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.
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