for autoimmune markers if suspected.

Treatment:
Depends on cause. Antiviral therapy for HSV (e.g., acyclovir), supportive care for arboviruses, and immunosuppressive treatment (e.g., corticosteroids, IVIG) for autoimmune causes.

Medications:
For HSV encephalitis - Acyclovir (antiviral agent). For autoimmune encephalitis - Corticosteroids, IVIG, plasmapheresis, or rituximab (a monoclonal antibody).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Herpes simplex encephalitis occurs in approximately 1 in 250,000 to 500,000 people annually. Prevalence varies for other causes.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunocompromised state, travel to areas with endemic arboviruses, exposure to infected individuals, autoimmune diseases.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early treatment (especially for HSV) significantly improves outcomes. Delayed treatment can lead to permanent neurological damage or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term neurological deficits (e.g., memory impairment, seizures, cognitive dysfunction), coma, death (if untreated).

HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Infections and Inflammatory Diseases

Symptoms:
cognitive impairment; memory loss; difficulty concentrating; mood changes; motor dysfunction; behavioral changes

Root Cause:
Chronic neuroinflammation and direct effects of HIV infection in the brain leading to neuronal damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, neuropsychological testing, exclusion of other causes (e.g., opportunistic infections, substance use); MRI for structural changes.

Treatment:
Optimized antiretroviral therapy (ART) to control HIV replication and prevent further neurocognitive decline.

Medications:
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) that penetrates the CNS effectively, such as dolutegravir , abacavir , or emtricitabine-tenofovir combinations.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to affect 25–50% of people living with HIV, with varying severity.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced HIV/AIDS, poor adherence to ART, comorbidities like substance abuse or depression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Mild forms are manageable with ART, but severe forms can lead to significant disability if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progressive cognitive decline, functional impairment, increased risk of dementia.

Autoimmune Encephalitis

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Infections and Inflammatory Diseases

Symptoms:
memory loss; behavioral changes; seizures; confusion; psychosis; autonomic dysfunction; movement disorders

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the brain caused by an autoimmune response, often triggered by antibodies targeting neuronal receptors or intracellular proteins.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Antibody testing in blood and CSF (e.g., anti-NMDA, anti-LGI1), MRI (inflammatory changes), EEG (abnormal activity), and clinical evaluation.

Treatment:
Immunosuppressive therapies, such as corticosteroids, IVIG, plasmapheresis, or rituximab.

Medications:
First-line - Corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone ), IVIG, plasmapheresis. Second-line - Rituximab (monoclonal antibody), cyclophosphamide (chemotherapy agent with immunosuppressive properties).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, exact prevalence unknown, but cases have been increasing due to improved diagnostic capabilities.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Paraneoplastic syndromes (e.g., tumors producing antibodies), viral infections, genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early diagnosis and treatment; delays can lead to significant disability or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term cognitive impairment, epilepsy, autonomic instability, death in severe cases.

Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Infections and Inflammatory Diseases

Symptoms:
psychosis; memory loss; seizures; autonomic dysfunction; movement abnormalities (e.g., orofacial dyskinesias); altered mental status

Root Cause:
Autoimmune attack on NMDA receptors in the brain, often associated with ovarian teratomas or other tumors.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detection of anti-NMDA receptor antibodies in CSF or blood, MRI for brain changes, EEG (abnormal delta waves).

Treatment:
Tumor removal (if present), immunotherapy (e.g., corticosteroids, IVIG, plasmapheresis), and supportive care.

Medications:
First-line - Corticosteroids, IVIG, plasmapheresis. Second-line - Rituximab or cyclophosphamide for refractory cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but increasingly recognized; more common in young women with ovarian teratomas.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Presence of ovarian teratomas, viral infections, genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with prompt treatment; most patients recover fully, though some may experience persistent neurological symptoms.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cognitive deficits, chronic epilepsy, autonomic dysfunction, death if untreated.

Concussion

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Symptoms:
headache; confusion; dizziness; nausea; vomiting; blurred vision; sensitivity to light and noise; memory loss; difficulty concentrating; fatigue

Root Cause:
A mild traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden impact or jolt to the head, leading to temporary disruption of brain function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation (patient history, symptom analysis, and physical examination), neurocognitive testing, imaging tests like CT or MRI (if severe symptoms or risk of complications).

Treatment:
Rest, gradual return to activities, symptom management, cognitive and physical rehabilitation if needed.

