Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that causes problems with memory, language, behaviour, and other mental functions.
There are many different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, and Parkinson’s disease dementia. These diseases all share similar symptoms, including memory impairment, changes in personality, difficulty performing everyday tasks, and impaired judgment.
Dementia is not a disease. It’s a collection of symptoms that result from damage to the brain caused by different diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. These symptoms vary according to the part of the brain that is damaged.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease usually start slowly and get worse over time. Some people may experience memory loss or confusion at first. As the condition progresses, other problems like difficulty in thinking clearly, trouble communicating, and changes in mood or behaviour may occur.
You’ll find that people with Alzheimer’s disease often need help managing daily activities and medications.
Different types of dementia can affect people differently, and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way. However, there are some common early symptoms that may appear sometime before a diagnosis of dementia.
Dementia results when healthy neurons start to fail. As the disease progresses, the number of neurons decreases and the brain starts to shrink.
Dementia is an umbrella term for brain disorders that cause memory loss and other cognitive impairments.
They may have trouble with:
Dementia results when healthy neurons start to fail. As the disease progresses, the number of neurons decreases and the brain starts to shrink.
Dementia is an umbrella term for brain disorders that cause memory loss and other cognitive impairments.
They may have trouble with:
These conditions affect a person’s ability to think clearly, remember information, communicate effectively, and carry out daily activities independently.
Dementia is caused by a combination of factors including genetics, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions.
As we get older, our brains naturally begin to shrink, and certain diseases can damage parts of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of cases. Some forms of dementia may not show any signs until later stages of life. Early diagnosis and treatment can help delay or prevent further decline.
Many different factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental conditions, cause Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies suggest that the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain may play an important role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. While others argue that tau tangles in the brain, may be protective against the disease.
There are also other theories about what causes Alzheimer’s, including inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, vascular damage, and neurodegenerative processes.
In addition to genetic predisposition, other factors also contribute to developing these diseases. These include unhealthy lifestyles, poor nutrition, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and environmental toxins.
Although there is no proven prevention method, in general, leading an active lifestyle may help reduce the risk of developing these diseases.
A healthy lifestyle includes eating nutritious foods, getting adequate amounts of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco products.
Dementia is a general term for any disorder that affects memory and thinking skills. There are many causes of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease dementia, and others. Dementia is not curable, but treatments may slow its progression.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Damage to nerve cells in the brain causes it.
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids.
There are two types of Alzheimer’s disease:
disease usually occurs before 65 years old, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
disease usually happens after 65 years old. It is known as sporadic Alzheimer's disease if there is no family history of the disease.
The symptoms tend to progress gradually and cause a slow decline. Although the symptoms can progress more rapidly and you may see a severe decline in some people.
Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia, after Alzheimer’s. Some people have both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, often called “mixed dementia”. Symptoms of vascular dementia are similar to Alzheimer’s disease, although memory loss may not be as obvious in the early diagnosis.
The signs and symptoms of vascular dementia depend on which area of the brain has been affected (usually by a stroke). The main symptom is difficulty with language, reading, writing, and communication.
Frontotemporal dementia is a rare form of dementia that tends to occur in people younger than 60. It is associated with abnormal amounts or forms of the proteins tau and TDP-43.
Early symptoms of frontotemporal dementia may include:
There are two main types of frontotemporal dementia:
Symptoms common to both types of frontotemporal dementia include:
As Parkinson’s disease progresses, cognitive processes may be affected and get worse over time.
These include:
Doctors will first try to identify any medical conditions that could cause memory loss. These might include diabetes, thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, depression, brain injury, head trauma, certain medications, and infections like Lyme disease.
If there isn’t a clear medical explanation, then doctors will consider less likely causes, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and substance use disorders.
Questions might include:
A doctor may also ask about other health conditions that run in families, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, thyroid problems, and cancer.
A family history of dementia is a known risk factor for several kinds of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
These tests can identify strokes, tumours, and other problems that can cause Alzheimer's disease. Scans also identify changes in the brain's structure and function, including amyloid plaques, tau tangles, and neurofibrillary tangles. Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are two types of scans that can be used to detect Alzheimer's disease. A PET scan is another type of scan that can be used to determine if someone has Alzheimer's disease.
If you think you might have depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other conditions, ask your doctor about testing. A genetic test can tell you whether you're at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or any other neurodegenerative diseases. You'll need to talk with a genetic counsellor before and after getting tested. Family members and friends can also play an important role in helping you manage your moods.
These tests are used to assess thought and physical functioning. These include assessments of memory, problem-solving, language skills, and math skills, as well as balance, sensory response, and reflexes.
They are easy to administer and provide information about your health. Blood tests are also helpful in monitoring disease progression and treatment effectiveness. There are several types of blood tests available today, including those that measure cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, calcium, vitamin D, thyroid function, and others. Some blood tests are ordered routinely, while others are ordered when there is suspicion of a specific disease. For example, a doctor may order a blood test if they suspect you have diabetes. A blood test is usually performed at a clinic or hospital laboratory. Doctors will often ask patients to fast before testing.
