How Does Dementia Start? Causes And Risk Factors
In general, dementia is not a singular disease or condition. It can be seen as a group of illnesses involving cognitive decline.
Types of dementia
Different types of dementia may come with different symptoms, but memory loss, confusion, language problems, and disorientation may frequently occur. Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and normal pressure hydrocephalus are a few common types of dementia. In some cases, individuals may experience mixed dementia, which involves symptoms from various types.
Effective dementia treatment may begin by answering the question, “How does dementia start?” and identifying the causes and risk factors for developing dementia. Working closely with a medical professional can be a good place to begin if you are at high risk of developing dementia. Although there is currently no cure for dementia, there are steps a person and their family members can take to slow the progression of the disease and reduce the impact of symptoms. Attending therapy can be helpful both as a preventative measure and to cope with a dementia diagnosis.
Early signs and symptoms of dementia
Early detection may play a role in dementia’s progression and the impact of its symptoms.
How does dementia start: Memory loss and the brain
Memory problems are a common symptom for individuals with dementia. Dementia usually affects a person’s brain cells and may damage or destroy neural connections within the brain, leading to memory loss. Individuals with memory loss may forget information that was recently learned or forget to attend appointments.
Difficulty completing complex tasks
Also related to memory, completing complex or multi-step tasks can be challenging for a person with dementia.
Language challenges in Alzheimer's disease and different types of dementia
Impacts on the parts of the brain that produce and comprehend language can make communication difficult. A person with dementia may struggle to find words or follow a conversation.
Disorientation
Individuals with dementia may become temporarily lost or unsure of which direction to go next, even in familiar locations.
Mood or personality changes
A person in the early stages of dementia may experience mood swings, irritability, or other personality changes.
Trouble completing familiar tasks
After developing dementia, a person may have trouble completing tasks that wouldn’t typically be challenging for them.
Behavioral changes
Individuals with early dementia may become socially withdrawn or uninterested in activities that would normally be appealing to them.
While individuals who experience these symptoms may have an increased dementia risk, these symptoms alone do not necessarily mean that a person has dementia. For a complete and accurate dementia diagnosis, it may be necessary to work with a doctor or dementia specialist who can use their expertise to evaluate a person’s symptoms. A specialist may identify the cause of the symptoms and determine risk factors that could contribute to the development of dementia.
How does dementia start? Causes and risk factors
Outside of early-onset dementia, such as early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, the biggest risk factor for developing dementia tends to be age. After a person reaches age 65, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease usually begins to increase at a rapid rate. By age 85, almost one-third of all individuals may develop some form of dementia. Although age may be the biggest factor, other biological, lifestyle, and environmental factors can also play a role.
Biological causes of dementia and brain factors
Genetic factors and risk factors
Biological factors, such as genetics and brain structure, may be linked to the development of dementia. For example, in families where one person has dementia, there may be a higher likelihood that others develop it as well, although updated research may be needed.
It may be important to note, however, that there is not a single gene or genetic code that is linked to dementia. Instead, a collection of genes and factors may contribute to its development.
In addition to genetics, brain cell damage and neurotransmitter imbalances may also play a role. These could be caused by other conditions, such as traumatic brain injury, high blood pressure, or stroke, which can impact brain function.
Lifestyle and environmental risk factors
Lifestyle choices and environmental factors may play a role in the development of dementia. While these factors may not directly cause dementia, they can exacerbate symptoms or speed dementia progression. Studies have shown that eating habits low in saturated fats and high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains may prevent or reduce Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Experts have also connected regular exercise to a reduced rate and slower progression of dementia. Conversely, eating habits low in nutrients and a lack of exercise may increase a person’s risk of developing dementia over time.
Other environmental factors, such as chronic stress or anxiety, may be linked to the development of dementia. Individuals who live in high-stress areas or are employed in high-stress occupations may have an increased risk of developing dementia.
In addition, an active brain that is consistently challenged may develop strong neural connections that may act as preventative measures against cognitive decline. However, those who don’t regularly stimulate their minds may have a higher risk of dementia.
Impacts on daily life with symptoms like memory loss
Individuals with dementia may experience a wide variety of impacts on their daily lives, and the extent of the impact usually depends on the type and progression of dementia. Symptoms like memory loss and disorientation can make it challenging for a person to navigate the world as they typically would. People with dementia may get lost or forget how to complete routine tasks. Challenges in communication can also make it difficult to work and maintain interpersonal relationships.
In general, dementia progressively worsens over time, often making it challenging for people to continue to care for themselves. In many cases, individuals with dementia require full-time care to manage daily life. Still, while dementia can be highly impactful, various treatments and forms of support may help dementia patients slow symptom progression and maintain independence for a longer period of time.
Treatment and support for Alzheimer's disease and dementia patients
Treatment for dementia can be multifaceted and may involve a variety of medications, physical therapy, and psychotherapy techniques. After an initial diagnosis, a doctor or dementia specialist may prescribe approved medications to slow the progression of dementia, as well as medications to improve cognition and address other symptoms. Medication may be one of the first steps in the treatment process, and a doctor can work with a patient to monitor side effects and efficacy.
Physical therapy may help a person with dementia continue to live on their own. A physical therapist may implement coordination or strength-building exercises to help individuals remain active and improve their overall health.
