06/10/2025
🧠 What Is Dementia?
Dementia is not a single disease — it's a general term for a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, reasoning, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life.
It results from damage to brain cells, which interferes with their ability to communicate with each other.
📚 Types of Dementia
There are several types of dementia, including:
1. Alzheimer’s disease (most common)
Gradual memory loss, confusion, and personality changes.
2. Vascular dementia
Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain (often after a stroke).
3. Lewy body dementia
Includes symptoms like hallucinations, sleep issues, and movement problems.
4. Frontotemporal dementia
Affects personality, behavior, and language first, rather than memory.
⚠️ Symptoms of Dementia
Symptoms vary depending on the type and stage but generally include:
Early signs:
Memory loss (especially recent events)
Difficulty finding words
Poor judgment
Getting lost in familiar places
Trouble managing finances or planning
As it progresses:
Confusion about time or place
Repeating questions or stories
Personality changes (e.g., apathy, irritability)
Difficulty with basic tasks (e.g., dressing, bathing)
🧪 Diagnosis
Dementia is diagnosed through a combination of:
Medical history and family history
Cognitive tests (like the MMSE or MoCA)
Brain imaging (MRI or CT scans)
Blood tests (to rule out other causes)
💊 Treatment
There’s currently no cure for most types of dementia, but treatment can help manage symptoms:
Medications:
Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine) — used for Alzheimer’s
Memantine — for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s
Antidepressants or antipsychotics (if needed for behavior issues)
Supportive care:
Cognitive therapy or memory training
Routine and structured environments
Support for caregivers
🧬 Risk Factors
Age (risk increases after 65)
Family history/genetics
High blood pressure, stroke, or heart disease
Head injuries
Smoking or heavy alcohol use
Diabetes
🛡️ Can It Be Prevented?
While not all dementia can be prevented, reducing risk factors can help:
Stay physically and mentally active
Eat a healthy diet (like the Mediterranean diet)
Control blood pressure and cholesterol
Avoid smoking
Manage diabetes
Stay socially connected