Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsDiagnosisCausesTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Dementia GuideVisual Clues That Tell If Someone Has Dementia
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Causes
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Dementia Guide
Dementia is usually gradual and progressive, causing problems withexecutive function, which can include memory and self-care skills. Some early signs of dementia include cognitive symptoms and changes in behavior, mood, and personality.
There are many different neurological disorders that causedementia. The most common and well recognized is Alzheimer’s disease.
This article describes the symptoms, diagnosis, causes, treatment, and prevention of dementia.
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Dementia Symptoms
The symptoms of dementia can be subtle at first. Over time, the effects can advance to such a degree that many people who have dementia may not be able to independently take care of themselves.
Early Signs
Early signs of dementia can include cognitive symptoms, mood changes, behavioral changes, and personality changes.
Some early signs of dementia include:
Slower Walking in Older Adults Could Signal Early Dementia, According to Research
Cognitive Symptoms
Cognitive skills are thinking skills, and include things like memory, planning, and organization, A decline in cognitive skills, the main effect of dementia, can make it hard to function normally.
As dementia advances, common cognitive symptoms people may experience include:
Sometimes people who have dementia may notice these problems, and this can be frustrating or embarrassing. Often, as dementia progresses, people no longer notice their own cognitive deficits.
Psychological Symptoms
There are many behavioral and emotional issues that can occur with dementia. These problems are not related to a person’s baseline personality, and people who have dementia can begin to act very differently than they ever acted before.
Psychological, psychiatric, and behavioral symptoms of dementia include:
These symptoms can fluctuate and may temporarily worsen during illnesses or infections or when adjusting to a new medication.
Psychological symptoms of dementia can be very hard for caregivers to cope with. It’s important for caregivers to know that the behaviors are not deliberate. They are occurring because of changes in the structure and function of the brain.
The diagnosis of dementia is based on the clinical history and medical examination. Often, other causes of the symptoms need to be ruled out, especially if the symptoms began and progressed abruptly or unexpectedly.
A physical examination, including aneurological examination, can help identify signs of other potential causes, such as an infection, stroke (a blockage of blood flow or bleeding in the brain), or a brain tumor.
If needed, blood tests,brain imaging tests, genetic tests, or other specific testing can be done to identify medical conditions that could be causing the signs and symptoms.
Dementia screening tests and cognitive tests can help with diagnosis and with tracking changes over time.
Common tests used in the evaluation of dementia include:
These tests examine certain executive functions. They are scored and compared to standard scores to help determine whether there is an objectively measurable problem.
Cognitive tests and screenings are not used alone to diagnose any type of dementia. They are tools that are used along with a symptom history, clinical examination, and overall picture of what’s been happening.
Screening for Alzheimer’s and Dementia with Memory Tests
Sometimes, as with Alzheimer’s disease, there is a concentration of degeneration in specific areas of the brain, such as the hippocampus.
Some of the conditions that cause dementia include:
Sometimes dementia can have mixed causes, or the specific disorder might not be defined.
Down syndrome and cerebral palsy are conditions present at birth that are associated with a higher than usual risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Smoking, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, uncontrolled diabetes, and heart disease can increase the risk of dementia.
Cognitive training can be started at the early stages of dementia when a person is still able and willing to participate.This type of therapy may include activities to maintain organizational and memory skills.
Symptomatic Treatment
Management of the effects of dementia can be beneficial. For example, many people who have dementia lose interest in eating. Nutritional supplementation with high-calorie drinkable supplements can be helpful, and in some situations, a feeding tube may be necessary.
Other important interventions can include the prevention and treatment of bedsores, muscle contractures, and infections.
You can reduce the risk and impact of some types of dementia. Vascular dementia can be disabling on its own, and it can contribute to the effects of other types of dementia.
Getting treatment for the health problems that contribute to vascular dementia, like unhealthy cholesterol levels and hypertension, can have a substantial effect on lowering the risk.