A person's genes can cause some dementias. In these cases, a genetic test can help people know if they are at risk for dementia. It is important to talk with a genetic counsellor before and after getting tested, along with family members and the doctor.
There are some things that can increase your risk of getting dementia, including age and gender.
Although there is no proven prevention, in general, leading a healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk factors that have been associated with mixed dementia.
Several large studies and reviews found that alcohol use disorders were linked to an increased risk of dementia, particularly early-onset dementia.
A 2016 review it was suggested that women were at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. While men seem to have a higher risk of developing other kinds of dementia, such as Lewy body dementia.
Researchers have also identified many other conditions that can cause dementia or dementia-like symptoms. These conditions include:
Dementia is a general term for a lot of brain disorders that cause problems with memory, thinking, behaviour language, and/or judgment. Diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, vascular dementia, and others cause some types of dementia. Dementia can also occur due to injuries to the head or other parts of the brain.
Brain donations help scientists understand what causes dementia.
Researchers study the brains of deceased individuals to learn more about how different types of dementia affect the body and brain. Donating your brain to science is free and does not require any additional costs for you or your loved ones.
If you notice your loved one is sleeping poorly, ask them about any changes in behaviour or mood. This can help the doctor identify specific problem areas, which in turn helps identify the underlying cause and an accurate diagnosis before starting treatment. But there are many ways to help someone with sleep problems, including medication, light therapy, exercise, and socialization. It is not always a diagnosis of dementia.
Companionship is important throughout the course of dementia. If you notice your loved one has difficulty remembering things, it's important to keep up with household chores and errands. Remember to remind them of upcoming appointments, such as doctor visits or dental appointments. Make sure they eat well and drink plenty of fluids.
Keep them active. Take them to the park or library. Go out for walks together. Play games like cards, bingo, board games, puzzles, or crossword puzzles. Try new hobbies or crafts. Visit friends and relatives. Keep talking and laughing. Do things that make them happy.
A visit to your family physician or general practitioner is usually the first step when someone notices changes in their thinking, movement, or behaviour.
If you think you might have dementia, see your primary care provider, doctor, or an advanced nurse practitioner.
A neurologist will likely be the next step if there is concern about dementia. You may need to consult with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional if you have depression or anxiety.
If you need help finding a specialist, contact your local doctor’s surgery to see if you can get a referral from a doctor. There are also many online resources available for those seeking information about dementia.
As dementia progresses, the person may become increasingly forgetful and confused. As they lose skills, abilities and confidence, they may start to feel anxious, stressed and worried about not being able to remember what they did yesterday. They may struggle to follow conversations or concentrate on something. This can lead them to withdraw socially and stop doing activities they enjoyed before.
Some people with dementia will experience depression and anxiety. These feelings can be very distressing for both the person and those around them.
It can be hard to care for someone when you feel like you’ve got nothing left inside. You may feel sad, angry, confused, guilty, lonely, or even depressed.
When you’re caring for someone with dementia, it can be hard to talk about what you’re going through because you might not understand what’s happening.
You may also worry that talking about your feelings will upset them. If you try to explain how you’re feeling, you could end up upsetting them further.
If you’re feeling anxious or sad, or if you’re struggling to cope with life, talk to your GP. He or she will be able to give you advice and information about what you need to get through tough times. You might also be referred to a counsellor or psychologist, who can offer support and guidance.
Carers’ groups can be a great place to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Many groups meet regularly and may provide speakers, leisure activities, holidays and just time to sit and chat together. You might also find local groups through your GP surgery, Alzheimer’s Society, or Social Services.
You may find an online group helpful if you’re feeling lonely or isolated. You could join a group that shares your interests, or just chat about anything. There are many different types of groups, including discussion forums, gaming communities, and social networks.
Memory cafés provide a safe space for people living with dementia and their families to meet others who understand what they’re going through. You’ll usually find a mix of professionals and volunteers working alongside each other. Memory cafes also give you the opportunity to share experiences with others who may not have had someone close to them affected by dementia.
Some care homes are not suitable for people with dementia because they lack privacy and quiet. Others are unsuitable because they are noisy or chaotic. If your loved one is showing signs of confusion, agitation or aggression, talk to the staff at the centre before choosing one. You might also consider visiting several centres to see what each offers.
If you’re feeling stressed, try taking a break from caring for others and focusing on your own needs. You’ll feel refreshed and recharged and ready to care again!
Remember that there is always respite care too.
A simple test for early dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is the clock-drawing test. On a piece of paper, a clock with numbers, hands, and a particular time must be drawn. The incapacity to do so is a clear sign of mental deterioration.
Most dementias are not passed down to children or grandchildren. Rarer forms of dementia may have a strong genetic component, but these instances make up a very small part of total dementia cases.
These skills are significantly more negatively impacted as dementia progresses. Meaning that someday, anyone with dementia will be unable to operate a vehicle safely. Each person has a different threshold for how rapidly this occurs. In the middle stages of dementia, most drivers with Alzheimer’s disease will need to quit driving.
