Dementia – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Dementia refers to a set of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to disrupt daily life. It’s not a single disease, but can result from several different conditions.

Memory difficulties frequently emerge in the early stages of dementia. However, memory loss alone doesn’t necessarily indicate dementia, since it can stem from various causes.

Alzheimer’s disease stands as the most frequent cause of dementia in older adults. However, other conditions can also lead to dementia symptoms. It’s important to note that, depending on the underlying cause, some dementia symptoms might be reversible.

Signs and Symptoms

Brain Function Changes

Memory problems are often first noticed by family members or friends. People with dementia may struggle to find the right words when talking.

They might get lost while driving or have trouble understanding what they see.

Problem-solving becomes harder. Complex tasks that once seemed easy may now feel impossible. Planning ahead and staying organized can be challenging.

Physical coordination might deteriorate. Many feel confused about where they are or what time it is.

Mood and Behavior Shifts

Someone with dementia might seem like a different person than before. They can become sad or depressed without a clear reason.

Worry and nervousness often increase. Certain individuals tend to become easily upset or agitated. They might act in ways that seem inappropriate or out of character.

Many develop suspicions about others, even loved ones. In some cases, people see or hear things that aren’t actually there.

When to Seek Medical Help

Talk to a healthcare provider if you or someone you care about shows memory problems or other symptoms mentioned above.

Finding the cause is important because some conditions that look like dementia can be treated. Don’t wait to get help – early diagnosis often leads to better outcomes.

What Causes Dementia

Dementia develops when brain cells are damaged or die. This affects the brain’s normal function and leads to various symptoms.

The specific symptoms a person experiences depend on which part of the brain is affected. Different types of dementia exist, and each person may experience them differently.

Types of Progressive Dementia

Progressive dementias get worse over time and cannot be reversed. These include:

Alzheimer’s Disease

• Most common form of dementia
• Involves protein deposits called beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain
• These formations damage healthy brain cells and their connections
• Some cases relate to genetic factors, including the APOE4 gene
• Most causes remain unknown

Vascular Dementia

• Caused by blood vessel damage in the brain
• May result from stroke or other blood vessel problems
• Often damages white matter fibers in the brain
• Primary symptoms include:
  • Slowed thinking
  • Poor problem-solving
  • Difficulty focusing and organizing
  • Memory problems are often less noticeable than other symptoms

Lewy Body Dementia

• Features protein clumps (Lewy bodies) in the brain
• Common symptoms include:
  • Visual hallucinations
  • Acting out dreams during sleep
  • Attention and focus problems
  • Movement issues similar to Parkinson’s disease

Frontotemporal Dementia

• Affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain
• These areas control personality, behavior, and language
• Causes breakdown of nerve cells and their connections
• Symptoms involve changes in behavior, personality, judgment, language, and movement

Mixed Dementia

• Combination of multiple dementia types
• Common in people over 80
• May include elements of Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia
• Research continues on how mixed dementia affects symptoms and treatment

Other Conditions That Cause Dementia

Several other disorders can lead to dementia symptoms:

Huntington’s Disease

• Genetic disorder causing brain and spinal cord cells to waste away
• Thinking skills decline noticeably
• Symptoms typically appear between ages 30 and 40

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Often results from repeated head trauma
• Common in boxers, football players, and military personnel
• Symptoms vary depending on the injured brain area
• May cause:
  • Memory loss
  • Speech problems
  • Depression
  • Explosive behavior
  • Movement issues
• Symptoms might not appear until years after the injury occurred

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

• Rare and fatal brain disorder
• Usually appears after age 60
• May be caused by infectious proteins called prions
• Can be inherited or acquired through exposure to infected tissue
• Most cases have no known cause

Parkinson’s Disease Dementia

• Many people with Parkinson’s disease eventually develop dementia
• Occurs as the disease progresses

Reversible Conditions That Mimic Dementia

Some conditions create dementia-like symptoms that can improve with proper treatment:

Condition	Description
Infections and immune disorders	Fever and immune responses can affect brain function; multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune conditions may attack nerve cells
Metabolic or endocrine problems	Thyroid issues, blood sugar problems, and imbalances in sodium or calcium can affect thinking
Nutritional deficiencies	Low levels of vitamins B-1, B-6, B-12, copper, or vitamin E can cause cognitive symptoms; dehydration also affects brain function
Medication effects	Side effects, reactions, or interactions between medicines can create dementia-like symptoms
Subdural bleeding	Blood collecting between the brain surface and its covering after a fall can mimic dementia, especially in older adults
Brain tumors	Though rare, tumors can damage brain tissue and cause dementia symptoms
Normal-pressure hydrocephalus	Fluid buildup in brain cavities can cause memory problems, walking difficulties, and loss of bladder control

Proper diagnosis is essential, since treating these underlying conditions can often reverse the dementia-like symptoms, unlike progressive forms of dementia.

What Puts You At Risk

Some risk factors for dementia cannot be controlled:

• Age is the strongest risk factor. Your chances increase significantly after 65, though dementia is not a normal part of aging. Younger people can develop it too.
• Genetic factors play a role in dementia risk. If your parents or siblings had dementia, you may have a higher risk yourself.
  • However, many people with a family history never develop symptoms, while others without a family history do. Genetic testing can identify certain risk-increasing variants.
• Down syndrome is linked to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Most people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease by middle age.

Many risk factors can be addressed to help lower your chances of developing dementia:

• Lifestyle choices make a big difference. Research shows people who follow these habits have better brain health:
  • Eating a Mediterranean-style diet rich in:
    • Fresh fruits and vegetables
    • Whole grains
    • Fish
    • Healthy oils
    • Nuts and seeds
  • Regular physical exercise
  • Mental stimulation and learning
  • Social engagement
• Alcohol consumption significantly impacts brain health. Heavy drinking is linked to brain changes and a higher dementia risk, especially early-onset dementia.
• Heart and blood vessel health is closely tied to brain health. These factors increase dementia risk:
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol (especially LDL)
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes (particularly if poorly managed)
  • Smoking
  • Blood vessel disease
• Sensory problems that go untreated raise dementia risk:
  • Hearing loss (risk increases with severity)
  • Vision problems (treating vision issues may lower risk)
• Mental health matters. Late-life depression may signal developing dementia.
• Environmental factors include exposure to air pollution, especially from traffic exhaust and wood burning, which is linked to faster nerve cell damage and a higher dementia risk.
• Head injuries increase Alzheimer’s risk. Studies show people over 50 who experience traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have a higher dementia risk, especially within the first two years after injury. Multiple or severe TBIs create a greater risk.
• Sleep disorders like sleep apnea and other disturbances may increase dementia risk.
• Nutritional deficiencies in vitamin D, B6, B12, and folate are associated with a higher dementia risk.
• Certain medications can affect memory and thinking:
  • Sleep aids containing diphenhydramine
  • Bladder medications like oxybutynin
  • Sedatives and sleeping pills

Health Issues Linked to Dementia

Dementia affects many body systems and causes several health problems as it progresses. These complications make daily life harder for people with this condition.

• Nutrition Problems: People with dementia often eat less over time. They might forget meals or lose interest in food. In advanced stages, they may struggle to chew and swallow properly.
• Lung Infections: Swallowing difficulties increase choking risks. Food or drinks can accidentally enter the lungs instead of the stomach. This can block airways and lead to pneumonia, a serious lung infection.
• Self-Care Challenges:
  • Difficulty bathing independently
  • Problems dressing themselves
  • Inability to maintain dental hygiene
  • Needing help with toilet use
  • Trouble taking medications correctly
• Safety Risks: Everyday activities become dangerous. People with dementia may get lost while driving or walking alone. They might leave stoves on while cooking or forget important safety steps.
• Serious Complications: In the final stages of dementia, people may become unresponsive. Death typically occurs due to infections that a weakened body cannot fight.

Ways to Reduce Dementia Risk

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, several lifestyle changes may help lower your risk. These strategies focus on brain health and overall well-being.

Keep Your Brain Active

Mental exercise helps your brain stay sharp. Try these activities regularly:

• Reading books and magazines
• Doing crossword puzzles or Sudoku
• Playing card games or board games
• Learning new skills or hobbies

Stay Physically Active and Social

Exercise and social connections benefit brain health. Aim for 150 minutes of activity each week. Walking groups, dance classes, or sports teams can provide both physical activity and social interaction.

Stop Smoking

Smoking increases dementia risk, especially in middle age and beyond. Quitting can improve your brain health and overall wellness.

Get Proper Nutrition

Some research suggests certain vitamins may help protect brain function:

• Vitamin D (from sunlight, fatty fish, and fortified foods)
• B-complex vitamins
• Vitamin C (from fruits and vegetables)

Manage Heart Health Factors

Heart health and brain health are closely linked. Take these steps:

• Control high blood pressure
• Treat high cholesterol, especially LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
• Manage diabetes effectively
• Maintain a healthy weight

Address Health Conditions

Seek treatment for depression, anxiety, and other health issues. These conditions can impact brain function when left untreated.

Follow a Brain-Healthy Diet

A Mediterranean-style eating pattern may help protect your brain. This includes:

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains instead of refined grains
• Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids
• Nuts and olive oil
• Limit red meat and processed foods

Prioritize Quality Sleep

Poor sleep may increase dementia risk. Develop good sleep habits and talk to a healthcare professional if you snore loudly or stop breathing during sleep.

Take Care of Your Senses

Getting help for sensory issues matters:

• Treat hearing loss early, possibly with hearing aids
• Get regular eye exams and address vision problems promptly