Additionally, lifestyle habits like getting regular exercise, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and staying physically and mentally active are associated with a lower risk of vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other types of dementia.
Summary
Dementia is a progressive decline in cognitive functions, and there are many causes. Dementia is more common with advancing age. While there is no cure for dementia, there are some medical treatments that may slow disease progression and help reduce the symptoms.
People who develop dementia might be aware of the problem at first but will not be concerned about the effects as the disease progresses and will need caregiver support.
A Word From Verywell
Dementia changes a person’s behavior and personality. It can be painful for loved ones to watch, and the practical day-to-day challenges can be overwhelming. Be sure to get the support and assistance you need for anyone in your life who is coping with dementia.
Frequently Asked QuestionsEarly signs of dementia can be subtle and may involve forgetfulness, absentmindedness, or mood changes. These symptoms can be part of normal life or can occur due to distraction, so they aren’t always signs of early dementia.The most obvious early symptoms are confusion and disorientation.Dementia can reduce a person’s life expectancy, but the impact varies based on the type of dementia and other factors.Many people who have dementia can survive for many years.That said, the higher risk of mortality in dementia is often associated with issues such as malnutrition, blood clots, infections such as aspiration pneumonia or urinary tract infection, and falling.It depends. Some people may be aware that they have early signs of dementia or may even be aware of their diagnosis. Many people can be reluctant to admit to themselves that they have dementia and may want to assert their independence and prove their capabilities.As dementia progresses, most people become somewhat dependent on their loved ones or other caregivers and generally are not concerned about the symptoms.
Early signs of dementia can be subtle and may involve forgetfulness, absentmindedness, or mood changes. These symptoms can be part of normal life or can occur due to distraction, so they aren’t always signs of early dementia.
The most obvious early symptoms are confusion and disorientation.
Dementia can reduce a person’s life expectancy, but the impact varies based on the type of dementia and other factors.Many people who have dementia can survive for many years.That said, the higher risk of mortality in dementia is often associated with issues such as malnutrition, blood clots, infections such as aspiration pneumonia or urinary tract infection, and falling.
Dementia can reduce a person’s life expectancy, but the impact varies based on the type of dementia and other factors.Many people who have dementia can survive for many years.
That said, the higher risk of mortality in dementia is often associated with issues such as malnutrition, blood clots, infections such as aspiration pneumonia or urinary tract infection, and falling.
It depends. Some people may be aware that they have early signs of dementia or may even be aware of their diagnosis. Many people can be reluctant to admit to themselves that they have dementia and may want to assert their independence and prove their capabilities.As dementia progresses, most people become somewhat dependent on their loved ones or other caregivers and generally are not concerned about the symptoms.
It depends. Some people may be aware that they have early signs of dementia or may even be aware of their diagnosis. Many people can be reluctant to admit to themselves that they have dementia and may want to assert their independence and prove their capabilities.