Medications:
Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headaches. Prescription medications, such as amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant) or topiramate (antiepileptic), may be used for post-concussion headaches or migraines.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common; estimated 1.6–3.8 million concussions occur annually in the U.S. related to sports and recreational activities.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Participation in contact sports, history of previous concussions, motor vehicle accidents, falls, younger age (children and adolescents).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good, with most people recovering fully within weeks to months; symptoms may persist longer in post-concussion syndrome.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Post-concussion syndrome, second impact syndrome, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), persistent cognitive or emotional problems.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Symptoms:
loss of consciousness; headache; confusion; memory loss; dizziness; vomiting; seizures; speech difficulties; weakness or numbness; changes in behavior

Root Cause:
Brain damage caused by external force, such as a blow to the head, penetration by an object, or violent shaking.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical and neurological examinations, imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs, Glasgow Coma Scale assessment.

Treatment:
Emergency stabilization, surgical intervention if necessary (to relieve pressure or repair damage), physical and cognitive rehabilitation, supportive care.

Medications:
Diuretics (e.g., mannitol ) to reduce brain swelling; anticonvulsants (e.g., levetiracetam ) to prevent seizures; sedatives (e.g., propofol ) for agitation or to manage intracranial pressure.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
About 2.8 million emergency department visits for TBI in the U.S. annually; common in all age groups, particularly young adults and the elderly.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Falls, vehicle accidents, sports injuries, physical violence, military combat exposure.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies widely; mild TBIs often resolve fully, while severe TBIs may result in long-term disabilities or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Seizures, infections, hydrocephalus, cognitive or emotional impairments, death.

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Symptoms:
loss of consciousness; vegetative state; persistent headaches; memory loss; difficulty concentrating; mood changes; motor and sensory deficits

Root Cause:
Widespread shearing and tearing of axons in the brain due to rapid acceleration or deceleration, typically seen in severe traumatic brain injuries.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed using advanced imaging techniques like MRI (particularly DTI) and clinical evaluation of symptoms.

Treatment:
Supportive care, including maintaining oxygenation, managing intracranial pressure, physical rehabilitation, and occupational therapy.

Medications:
No specific medications to repair axonal injury, but medications like amantadine (for arousal) or methylphenidate (for cognitive function) are used to support recovery. Antiepileptic drugs can prevent seizures.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in severe traumatic brain injuries, particularly in motor vehicle accidents and falls.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact trauma, motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies; severe cases may lead to persistent vegetative states or death, while milder cases may have partial recovery with long-term rehabilitation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic neurological deficits, cognitive and behavioral changes, seizures, and reduced quality of life.

Alzheimer’s disease

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Neurological and Cognitive Disorders

Sub-category: Dementias

Symptoms:
memory loss; difficulty planning or solving problems; confusion with time or place; trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships; difficulty speaking or writing; misplacing items and inability to retrace steps; poor judgment and decision-making

Root Cause:
The accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain causes brain cell death and disrupts communication between neurons.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is primarily clinical through a medical history review, cognitive testing, neuroimaging (such as MRI or CT scans), and ruling out other conditions. Biomarker tests for amyloid plaques and tau may also be used.

Treatment:
Medications to manage symptoms, such as cholinesterase inhibitors (Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine) and NMDA receptor antagonists (Memantine). Non-drug interventions like cognitive stimulation therapy and maintaining a structured environment.

Medications:
Donepezil (cholinesterase inhibitor), Rivastigmine (cholinesterase inhibitor), Galantamine (cholinesterase inhibitor), Memantine (NMDA receptor antagonist). These medications help with cognitive symptoms but do not cure the disease.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Alzheimer’s disease affects an estimated 6.5 million people in the U.S., with prevalence increasing as the population ages.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, family history, genetics (e.g., APOE e4 allele), head trauma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, low education levels, and lifestyle factors like poor diet and lack of physical activity.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive decline in memory and cognitive abilities; life expectancy after diagnosis is typically 4-8 years, but it can be longer or shorter.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of infections (e.g., pneumonia), difficulty with mobility, malnutrition, and eventual loss of independence.

Contusion (Brain Bruising)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Head and Neck Injuries

Sub-category: Head Injuries

Symptoms:
loss of consciousness (can be brief); confusion or disorientation; headaches; nausea or vomiting; memory loss; slurred speech; weakness or numbness in limbs; seizures (in severe cases)

Root Cause:
A brain contusion occurs when the brain is bruised, typically due to a direct blow to the head. This leads to bleeding and swelling in the brain tissue, which can cause neurological impairment.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is confirmed via imaging studies like CT or MRI scans, which can show the location and extent of the bruising.

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on monitoring for any worsening symptoms. Severe cases may require surgery to relieve pressure on the brain. In less severe cases, bed rest, pain management, and neurological monitoring are sufficient.

Medications:
Pain relief is usually given, including - Analgesics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (Class

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Brain contusions are less common than concussions but occur frequently in serious trauma, such as car accidents, falls, or violent impact injuries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact sports, motor vehicle accidents, falls, physical assault, or any activity that poses a risk of head injury.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the size and location of the contusion. Smaller contusions may resolve without long-term effects, while large or deep bruises can lead to permanent neurological impairment or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hematoma formation (blood clot), increased intracranial pressure, seizures, permanent cognitive or motor dysfunction, coma, or death in severe cases.

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Head and Neck Injuries

Sub-category: Head Injuries

Symptoms:
loss of consciousness; coma; memory loss; cognitive deficits; motor dysfunction; dilated pupils; severe headache

Root Cause:
Damage to the brain's white matter, leading to widespread axonal injury that disrupts communication between brain regions.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is confirmed through neuroimaging (CT scans or MRI), with MRI being more sensitive in detecting diffuse axonal injury.

Treatment:
Treatment typically focuses on stabilizing the patient, preventing secondary brain injury, and managing symptoms. Intensive care, monitoring intracranial pressure, and rehabilitation therapies may be required.

Medications:
Medications may include osmotic diuretics (e.g., mannitol ), anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin , levetiracetam ) to prevent seizures, and analgesics for pain management. These medications fall under categories of osmotic diuretics, anticonvulsants, and analgesics.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Diffuse axonal injury is a common consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly in high-velocity impact accidents (e.g., motor vehicle accidents), with approximately 20% of severe TBIs presenting DAI features.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-velocity accidents (e.g., motor vehicle crashes, falls), contact sports, and physical trauma to the head or neck are primary risk factors.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis is often poor, with many patients experiencing long-term cognitive deficits, motor impairments, and persistent vegetative states. However, some patients may show partial recovery with appropriate rehabilitation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential complications include coma, persistent vegetative state, seizure disorders, cognitive and motor impairments, and even death.

Mercury Poisoning

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Chronic Toxicity and Long-Term Exposures

Sub-category: Heavy Metal Toxicity

Symptoms:
tremors; memory loss; mood changes (irritability, anxiety); numbness or tingling in hands and feet; muscle weakness; vision or hearing disturbances; difficulty walking; cognitive impairments

Root Cause:
Mercury accumulates in the body through inhalation, ingestion of contaminated food (e.g., fish), or dermal absorption. It disrupts enzymatic activity, oxidative stress pathways, and nervous system function, particularly in the brain.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves measuring mercury levels in blood, urine, or hair. Clinical history of exposure and neurological symptoms are also critical for assessment.

Treatment:
Treatment includes cessation of exposure, supportive care, and chelation therapy for high mercury levels. Avoiding further intake from dietary or environmental sources is essential.

Medications:
Chelation agents such as dimercaprol, succimer (DMSA), and DMPS (dimercaptopropane sulfonate ) may be used to bind and remove mercury from the body. The specific agent depends on the form of mercury exposure.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Mercury poisoning is relatively rare in developed countries but more common in areas with high fish consumption, artisanal gold mining, or industrial pollution.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Consumption of mercury-contaminated fish (e.g., swordfish, tuna), occupational exposure (e.g., mining, chemical industries), and improper handling of mercury-containing products (e.g., thermometers, fluorescent bulbs).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With early diagnosis and removal of exposure, symptoms may improve, but severe neurological damage can be permanent, especially in cases of prenatal exposure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term complications include irreversible neurological damage, kidney dysfunction, developmental delays in children, and cardiovascular issues.

Pesticide Poisoning (Chronic Exposure)

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Chronic Toxicity and Long-Term Exposures

Sub-category: Occupational and Environmental Exposures

Symptoms:
headache; nausea; fatigue; memory loss; mood changes; peripheral neuropathy; respiratory issues; dermatitis

Root Cause:
Chronic exposure to pesticides leads to bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, and neurotoxicity, potentially affecting multiple organ systems.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Patient history, blood/urine analysis for pesticide metabolites, and neurological assessments.

Treatment:
Removing the source of exposure, supportive care, antioxidant therapy, and chelation therapy in some cases.

Medications:
Atropine (an anticholinergic) and pralidoxime (a cholinesterase reactivator) are used for organophosphate poisoning. Antioxidants like vitamin E and N-acetylcysteine may mitigate oxidative damage.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Prevalent among agricultural workers and individuals in areas of high pesticide use.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupational exposure, inadequate protective equipment, and prolonged exposure.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies based on severity and duration of exposure; long-term effects can include neurological deficits and chronic respiratory conditions.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Neurological disorders, endocrine disruption, infertility, and cancer.

Solvent Toxicity (e.g., Benzene, Toluene)

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Chronic Toxicity and Long-Term Exposures

Sub-category: Occupational and Environmental Exposures

Symptoms:
headache; dizziness; confusion; memory loss; nausea; fatigue; respiratory distress; skin irritation

Root Cause:
Prolonged exposure to solvents causes central nervous system depression, bone marrow suppression, and organ toxicity.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for solvent levels or metabolites, bone marrow biopsy, and neurological assessments.

