There are many causes of dementia, and they all have varying symptoms and risks. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are the most common, but there are also several other types. Other causes of dementia include normal pressure hydrocephalus and Lewy body dementia. If you or someone you know suffers from dementia, you should consult your physician to find the main cause.
Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disease that causes memory loss. It also affects a person’s attention, judgment, and language. As the disease advances, it affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities, including paying bills and handling money. However, some important abilities remain, including the ability to respond to touch, hearing, and emotion.
Alzheimer’s disease begins with the breakdown of brain cells. During the progression of the disease, these brain cells accumulate abnormal protein deposits, or plaques, in areas of the brain that process memory. These deposits disrupt the communication of nerve cells and the processes the cells need to survive.
Parkinson’s disease
Dementia is a serious condition in which the brain has lost its ability to process information, including thoughts and feelings. The main cause of dementia is the deterioration of brain cells in the substantia nigra, which produce a chemical known as dopamine. Without this chemical, neurons cannot relay instructions to the rest of the body. The resulting damage leads to loss of movement and coordination and memory loss.
People with Parkinson’s disease are at risk for dementia. Symptoms of the disease include an unsteady gait and stooped stance. It may take several steps to turn around. The patient’s facial muscles are also less controllable. This can cause a mask-like facial expression called hypomimia.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a neurological condition characterized by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain chambers. This fluid protects the brain tissue and helps it to receive and distribute nutrients. When this fluid becomes clogged, the ventricles become full of fluid, damaging brain tissue. Symptoms include slowness of thinking, difficulty in planning, and poor concentration. Some people may also experience a change in their personality or behavior. Often, this condition also results in difficulty walking and other physical problems.
The condition can also cause memory problems. Patients should always be under medical care. Family members and caregivers often care for people with NPH, and medical care should focus on the person’s quality of life and health. A medical team should also help caregivers cope with the challenges of caregiving.
Lewy body dementia
Dementia with Lewy bodies is a progressive illness that affects the brain. The symptoms usually develop slowly over several years. It makes daily activities difficult and can lead to a person being unable to look after themselves. It is important to consult a GP if you are worried that you may be suffering from this disease. The doctor can confirm the underlying cause and refer you to a specialist.
There is no known cure for dementia with Lewy bodies, but current strategies focus on treating the symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitor drugs are a common treatment for some cognitive changes associated with DLB. Other treatments, such as physical therapy, can help prevent falls.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a serious disease often associated with mortality in patients with dementia. The reported frequency of pneumonia varies across studies, but it is generally associated with an increased risk of dementia. This study aimed to determine if timely intervention in patients with pneumonia could reduce the risk of dementia in elderly patients. The authors conducted a systematic literature review, including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and PubMed. They then assessed the quality of the studies and their potential biases. The review’s primary outcome was the frequency of pneumonia in patients with dementia. Stratified subgroup analysis was performed according to the type of dementia and study setting.
The researchers found the association between dementia and infections robust, even after accounting for time gaps. In the primary cohort, the association between infection duration and dementia was 1 *42 for a single infection and 2 *47 for two or more infections. The AHRS was higher for patients with dementia with bacterial infections than for those with two or more infections.
Head trauma
One of the most significant findings of a recent study was that head trauma is a major cause of dementia in both women and men. The study was the first to examine the relationship between head trauma and dementia in black and white populations. The study also found that the risks of dementia were higher in females than males.
The risk of dementia increased by four times among people who had suffered head trauma, including concussion, without loss of consciousness. Mild traumatic brain injuries were associated with a 2.4-fold increased risk, and moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury result
Vitamin and nutritional deficiencies
A lack of certain nutrients in the body causes dementia.These nutrients can be acquired from diet or vitamin supplements. Niacin, for example, is essential to maintain normal cholesterol levels. Niacin is found in many food sources, including enriched grains and cereals, poultry, and eggs. Thiamin, another vitamin B component, has profound effects on cognitive function. Dietary deficiencies of this vitamin are linked to a higher risk of dementia.
It is the second-leading cause of death in Australia, with 487,500 Australians living with dementia. Worldwide, an estimated 55 million people are living with dementia. A study by the University of South Australia researchers found a direct link between vitamin D levels and dementia risk. Increasing vitamin D intake could prevent 17 percent of dementia in certain populations.
