Memory Loss And Signs Of Dementia In Men

Dementia: Signs, risks, and treatments

While many people occasionally forget appointments or other events, persistent forgetfulness may be a sign of something more serious. As we grow older, the risks and likelihood of developing dementia become greater, and it can help to know what signs to look out for. This article explores the signs of dementia in men and how risk factors may differ from those in women. Also discussed are possible treatment methods and how therapy can potentially help both individuals with dementia and their loved ones. 

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Understanding dementia: Diagnosis and health

Before we look at the common symptoms of dementia in men and women, we’ll look at what dementia is. Contrary to popular belief, the term dementia describes changes in memory, cognition, and decision-making, which can affect a person’s daily quality of life in several ways. While the most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, it can also be caused by Parkinson’s disease and a host of other ailments.

Dementia often develops later in life as it becomes more likely as individuals grow older. However, there are also cases of early onset dementia, so it may be important to be cognizant of common early symptoms of dementia no matter the age of the individual. In an early stage of dementia, it may be challenging to differentiate mild memory problems from diagnostic criteria. 

Types of dementia, causes, and reversibility

According to the University of California, Irvine, dementia can be categorized in three ways: progressive, non-progressive, and potentially reversible. It is most often irreversible and progressive, but approximately 5-15% of cases may be reversible. These cases may be the result of medications, certain vitamin deficiencies, or thyroid problems. 

Types of dementia

Another way to categorize dementia is by its causes. Primary dementia occurs when dementia is the primary illness, such as in the case of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia (dementia as a result of strokes), frontotemporal dementia (caused by damage to frontal and temporal lobes), and Lewy body dementia. Secondary dementia is dementia as a result of another condition, such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or traumatic brain injury. The third category is reversible dementia, such as in the case of the aforementioned dementia as a result of medications or thyroid problems, as well as a vitamin deficiency. Infections such as COVID-19, HIV, syphilis, and others can also cause dementia symptoms in some cases. 

Early signs and symptoms for dementia and memory loss

While dementia is typically a condition that affects the elderly, primarily those over the age of 65, there is always the risk of early onset dementia, which can begin in a person’s 30s or 40s.

Forgetting events and information related to memory loss and Alzheimer's disease

A tendency to forget events and information, such as appointments. This can lead to difficulties in managing daily responsibilities and can affect personal and professional relationships.

Repeating questions and memory problems

A tendency to repeat oneself, such as asking questions after forgetting the answer. This repetition can be frustrating for both the person experiencing it and those around them, and it can indicate issues with memory or cognitive processing.

Changes in mood as symptoms of dementia

Alterations in mood, such as sudden shifts from sadness to euphoria without an apparent reason. These mood changes can be extreme and unpredictable, affecting the person’s overall emotional stability and interactions with others.

Loss of interest in activities

Decreased interest in activities that were previously enjoyable or important. This could include hobbies, social events, or work-related tasks. The loss of interest might be a sign of emotional distress or a decline in mental health.

Difficulty finding words

Inability to recall the right word when speaking or naming objects. This can manifest as using vague terms, pauses in conversation, or describing objects rather than naming them. It can be frustrating and impact communication skills.

Misplacing and losing items

A tendency to frequently lose items or forget where they were placed. This includes everyday objects like keys, glasses, or important documents.

Depression and its impact on health

Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness that impact daily life. Depression can affect one’s ability to perform routine activities, interact with others, and maintain a positive outlook. Symptoms might include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and a general sense of despair.

Increased anxiety or worry

Increased anxiety or excessive worry without a clear cause. This heightened sense of anxiety can interfere with daily tasks, affect concentration, and lead to physical symptoms like tension or restlessness.

Changes in sleeping habits

Alterations in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or sleeping excessively.

Advanced signs of dementia in men, diagnosis, and symptoms 

In advanced cases, dementia can even make a person’s friends and family members seem unrecognizable. With memory loss, daily tasks often become more difficult, and a person’s ability to make decisions and solve problems tends to decline significantly. 

How signs of dementia in men differ from the signs in women

Dementia is not always the same for men and women. First, according to Harvard Medical School, women live longer than men on average, which may make them more susceptible to developing dementia. Women also experience menopause, which can be factor related to dementia or early onset dementia depending on when a person begins menopause. 

However, there are some areas that may lead men to be at a greater risk of developing dementia. For example, certain behaviors and health maladies that can lead to dementia are more prevalent among men. For example, men tend to have higher instances of substance use, diabetes, and heart disease (which may lead to heightened risk of heart attack and stroke). Men also tend to have a higher likelihood of engaging in aggressive or risky behaviors that can lead to dementia, such as in the case of competitive fighters, football players, and other athletes who have a high risk of traumatic injuries. Note that all of these factors can impact people of all genders, since obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and high-risk behaviors can be present in anyone.  

When it comes to differences in signs and symptoms, research suggests that men with Alzheimer’s dementia are more likely than women to demonstrate agitation. However, women with Alzheimer’s dementia tend to have greater symptoms of depression than men with Alzheimer’s dementia.  

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How therapy can help with dementia and memory problems

Dementia is an often-irreversible condition that leads to a steady decline in cognitive function. However, there are treatments that may be useful for slowing cognitive decline, as well as relieving comorbid conditions, such as depression. Therapy may help in conjunction with treatment from a medical professional who can help individuals treat the condition directly with medication and other methods. 

Benefits of online therapy for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

If dementia symptoms make it difficult to leave home for therapy appointments, online therapy may be a more convenient option. Online therapy may relieve certain symptoms and help a person with dementia learn better coping methods. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help address symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are two common side effects in those experiencing dementia.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy. One study published in 2017 found that online therapy was effective for generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, among other conditions.