What Is Dementia? Symptoms, Types and Diagnosis

Dementia is a broad word that describes a person's inability to think, remember, or reason in a way that is safe. In medical terminology, the terms "major neurocognitive disorder" and "moderate cognitive disorder" have taken their place. Impairment in brain function such as memory loss and judgment are characteristics of dementia. 

Causes of Dementia

Damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain causes dementia. 

Dementia affects people differently and causes distinct symptoms depending on which part of the brain is destroyed.

Symptoms of dementia can be confused with those of depression or other mood disorders.

Dementia is not a natural part of growing older. Because dementia can have a variety of causes, people who exhibit signs or symptoms should have a thorough evaluation to ascertain the underlying diagnosis.

Although most varieties of dementia have no specific treatments, some diseases, such as normal pressure hydrocephalus, can be managed. Drugs may be able to help with the rest of the symptoms.

Risky Factors of Dementia

Dementia can be caused by a variety of circumstances. Some elements, such as age, are unavoidable. Others can be dealt with to lessen your risk.

Risk considerations that are unavoidable

Age. 

As you become older, your risk increases, especially beyond the age of 65. 

Dementia, on the other hand, is not a normal aspect of aging, and it can strike anyone at any age.

You have control over some risk variables.

The following dementia risk factors may be under your control.

⦁ Diet and exercise are essential. 

Lack of exercise has been linked to an increased risk of dementia, according to research. While no single diet has been proven to lower dementia risk, studies show that those who eat an unhealthy diet have a higher risk of dementia than those who eat a Mediterranean-style diet.

⦁ Depression. 

Late-life depression may signal the onset of dementia, despite the fact that it is still poorly understood.

⦁ Diabetes. 

Diabetes, especially if it is poorly controlled, can raise your risk of dementia.

⦁ Smoking. 

Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of dementia and blood vessel disease.

Dementia can impact a variety of physical systems, as well as one's capacity to operate. 

Dementia can result in:

⦁ Nutritional deficiencies. 

Many persons with dementia eventually cease or restrict their eating, which has an impact on their nutrient intake. They may eventually be unable to chew and swallow.

⦁ Pneumonia. 

If you have trouble swallowing, you run the risk of choking or aspirating food into your lungs, which can prevent you from breathing.

⦁ Inability to take care of oneself. 

As dementia worsens, it might make it difficult to bathe, dress, brush one's hair or teeth, use the toilet independently, or take medications as prescribed.

⦁ Challenges to personal safety 

Some daily activities, such as driving, cooking, walking, and living alone, can pose a risk to people with dementia.

⦁ Death. 

Late-stage dementia leads to coma and death, which is commonly caused by infection.

Dementia Signs and Symptoms

Dementia can manifest itself in a variety of ways, depending on the cause:

⦁ Mood swings and personality shifts

⦁ Word and language difficulties

⦁ Poor decision-making

⦁ Confusion about recognized locales, as well as the time, date, and season

⦁ Inability to focus or reason coherently

⦁ Apathy

⦁ Visual hallucinations are a common occurrence.

⦁ Difficulties with gait or balance

⦁ Increased daytime sleepiness

When should you see a doctor?

If you or a loved one is experiencing memory issues or other dementia symptoms, see a doctor. Dementia symptoms can be caused by a variety of treatable medical disorders, so it's critical to figure out what's causing them. After making a thorough observation of the signs and symptoms, make sure to reach out to a health care provider or your doctor if you see multiple of them.