Outside of medication and physical therapy, psychotherapy techniques may also be incorporated to improve cognition and reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. Online therapy may be an effective way to reduce the impact of dementia on a person’s life.
For individuals with dementia, going into a physical office for a therapy session may not be feasible. In some cases, people with dementia may not be able to drive themselves to an appointment, or there may be a lack of suitable professionals in their local area. Online therapy sessions can happen at any time of day, from any location with an internet connection, which can empower individuals to meet with mental health professionals from the comfort of their homes.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
At what age can dementia start?
Dementia affects individuals of all ages, but it typically emerges around a person's mid-60s. People with rare types of Alzheimer's called early-onset or familial Alzheimer's disease might notice symptoms in middle age or as early as their 30s.
What is the cause of early-onset dementia?
Early-onset dementia is most typically caused by early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Early-onset Alzheimer's and dementia may also be caused by the following:
- Rare genetic variants can cause early-onset Alzheimer's. In young onset frontotemporal dementia (FTD), about 1 in 10 cases are caused by an inherited gene
- Damaged blood vessels in the brain can cause vascular dementia, which is the second most common cause of early-onset dementia
- Drinking too much alcohol and smoking can cause brain changes and increase the risk of early-onset dementia
- Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and smoking can increase the risk of dementia.
Other conditions that may cause early onset dementia include posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, or specific diseases that cause inflammation and damage in the brain, such as HIV and Lyme disease.
How does dementia usually start?
Early symptoms of dementia are often subtle and might be mistaken for normal aging, stress, or other issues. For example, someone may occasionally forget appointments or have trouble finding the right word to explain something. While these dementia-like symptoms can be explained by less serious causes, they are also among the most common to emerge first.
What is the main cause of dementia?
Dementia occurs when nerve cells in the brain stop working properly or die. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, making up an estimated 60% to 70% of cases. Vascular dementia is the second most common. Though it's uncommon, dementia may also result from some rare brain disorders featuring dementia-like conditions. These include Lewy body dementia and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. People with Down syndrome are also at a higher risk of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, than the general population.
How do you avoid dementia?
There is no definitive way to prevent dementia; however, there are ways you might reduce your risk. These include making healthy lifestyle habits like regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet tailored to your specific needs (certain vitamin deficiencies have been associated with dementia risk) a normal part of your day. Manage chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hearing problems, and thyroid problems. It's also critical to manage diabetes, as high or low blood sugar levels can raise your risk of dementia. Avoid excessive drinking and refrain from smoking. Engaging in socially and mentally stimulating activities can also help you reduce your risk of dementia.
What is stage 1 dementia?
Stage one is the pre-dementia stage, in which signs of cognitive decline haven't yet emerged. Although there are no signs during this stage, changes are still occurring in the brain. As the disease progresses through stages two and three, cognitive decline will become more prominent and begin to affect the individual's quality of life. At its latest stages, people may have issues that significantly affect functioning, such as problems with walking, trouble swallowing, or bladder control issues.
What are the warning signs of dementia?
Warning signs of progressive dementias can vary between individuals, and dementia occasionally features symptoms similar to other disorders. If you think you or someone you know may have dementia, seek treatment from a healthcare professional. With early treatment, individuals may better manage the disorder and slow mental decline. Here are some common symptoms many people experience that could serve as early warning signs:
- Memory changes
- Getting lost in familiar places or having trouble measuring time
- Diminished problem-solving and thinking skills
- Having difficulty performing everyday tasks like cooking, driving, or using a phone
- Poor judgment, such as wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather or trusting strangers with their money
- Difficulty communicating; for example, they might forget simple words or have trouble following a conversation
- Changes in mood and temperament, for example, they may lose interest in things they once enjoyed or become easily agitated
- Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or paranoia
- Visual hallucinations
How do your eyes warn you that dementia is forming?
Clinical trials measuring how dementia markers emerge in the eyes are ongoing, but one study published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica may shed some light on how they're related. In the study, researchers did laboratory tests analyzing retinal and brain tissue from donors with dementia and without. They found donors with dementia showed specific changes in the retina associated with brain areas responsible for navigation and memory—suggesting that screening for these retinal changes could aid in early diagnosis, even in individuals with minimal symptoms of cognitive decline.
How can I test myself for dementia?
You can take a cognitive assessment test, like the self-administered gerocognitive exam (SAGE), to screen for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early dementia. This online test assesses basic orientation, language, reasoning, calculations, visuospatial orientation, problem-solving, and memory. If you or someone you know are experiencing symptoms of dementia, visit a healthcare provider for a correct diagnosis. Early detection is key for managing the condition and slowing cognitive decline.
How do I check if I have dementia?
The SAGE test is an excellent measure of your functioning in dementia-related areas. Still, it isn't a diagnostic tool by itself—consult a medical professional who can perform a combination of tests and assessments for a more comprehensive analysis. These may include mental ability tests, a physical examination, brain scans, blood work, and cerebrospinal fluid tests. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, medical history, and if you have a family history of dementia. A psychological evaluation may be part of the diagnostic process, too. Organizations like the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Foundation of America, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer resources for finding medical professionals in your area who diagnose dementia.
- Previous Article
- Next Article