How Do You Get Dementia? Myths And Facts

Dementia is often mistaken as a disease. However, it isn't a disorder on its own. It’s a cluster of symptoms characterized by impaired memory, confusion, disorientation, and cognitive impairment. Changes in personality and behaviors often accompany these symptoms. 

Dementia typically affects individuals aged 65 and older, but people with early-onset dementia may begin experiencing symptoms in their 30s. Prevalence rates are challenging to measure, but the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates more than 55 million people have dementia globally.

While some believe that dementia develops abruptly and presents the same across most disorders, the symptoms typically differ between individuals depending on several factors. Regardless of the cause, the impacts of dementia symptoms on individuals and their families are often far-reaching. Dementia can affect a person's ability to maintain relationships, engage in fulfilling activities, and remain independent in daily life. 

Below, we'll explore some causes of dementia, share some things you can do to possibly minimize risk, and discuss how it's diagnosed and treated. 

Causes of dementia

The following are some conditions that can lead to dementia:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD)

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for between 60% to 80% of cases. Alzheimer's is characterized by abnormal buildup of proteins in the brain, leading to cell dysfunction.

• Vascular dementia

This type of dementia is the second most common type of dementia and is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often because of stroke or other vascular conditions. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of developing dementia over time. 

• Lewy body dementia

Lewy body dementia is related to the presence of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, known as Lewy bodies. This can cause typical symptoms like confusion, memory loss, and diminished cognitive functioning, but individuals with this type of dementia may also have problems with balance and tremors. Changes in alertness, trouble sleeping, and visual hallucinations may also occur in some cases. 

• Fronto-temporal dementia

This type of dementia is caused by damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, often leading to significant changes in an individual's behavior, personality, and language. 

• Mixed dementia

In some cases, individuals may have a combination of different types of dementia, such as vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This is most commonly seen in older adults with dementia over 80. 

• Parkinson's disease dementia

People with Parkinson's disease often experience physical symptoms before dementia-related symptoms. Parkinson's affects a region of the brain responsible for movement, so individuals may have tremors, difficulty with movement and walking, decreased or lack of facial expression, and muscle stiffness. In time, they may experience symptoms of dementia, depression, and hallucinations. 

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Although research is ongoing, current studies suggest that individuals with MS are at a higher risk of developing dementia-related disorders like Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. 

• Other causes

Other conditions that may cause dementia-like symptoms include chronic alcohol use, some types of brain infections, and brain tumors. 

Risk factors

While research into dementia is ongoing, scientists have identified several risk factors for this condition. Some of these factors may be reversed with lifestyle modifications, while others cannot.  

Age

The risk for dementia-related disorders such as Alzheimer's and vascular dementia increases with age. 

Genetics and family history

Researchers have identified several genes that, when combined with some lifestyle and environmental factors, are associated with a heightened risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although individuals with a family history of AD are often considered to be at a higher risk of developing the disease, some people who have relatives with Alzheimer's don't get it, and others without a family history do. 

Lifestyle factors

There are several lifestyle factors associated with a greater risk for dementia:

• Smoking. Multiple studies show that damage to blood vessels and reduced blood flow to the brain caused by smoking increases the risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer's.
• Alcohol use. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing dementia, particularly if it leads to conditions like liver disease. Some studies have also suggested that people who drink in moderation may have a lower risk of dementia than those who drink excessively or those who don't drink at all.  
• Poor diet and lack of exercise. A diet high in saturated fats and sugars, as well as a sedentary lifestyle, can contribute to the risk of cognitive decline (CD) and dementia, possibly by hindering the brain's ability to produce new brain cells. 
• Obesity. Obesity is associated with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in several ways, with AD and obesity sharing specific metabolic characteristics. 

Psychosocial factors

Several psychological and social factors may also play a role in a person’s predisposition to dementia: 

• Social isolation and loneliness. Research suggests that lack of social interaction and engagement in activities may also be a risk factor for dementia and cognitive decline. 
• Depression. Depression has been linked to an increased risk of developing dementia, with one study indicating that individuals diagnosed with depression were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia as they aged.
• Stress. Studies also suggest a connection between AD and other dementias and frequent stress. 

Medical factors

Some medical conditions associated with neurological and cardiovascular functioning have been identified as possible risk factors for dementia:

• Cardiovascular risk factors. Several conditions, including but not limited to hypertension, coronary heart disease, and heart failure, have been associated with AD and vascular dementia. 
• Diabetes. The physiological effects that diabetes has on the heart and brain have been linked to an increase in the likelihood of dementia.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI). Some cases of repeated or severe injury to the brain have been linked to dementia.
• Brain infection. Illnesses that cause neuronal damage, such as Lyme disease, herpes, pneumonia, syphilis, gum disease, and HIV-encephalopathy, may contribute to the development of dementia.
• Tumors. Brain tumors affecting certain parts of the brain can lead to dementia in some people. 

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Reducing the risk of developing dementia

There are some risk factors for dementia we can't change, such as our age or genes. While there is no cure for dementia, one might reduce dementia risk and symptom severity with early intervention and some lifestyle changes. 

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Conditions affecting a variety of systems in the body, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, are tied to dementia risk in several ways. Below are some things you can do that may reduce the risk of dementia:

• Stay physically active. Regular exercise has been shown to improve brain health and reduce the risk of dementia. 
• Maintain a nutritious diet. Eating a nutritious diet may help reduce the risk of dementia, particularly by limiting the intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. 
• Get enough sleep. Poor sleep can negatively impact brain health and increase the risk of dementia.

Cultivate mental health 

Because physiological and psychological health are connected in many ways, maintaining mental well-being is as important as keeping our bodies healthy. Below are some suggestions to protect your mental health: 

• Stay mentally active. You might consider regularly engaging in activities that challenge cognitive skills, such as reading, doing puzzles, playing an instrument, or learning a new skill.
• Manage stress. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on brain health. It may help to try activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to help reduce stress.
• Speak to a counselor. Mental health conditions like depression can increase the risk of dementia. Seek help from a mental health professional if you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety. 
• Stay socially connected. Engaging in social activities and maintaining strong social connections can reduce the risk of dementia.

It may be important to consult your physician before beginning a new diet or exercise program. They may be able to offer personalized advice and address any concerns you may have about your risk for dementia. 

Therapy for those affected by dementia

If you're concerned that you or a loved one may be at risk for dementia, consider visiting a physician. They can help address any questions and concerns you might have and, if necessary, refer you to a professional trained to diagnose dementia. With early intervention, there are things you might do to slow down its progression or, in cases such as alcohol-related dementia (ARD), reverse it completely. 

A dementia diagnosis, whether it's your own or someone you love, may seem overwhelming. In such cases, it might help to talk to a mental health professional experienced in helping individuals face such life-changing events. 

However, some people experience obstacles that may deter them from speaking to a therapist. For example, it may be challenging for people with a busy work schedule to attend in-office appointments. Some might have trouble commuting to an office or live in an area with few therapists. Still others may think they can't afford to see a therapist. 

Virtual therapy can provide an effective alternative to conventional treatment in such cases. It eliminates barriers associated with traveling to a therapist’s office and offers a wide selection of mental health professionals located around the country. Online therapy platforms allow individuals to speak to a therapist from the comfort of their homes via audio, video, or live chat. 

Research shows that computerized cognitive therapy can be effective for individuals in the mild dementia stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Also, online therapy can be helpful for the caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with various forms of dementia.