Dementia is a progressive loss of cognitive function, marked by memory problems, trouble communicating, impaired judgment, and confused thinking. Dementia most often occurs around age 65 and older but is a more severe form of decline than normal aging. People who develop dementia may lose the ability to regulate their emotions, especially anger , and their personalities may change.
Alzheimer's and Cognitive Decline
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease, not a normal part of aging. Early-onset Alzheimer’s (in people under age 65) can be quite common. In the earliest stage, patients may have trouble learning and remembering new information. As it advances, patients may experience a range of symptoms, including disorientation and confusion, memory loss, sudden, unfounded suspicions about loved ones, and even behavioral and personality changes. People with Alzheimer’s may be the last to know they have it, as their brain is being affected, and their condition is often more obvious to those who interact with them on a daily basis, particularly friends and family.
While the terms “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia” are often used interchangeably, Alzheimer’s is actually a subset of dementia , along with Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia. Alzheimer’s is extremely common, accounting for around 60-80 percent of all dementia diagnoses.
Yes, being aware of your own cognitive decline tends to evoke depression and anxiety. Just the worry that you might be losing your mind can cause you to become depressed or anxious. Plus, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s often deplete neurotransmitters, such as dopamine , norepinephrine, and serotonin, which impact one’s mood and calmness. As a result, anxiety and depression occur in more than half of those individuals who get dementia. Meditation , exercise, medication , and therapy emphasizing relaxation are often effective in treating the anxiety and depression that frequently accompany dementia.
People with Alzheimer’s tend to recall their greatest hits, emotionally speaking, particularly if they see a visual clue (e.g., a favorite photo). While the broad strokes of the memory remain the same, the details are apt to change with each telling. Alzheimer’s patients often forget they have already told a story and may repeat the same memory across visits. In cases where the memory loss is more disruptive, people with Alzheimer’s may make up fabulous, fictitious stories about their lives that they genuinely believe are true.
Preventing and Treating Dementia
Making key lifestyle changes is critical to reducing a person’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, as well as maintaining good cognitive functioning as long as possible. This includes engaging in regular physical activity, which increases blood and oxygen flow in the brain. It’s also important to eat a heart-healthy diet with plenty of water, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting sugar and saturated fats.
Staying socially engaged later in life can also help protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; this may include developing a strong, supportive network of friends and families and becoming a part of communities that matter to you.
No, there is no cure for dementia. However, healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of serious cognitive impairment, and in some cases, treating the underlying cause can reverse the negative effects.
Cognitive decline may be unavoidable, but it can be delayed through healthy lifestyle choices. Eat a nutritious diet; nutrients like lutein (a carotenoid pigment found in egg yolks and leafy green and cruciferous vegetables) can save the gray matter in your brain . Prioritize good sleep, don’t smoke, limit your alcohol consumption, stay physically active, and look for ways to keep your brain active (e.g., crossword puzzles). Staying social active may also offset the risk of cognitive decline , especially starting around age 60.
Other Forms of Dementia
In the case of atypical dementia, memory problems are not the first noticeable symptoms. Atypical dementias tend to have an earlier age of onset than do other forms and may present as a sudden mental illness. Dementia can occur as a result of malfunctioning proteins not found in other neurodegenerative disorders, such as Lewy body dementia, or due to injuries that prevent blood flow to the brain and cause long-term damage.
Lewy body dementia develops when abnormal protein deposits (called Lewy bodies) cause brain cells to malfunction or die. This process usually begins around brain areas associated with memory and movement, but later progresses to areas involved with learning, language, emotion , and later breathing and alertness. Common symptoms of Lewy body dementia are similar to those found in Alzheimer’s patients. More than one million Americans suffer from this form of dementia, and there is currently no cure.
Vascular dementia arises as a result of brain injuries that reduce blood flow and oxygen to the brain, such as a stroke, or other conditions that increase a person’s risk for a stroke, such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or diabetes. This trauma causes progressive memory loss, which is one component of vascular dementia. Symptoms include slowed attention and thinking and trouble with organization and problem-solving.
Treatment for vascular dementia specifically revolves around the prevention of stroke, which includes modulating blood pressure. There are also medications that may reduce the risk of additional brain damage that accompanies strokes.
Explore More About Dementia
For a comprehensive understanding of dementia, read our complete guide: