Understanding Dementia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Written by Vidhi Grover, Edited by Mir Samat

In 2022, 4% of adults older than 65 years of age were diagnosed with dementia (Kramarow, 2024). Dementia is a collection of symptoms marked by cognitive decline that can impact daily life and independent function. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia that occurs due to bleeding and blood vessel blockage. The second most common type of dementia is Lewy Body dementia where proteins called Lew bodies accumulate in the nerve cells. Vascular dementia is caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain. For example, high blood pressure and blood clots can damage blood vessels. Frontotemporal dementia affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain causing changes in language, behavior, and personality.

Dementia can be noticed based on symptoms such as memory loss, mood swings, and difficulty in carrying out familiar tasks. Other symptoms of dementia include confusion in familiar places, difficulty using language, hallucinations, uncommon behavior, and difficulty with coordination. However, these symptoms do not come at once, but rather in stages. The early stage is more difficult to notice, has milder symptoms, and can last for around two years. During the middle stage, the symptoms are more noticeable and stronger, and the individual may need support. This stage impacts daily life and can last indefinitely. The late stage of dementia has the most severe impact. An individual in this stage needs the most support and care as possible. While there is no known cure for dementia yet, there are various treatment and prevention options available.

Treatments for dementia include medications, cognitive stimulation therapy, and lifestyle modifications. While these treatments don’t cure the individual of dementia, they can slow the cognitive decline and manage the symptoms. Certain medications can slow the breakdown of Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning. Other medications can be used to manage mood swings and hallucinations. Cognitive stimulation therapy can be used to preserve daily functioning and cognitive ability by improving memory, attention, and problem solving skills. Another treatment that can be used is changing the lifestyle. For example, exercising often and eating a healthy diet can have positive effects on brain health and reduce the effects of dementia. 

Lifestyle modifications should be a part of a healthy lifestyle, even before a dementia diagnosis. Having a healthy way of life is key in preventing dementia from occuring in the first place. Physical activity, mental activity, a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and staying socially connected are all important ways that dementia can be blocked. 

References

Kramarow, E. (2024). Diagnosed Dementia in Adults Age 65 and Older: United States, 2022 [Review of Diagnosed Dementia in Adults Age 65 and Older: United States, 2022]. In Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Health Statistics Reports. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr203.pdf

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