痴呆
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
In traditional Chinese medicine, the condition known as "dementia" falls under the category of geriatric diseases. According to the records in "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," dementia is characterized by abnormal mental state, decreased memory, slow response, slurred speech, and clumsy movement. The etiology is often attributed to insufficient kidney essence, turbid phlegm obstructing the orifices, and blood stasis blocking the meridians. In severe cases, it can lead to symptoms of being unable to manage daily life independently.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of dementia is primarily related to kidney essence deficiency, turbid phlegm obstructing the orifices, and blood stasis blocking the meridians. Common precipitating factors include aging, weakness, emotional disorders, and improper diet. During the process of differentiation, attention should be paid to distinguishing the properties of cold and heat, as well as the deficiency and excess. For instance, kidney essence deficiency syndrome is characterized by decreased memory, dull expression, and dizziness; turbid phlegm obstructing the orifices is characterized by dull expression, muttering, and abdominal distension; while blood stasis blocking the meridians manifests as slow response, dark complexion, and dark purple tongue. The overall direction of treatment suggests that in the clinical management of dementia, attention should be given to reinforcing the kidney and replenishing essence, resolving phlegm to open the orifices, and activating blood to resolve stasis, in order to restore brain function and improve the quality of life. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that by adjusting the body constitution and harmonizing yin and yang, the goal of treating dementia can be achieved.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
髓海不足证
Main Manifestations：记忆严重减退,神情呆滞,头晕
Management Approach：补肾填精,益髓健脑
痰浊蒙窍证
Main Manifestations：表情呆滞,喃喃自语,脘腹胀满
Management Approach：化痰开窍,健脾化浊
瘀血阻络证
Main Manifestations：反应迟钝,面色晦暗,舌紫暗
Management Approach：活血化瘀,通络醒脑
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
In clinical practice, patients with dementia often exhibit dull expressions, requiring careful observation and the integration of pulse changes to accurately differentiate the syndrome and prescribe accordingly.
— 李明久 中医执业医师
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
参考文献：《中医内科学》（十三五规划教材）、《中医病证诊断疗效标准》(ZY/T001.1-94)、《中医病证分类与代码》(GB/T 15657-2021)