Introduction to Alzheimer's and Other Dementias

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a general term used to describe an array of neurological conditions that progress in a negative way over time. It is most commonly used to describe conditions that make you lose your ability to think, hold memory, change personality, cause emotional trouble, and disrupt your ability to do daily activities. Although it is linked to aging, it is important to understand that it is not a normal part of aging. The most common forms of dementia are described below.

Common Types of Dementia

Alzheimer's disease

Disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills until daily activities are impossible
Most common form of dementia
Deadly
Cause not fully confirmed
- effects due to damage of neurons
No cure found yet
After diagnosis life expectancy is only 4-8 years

Vascular Dementia

Dementia caused by something that disrupts blood flow to the brain, such as a stroke
Second most common dementia
Risk factors include high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, high cholesterol
Less memory problems than with Alzheimers, more about problems with problem solving, organization, attention
Symptoms - trouble performing simple tasks, following instructions, forgetfulness, getting lost, loss of interest, increased negative behaviors, bad judgement
No cure, more about preventing another stroke

Lewy Body Dementia

Brain disorder that leads to worsened thinking, movement, behavior, mood
- Visual hallucinations common symptom
Progressive
Caused by getting abnormal clumps of proteins, alpha-synuclein, which accumulate in neurons
- Why this happens isn't understood
Hard to diagnose because appears like a mental illness or Alzheimers
No treatment, use medication, therapy, counseling, home help to alleviate some symptoms

Mixed Dementia

When someone has more than one type of dementia
Difficult to diagnose since many of the symptoms overlap

The Diagnosis

Dementia was not always considered easy to diagnose. It used to be that you could not diagnose dementia without the patient being deceased, but with new technology doctors are now able to diagnose dementia with 90% accuracy. It starts with a medical professional performing tests on attention, memory, problem solving, and more cognitive ability and physical wellness tests. If they suspect dementia, a CT or MRI scan can be done to look for brain bleeding or tumors which would cause dementia-like symptoms. A PET scan can also be done which shows brain activity and can show if there have been beta amyloid or tau protein deposits.

Learn More:

Dementia diagnosis can involve a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the nervous system and brain, a physiatrist who specializes in mind health, a neuropsychologist who specializes in memory functions, or a geriatrician who specializes in aging.

WAYS TO PREVENT DEMENTIA

Have a healthy diet

Exercise Regularly

Regular Cognitive Stimulation (mind games, reading, learning new things)

No Smoking

Stay Social

Keep blood pressure in healthy ranges

Keep cholesterol at healthy levels

It's important to remember that there is no way to completely prevent dementia. These are things you can do to reduce your risk, but they will not completely protect you from all types of dementia.

Limit risk of diabetes