11/29/2025
What causes dimentia
Dementia isn’t just one disease—it’s a general term that describes a decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It happens when brain cells are damaged to the point that they lose their function and die. Over time, this damage can spread through different areas of the brain, leading to progressive loss of cognitive abilities.
Dementia isn’t just one disease—it’s a general term that describes a decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It happens when brain cells are damaged to the point that they lose their function and die. Over time, this damage can spread through different areas of the brain, leading to progressive loss of cognitive abilities.
Most Common Causes of Dementia
1. Alzheimer’s Disease
The most common cause, responsible for 60–80% of cases.
Involves buildup of abnormal proteins (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) in the brain.
These proteins disrupt communication between brain cells and eventually destroy them.
2. Vascular Dementia
Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes or small vessel disease.
Lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to brain cell damage.
Symptoms can appear suddenly after a stroke or gradually over time.
3. Lewy Body Dementia
Caused by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies.
Often includes visual hallucinations, fluctuating alertness, and Parkinson-like movement symptoms.
4. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
Results from degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
Affects personality, behavior, judgment, and language more than memory, especially early on.
Often seen in younger adults (40s–60s), compared to other types.
5. Mixed Dementia
A combination of two or more types (Example: Alzheimer’s + vascular dementia).
Very common in older adults.
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Most Common Causes of Dementia
1. Alzheimer’s Disease
The most common cause, responsible for 60–80% of cases.
Involves buildup of abnormal proteins (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) in the brain.
These proteins disrupt communication between brain cells and eventually destroy them.
2. Vascular Dementia
Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes or small vessel disease.
Lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to brain cell damage.
Symptoms can appear suddenly after a stroke or gradually over time.
3. Lewy Body Dementia
Caused by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies.
Often includes visual hallucinations, fluctuating alertness, and Parkinson-like movement symptoms.
4. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
Results from degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
Affects personality, behavior, judgment, and language more than memory, especially early on.
Often seen in younger adults (40s–60s), compared to other types.
5. Mixed Dementia
A combination of two or more types (Example: Alzheimer’s + vascular dementia).
Very common in older adults.
