Dementia Causes, Types and Treatment

June 28, 2021

3 min read

Dementia is a leading global chronic health condition that currently affects about 50 million people worldwide. With people living longer, experts predict that more and more people will be living with dementia in the future—up to as many as 152 million people in 2050.

Dementia isn't always preventable, but there are ways to reduce the risk, manage symptoms, and improve the quality of life of people who have it. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Dementia? Types, Signs, and Symptoms

The World Health Organization defines dementia as a syndrome associated with the "deterioration in memory, thinking, [behavior] and the ability to perform everyday activities." Multiple types of dementia exist, including:

Alzheimer's disease: accounting for up to 70 percent of all dementia cases, Alzheimer's disease is associated with the build-up of substances in the brain called amyloid plaques and tau tangles as well as decreased connection between nerve cells
Vascular dementia: considered the second most common type of dementia, vascular dementia develops due to impaired blood flow to the brain
Lewy body dementia: accounting for about 5 to 10 percent of all dementia cases, Lewy body dementia is due to the abnormal build-up of substances in the brain known as Lewy bodies, named after the man who discovered them
Mixed dementia: many people with dementia will have more than one type, such as Alzheimer's plus vascular dementia

Additional types of dementia include normal pressure hydrocephalus, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), frontotemporal dementia, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease dementia, posterior cortical atrophy, and Korsakoff syndrome.

People with dementia often exhibit a range of signs and symptoms that can vary considerably in terms of type and severity. Because dementia is a progressive disease, symptoms tend to get worse over time. Common signs and symptoms to look out for include:

Memory loss
Word-finding difficulties
Visual and spatial deficits, such as getting lost even in familiar places
Problems with reasoning, planning, organizing, problem-solving
Confusion and disorientation
Problems with coordination and motor control
Personality changes
Depression and anxiety
Inappropriate behaviors
Paranoia
Agitation
Hallucinations

Risk Factors for Dementia

People who develop dementia typically have a combination of risk factors. Some aren't controllable, including advancing age and family history; people with Down syndrome also tend to be more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.

Many risk factors are controllable, however, meaning you may be able to reduce your risk of dementia by minimizing your exposure to these risk factors. Controllable risk factors include:

Physical inactivity
Unhealthy diets, especially diets that are nutrient-poor, excessive in calories, or high in processed foods
Heavy alcohol consumption
Obesity
Cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol
Diabetes
Smoking
Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea and chronic sleep deprivation
Deficiencies in certain nutrients, especially vitamin D and vitamins B6, 12, and 9 (folate)

Treatment for Dementia

Overall, dementia is considered progressive and incurable. But treatment options are available to help manage symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and improve the safety and quality of life of people affected by this group of conditions.

Treatments include:

Medications, including cholinesterase inhibitors which help boost brain chemicals involved in memory and judgment, and memantine which regulates a brain chemical called glutamate that helps with learning and memory
Medications to manage related issues, including depression, anxiety, and sleep problems
Occupational therapy and physical therapy, which can help people with dementia and their caregivers learn compensatory or adaptive strategies to increase safety and manage daily activities, as well as improve their functional mobility
Lifestyle interventions, including aerobic exercise and a healthy diet—both of which are shown to prevent dementia and/or slow its progression

Do You Know Someone With Dementia?

It's never too late to implement healthier habits that may reduce your risk of dementia and protect your brain health as you age. If you believe you're at risk for dementia or worried about a loved one, talk to your doctor.

In the meantime, be sure to reach out to fellow Healthread readers to share your stories and find some support.