English for PTA

Dementia

Abbildung ABDA ABDA

The first thing that comes to mind when we hear the word dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. But a whole range of disorders may or may not be forms of dementia.

The term dementia describes a collection of symptoms that may indicate any of a number of disorders that affect the brain. While memory loss is associated with dementia, it may be caused by a whole variety of other disorders not directly connected to dementia. Although in cases of true dementia there is no real cure, there are certain steps that may alleviate the symptoms and effects of some types of the disorder.

There are various causes for dementia, which when treated, may even be reversible. Even hormonal and vitamin imbalances (vitamin B12) can cause some form of dementia. Other disorders that may cause dementia through degeneration or loss of nerve cells in the brain are Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. Stroke, which affects the blood vessels of the brain, can cause a disorder known as multi-infarct dementia. Because the brain requires a high proportion of oxygen relative to its size, illnesses such as heart and lung disorders – which result in oxygen insufficiency – may also result in the symptoms of dementia.

Hypoglycaemia, i.e. not enough sugar in the bloodstream, may lead to confusion, and too much calcium in the body may trigger mental changes.

Pharmacy customer: Hello, I was wondering if you could help me.
PTA: Hello! Of course I’ll help you, what’s your question?

Well, it’s like this: For some time now I have been having a bit of trouble with my husband. Not with him as such but with his behaviour.
Do you mind me asking how old your husband is?

No, not at all! He’s seventy-six. Does that make a difference?
Not in all cases. Could you describe the symptoms that your husband has?

Most of the time he’s quite, you know, normal. Then all of a sudden he turns around and repeats something that he said a few minutes ago as if it were new.
Is there anything else that you might consider to be unusual for him? You know, behaviour that you have not observed before now.

Not really. No.
What about changes in eating and drinking habits?

No. He has to be careful about what he eats and drinks as he has diabetes.
Which type of diabetes does your husband suffer from?

Type 2. Is it important?
I don’t think so. The few studies that have been carried out on hypoglycaemia and diabetes are not conclusive. I believe it is best that you convince your husband to go to a specialist.

Why?
In your place I would like to find out if he has a neurological condition that may be treated if diagnosed early enough.

Oh yes, you’re right. That’s certainly sensible. Thank you for your advice. You see I didn’t know who to turn to.
No problem!

Bye!

VOCABULARY
dementia Demenz
term Begriff
stroke Schlaganfall
blood vessels Blutgefäße
Hypoglycaemia Hypoglykämie,
Unterzuckerung
trigger auslösen
behaviour Benehmen, Verhalten
consider betrachten
suffer from an (etwas) leiden
conclusive schlüssig
condition (hier) Krankheit

Den vollständigen Artikel finden Sie auch in Die PTA IN DER APOTHEKE 02/10 auf Seite 28.

Catherine Croghan, croghan@fh-fresenius.de

Stichworte: Alzheimer, Demenz, Englisch für PTA, englisch