Treatment:
Avoidance of exposure, supportive care, and treating complications (e.g., bone marrow suppression).

Medications:
Chelating agents like dimercaprol or succimer may be used for heavy solvent exposure with metal components. Symptomatic treatments include antiemetics for nausea or anxiolytics for agitation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Found in industrial settings (painting, printing, chemical production); exposure is common globally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupational exposure, inadequate ventilation, improper handling of solvents.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies with exposure level; chronic exposure may lead to irreversible organ damage or cancer.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Leukemia (benzene exposure), kidney or liver damage, and neurological disorders.

Phencyclidine (PCP)-Related Psychiatric Disorders

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Addiction

Symptoms:
aggression; delusions; hallucinations; disorganized behavior; catatonia; numbness; ataxia; impaired judgment; anxiety; memory loss

Root Cause:
PCP alters neurotransmitter function, particularly glutamate and dopamine, leading to dissociative and psychotic symptoms.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation of symptoms, toxicology screening (urine/blood tests for PCP metabolites), and assessment of mental status.

Treatment:
Supportive care in acute cases, benzodiazepines for agitation, antipsychotics for severe psychotic symptoms, psychotherapy for long-term recovery, and substance use counseling.

Medications:
Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam , diazepam ) for sedation and agitation; antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol , olanzapine ) for psychosis. Benzodiazepines are sedatives; antipsychotics are dopamine receptor antagonists.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Usage of PCP has declined but remains an issue among some populations, particularly in urban areas. Exact prevalence varies by region.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of substance abuse, peer influence, availability of PCP, and underlying mental health disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Recovery depends on the duration and intensity of use. Acute symptoms may resolve with treatment, but chronic use can result in long-term cognitive and psychiatric issues.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic psychosis, memory impairment, cognitive deficits, and increased risk of injury or death due to impaired judgment.

Huntington Disease Dementia

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Adult

Sub-category: Neurocognitive Disorders

Symptoms:
memory loss; difficulty planning or organizing; mood swings; impulsive behavior; movement abnormalities (chorea); depression

Root Cause:
Progressive neurodegeneration caused by a mutation in the HTT gene leading to abnormal accumulation of huntingtin protein.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Genetic testing for the HTT mutation, neuroimaging (e.g., MRI or CT scans), and cognitive assessments.

Treatment:
Supportive care including psychotherapy, occupational therapy, and medications for symptom management. No cure exists.

Medications:
Antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine ), antidepressants (e.g., sertraline ), and tetrabenazine (for chorea).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 5-10 per 100,000 individuals; inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of Huntington’s disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive and fatal; life expectancy is 10-30 years after symptom onset.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe cognitive and motor impairments, aspiration pneumonia, and complete dependence on caregivers.

Alzheimer Disease

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Geriatric

Symptoms:
memory loss; difficulty in planning and problem-solving; confusion about time and place; difficulty completing familiar tasks; changes in mood and personality; misplacing things; withdrawal from social activities

Root Cause:
Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain, leading to neurodegeneration and loss of synaptic connections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, cognitive and memory tests (e.g., MMSE), imaging studies (MRI, CT), biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid, and PET scans.

Treatment:
Symptomatic treatments focus on managing cognitive symptoms and supporting daily functioning. Non-drug therapies include cognitive rehabilitation and caregiver support.

Medications:
Donepezil (cholinesterase inhibitor), Rivastigmine (cholinesterase inhibitor), Memantine (NMDA receptor antagonist), Aducanumab (amyloid beta-directed antibody).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 6 million people in the U.S.; the prevalence increases with age, particularly after 65.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, family history, genetic mutations (e.g., APOE-e4), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and head trauma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive and incurable; average life expectancy post-diagnosis is 4-8 years, although some may live up to 20 years.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infections (e.g., pneumonia), malnutrition, falls, wandering, and caregiver burden.

Vascular Dementia

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Geriatric

Symptoms:
memory loss; confusion; difficulty concentrating; mood changes; slowed thinking; difficulty with planning and organization

Root Cause:
Reduced blood flow to the brain due to stroke, small vessel disease, or other vascular conditions leading to brain damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Neuropsychological testing, brain imaging (MRI, CT), medical history, and assessment of vascular risk factors.

Treatment:
Managing vascular risk factors (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol), cognitive rehabilitation, and supportive therapies.

Medications:
Antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors), antiplatelet drugs (e.g., Aspirin ), and sometimes cholinesterase inhibitors or Memantine for cognitive symptoms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Second most common type of dementia, accounting for 10-20% of dementia cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hypertension, diabetes, smoking, atrial fibrillation, and history of stroke or heart disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive condition; life expectancy varies based on severity and comorbid conditions.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrent strokes, increased disability, and caregiver burden.