Dementia is a catch-all term that includes Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia. It describes a loss of memory and other changes that are related to abnormal brain changes. According to the Alzheimer’s Association: “….these changes trigger a decline in thinking skills, also known as cognitive abilities, severe enough to impair daily life and independent function.” Dementia is not due to the normal aging process, called “senile dementia”.
Symptoms and signs of dementia
Symptoms can vary greatly, but they can include:
- Short-term memory problems.
- Keeping track of a purse or wallet.
- Paying bills at all or on time.
- Preparing meals and keeping track of your nutrition.
- Trouble remembering appointments.
- Traveling out of the neighborhood when not intended.
Conditions can be progressive (start slowly and gradually get worse). Seeing a doctor may confirm dementia or help determine a cause for cognitive issues.
Causes
Damage to brain cells is a hallmark of dementia. This damage interferes with the ability to communicate with each other. This reminds me of strokes. Damaged brain cells cannot communicate normally, thinking, behavior and feelings can get affected. Different brain regions are responsible for different functions. When these particular regions are damaged, they could not carry out these functions normally. For example, the hippocampus is the center of memory and learning. Damage to this region is often the first to go, which is why memory loss is often the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia can worsen over time, but treatment of the following can less these concerns:
- Depression
- Medication side effects
- Excess use of alcohol
- Thyroid problems
- Vitamin deficiencies
Diagnosis of dementia
Diagnosing dementia can be difficult. No one test is used for this purpose. Doctors use the following:
- Careful medical history
- Physical examination
- Laboratory tests
- Characteristic changes in thinking, day-to-day function
- Behavior associated with each type of change
Doctors can determine whether a person has dementia with a great deal of certainty, but which type of dementia is difficult because symptoms may overlap. A doctor may diagnose “dementia” and not specify a type. A specialist such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or geriatric specialist may be needed to define the type of dementia.
Treatment and care
In the case of progressive dementias, such as Alzheimer’s disease, there is no cure. Recent treatment modalities (aducanumab), however, show promise in slowing down and lessening the impacts of memory loss and functional decline. Other treatments can slow the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those who suffer from dementia. Non-drug therapies can also alleviate some symptoms of dementia. Increased research funding and participation in clinical studies are needed to improve treatment.
Risk and prevention
Age and genetics cannot be changed, of course. But researchers continue to find other risk factors on brain health and the prevention of dementia:
- Adopting healthy lifestyle choices
- Healthy diet
- Stop smoking
- Regular exercise
- Cognitive stimulation such as hobbies or games designed to stimulate your brain
Conclusion
It’s important not to ignore the signs of dementia. There are treatments available that can help. Call your doctor or specialist to find out what you can do, medication or otherwise, to lessen the symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Jeff Reynolds
Principal, Reynolds Consulting LLC