As dementia progresses, most people become somewhat dependent on their loved ones or other caregivers and generally are not concerned about the symptoms.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Health Service.Symptoms of dementia.Bangerter LR, Clark CN, Jarvis MS, Coates E, Sheils NE, Wong A, Cohen K.Medication fill patterns for cognitive and behavioral or psychological symptoms of Alzheimer disease and related dementias.JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(6):e2215678. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.15678Adachi T, Tsunekawa Y, Matsuoka A, Tanimura D.Association between Rapid Dementia Screening Test score and clinical events in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease: a retrospective cohort study.Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs.2022:zvac017. doi:10.1093/eurjcn/zvac017Lee J, Park S, Kim Y, Kim HM, Oh CM.Exploring the genetic associations between the use of statins and Alzheimer’s disease.J Lipid Atheroscler.2022;11(2):133-146. doi:10.12997/jla.2022.11.2.133Ayenigbara IO.Preventive measures against the development of dementia in old age.Korean J Fam Med.2022;43(3):157-167. doi:10.4082/kjfm.21.0030Lanzi AM, Saylor AK, Cohen ML.Survey results of speech-language pathologists working with cognitive-communication disorders: Improving practices for mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia from Alzheimer’s disease.Am J Speech Lang Pathol.2022 May 23:1-19. doi:10.1044/2022_AJSLP-21-00266
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Health Service.Symptoms of dementia.Bangerter LR, Clark CN, Jarvis MS, Coates E, Sheils NE, Wong A, Cohen K.Medication fill patterns for cognitive and behavioral or psychological symptoms of Alzheimer disease and related dementias.JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(6):e2215678. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.15678Adachi T, Tsunekawa Y, Matsuoka A, Tanimura D.Association between Rapid Dementia Screening Test score and clinical events in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease: a retrospective cohort study.Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs.2022:zvac017. doi:10.1093/eurjcn/zvac017Lee J, Park S, Kim Y, Kim HM, Oh CM.Exploring the genetic associations between the use of statins and Alzheimer’s disease.J Lipid Atheroscler.2022;11(2):133-146. doi:10.12997/jla.2022.11.2.133Ayenigbara IO.Preventive measures against the development of dementia in old age.Korean J Fam Med.2022;43(3):157-167. doi:10.4082/kjfm.21.0030Lanzi AM, Saylor AK, Cohen ML.Survey results of speech-language pathologists working with cognitive-communication disorders: Improving practices for mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia from Alzheimer’s disease.Am J Speech Lang Pathol.2022 May 23:1-19. doi:10.1044/2022_AJSLP-21-00266
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Health Service.Symptoms of dementia.Bangerter LR, Clark CN, Jarvis MS, Coates E, Sheils NE, Wong A, Cohen K.Medication fill patterns for cognitive and behavioral or psychological symptoms of Alzheimer disease and related dementias.JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(6):e2215678. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.15678Adachi T, Tsunekawa Y, Matsuoka A, Tanimura D.Association between Rapid Dementia Screening Test score and clinical events in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease: a retrospective cohort study.Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs.2022:zvac017. doi:10.1093/eurjcn/zvac017Lee J, Park S, Kim Y, Kim HM, Oh CM.Exploring the genetic associations between the use of statins and Alzheimer’s disease.J Lipid Atheroscler.2022;11(2):133-146. doi:10.12997/jla.2022.11.2.133Ayenigbara IO.Preventive measures against the development of dementia in old age.Korean J Fam Med.2022;43(3):157-167. doi:10.4082/kjfm.21.0030Lanzi AM, Saylor AK, Cohen ML.Survey results of speech-language pathologists working with cognitive-communication disorders: Improving practices for mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia from Alzheimer’s disease.Am J Speech Lang Pathol.2022 May 23:1-19. doi:10.1044/2022_AJSLP-21-00266
National Health Service.Symptoms of dementia.
Bangerter LR, Clark CN, Jarvis MS, Coates E, Sheils NE, Wong A, Cohen K.Medication fill patterns for cognitive and behavioral or psychological symptoms of Alzheimer disease and related dementias.JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(6):e2215678. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.15678
Adachi T, Tsunekawa Y, Matsuoka A, Tanimura D.Association between Rapid Dementia Screening Test score and clinical events in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease: a retrospective cohort study.Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs.2022:zvac017. doi:10.1093/eurjcn/zvac017
Lee J, Park S, Kim Y, Kim HM, Oh CM.Exploring the genetic associations between the use of statins and Alzheimer’s disease.J Lipid Atheroscler.2022;11(2):133-146. doi:10.12997/jla.2022.11.2.133
Ayenigbara IO.Preventive measures against the development of dementia in old age.Korean J Fam Med.2022;43(3):157-167. doi:10.4082/kjfm.21.0030
Lanzi AM, Saylor AK, Cohen ML.Survey results of speech-language pathologists working with cognitive-communication disorders: Improving practices for mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia from Alzheimer’s disease.Am J Speech Lang Pathol.2022 May 23:1-19. doi:10.1044/2022_AJSLP-21-00266
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