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Dementia

People living with dementia experience a decline cognitive abilities such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning.1 It can be so severe that it affects daily life. Although dementia is most commonly associated with older adults, it is NOT a normal part of aging. Dementia usually occurs in stages and signs and symptoms can vary. The severity of dementia can range from slight and noticeable changes in thinking or remembering to the most severe stage where people may rely on others for basic activities of daily living.

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of signs and symptoms caused by a range of diseases that affect the brain.2,3 Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.

What causes dementia?

The brain is made up of many parts and each part is responsible for different roles, including memory, emotion, and behavior.2 Dementia is caused by the loss of or damage to brain cells, affecting the brain’s ability to function normally. Each type of dementia impacts the brain differently and is marked by specific brain changes. The common types of dementia include:

What are the signs & symptoms of dementia?

The signs and symptoms of dementia can vary from person to person and become more noticeable as dementia progresses. Common signs and symptoms include1:

  • Repeating questions
  • Trouble paying bills
  • Acting impulsively
  • Experiencing hallucinations or paranoia
  • Difficulty expressing thoughts
  • Getting lost in familiar places
If you or someone you care about notice signs and symptoms of dementia, talk to a doctor as soon as possible.

Who is at risk?

The risk of developing dementia increases as you get older.4 People with family history, mild cognitive impairment, and African Americans/Blacks and Hispanics/Latinos are at an increased risk for developing dementia.4,5 Additional risk factors include3:

  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Head injury
  • Poor diet
  • Exposure to air pollution

However, recent evidence suggests that adopting healthy habits and addressing modifiable risk factors like quitting smoking, exercising, and managing chronic conditions may potentially prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases.6

How is dementia diagnosed?

Doctors can perform a variety of tests including cognitive assessments, brain scans, and blood tests to help determine if a person might have dementia.2 Diagnosing a specific type of dementia is challenging because signs, symptoms, and brain changes linked to different dementias often overlap. A timely diagnosis is important as it allows the person and their family to find the support they need and make an informed care plan.7

How is dementia treated?

While there is currently no cure for any type of dementia, there are non-drug interventions and medications that may help manage symptoms.2,8 Non-drug interventions may include modifying the environment to reduce distractions or triggers. Medications can help address symptoms related to depression, sleep disturbances, or hallucinations.

Work with your doctor and care team to find the treatment plan that works best.

References

  1. National Institute on Aging. (2022). What is Dementia? Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-is-dementia
  2. Alzheimer's Association. (2021). What Is Dementia? https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
  3. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Dementia - Symptoms & causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). What Is Dementia? https://www.cdc.gov/aging/dementia/index.html
  5. Alzheimer's Association. (2023). Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/related_conditions/mild-cognitive-impairment?lang=en-US
  6. Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., et al. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of The Lancet Commission. The Lancet, 396, (10248), 413–446. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(20)30367-6
  7. Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute. (2023). Benefits of Early Diagnosis. https://wai.wisc.edu/benefits-of-early-diagnosis/
  8. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Dementia - Diagnosis & treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019
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