PHY(CT) SCANor MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING(MRI)
to evaluate the brain and its blood flow.
Treatment Options and OutlookTreatment targets the underlying condition when
appropriate and otherwise focuses on maintaining
QUALITY OF LIFE. Recent research shows that daily
physical activity such as walking may slow the pro-
gression of disorders such as ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
and other degenerative disorders that produce
organic brain syndrome symptoms. Adequate
nutrition is also essential. Medications such as anti-
depressants and antipsychotics may help moderate
behaviors and improve the person’s sense of well-
being. Medications to treat Alzheimer’s disease,
called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, may improve
cognitive ability or at least delay the progression of
its decline. Because organic brain syndrome tends
to be progressive, family members need to plan for
ongoing care and support.
Risk Factors and Preventive Measures
Organic brain syndrome is most common among
people 70 years of age and older because many of
the conditions that produce the symptoms of
organic brain syndrome become more common
with advanced age. Mitigating the risk factors for
these conditions, which range from CARDIOVASCULAR
DISEASE(CVD) to DIABETESto chronic LIVERdisease,
reduces the likelihood for developing cognitive
impairments due to physical changes in the brain.
Lifestyle measures such as nutritious EATING HABITS,
daily physical activity, not smoking, and maintain-
ing healthy weight further contribute to neurologic
as well as overall health. Activities that make use of
logic and reasoning, such as reading and crossword
puzzles, may help maintain mental acuity.
See also AGING, NEUROLOGIC CHANGES THAT OCCUR
WITH; COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND DYSFUNCTION; END OF
LIFE CONCERNS; GENERATIONAL HEALTH-CARE PERSPEC-
TIVES; MEMORY AND MEMORY IMPAIRMENT.organic brain syndrome 273