What Causes Dementia?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Alzheimer’s disease. This is the most common cause of dementia.
  • Vascular dementia. ...
  • Parkinson’s disease. ...
  • Dementia with Lewy bodies. ...
  • Frontotemporal dementia. ...
  • Severe head injury.

How can I avoid dementia?

  1. Be physically active. Doing regular physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia. ...
  2. Eat healthily. ...
  3. Don’t smoke. ...
  4. Drink less alcohol. ...
  5. Exercise your mind. ...
  6. Take control of your health.

What are the main cause of dementia?

  • Alzheimer’s disease. This is the most common cause of dementia.
  • Vascular dementia. ...
  • Parkinson’s disease. ...
  • Dementia with Lewy bodies. ...
  • Frontotemporal dementia. ...
  • Severe head injury.

How can you get dementia?

  • Age.
  • Dementia in your family.
  • Illnesses including diabetes, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and sleep apnea.
  • Depression.
  • Smoking, heavy alcohol use, poor diet, and lack of exercise.

What are the 10 warning signs of dementia?

  • Sign 1: Memory loss that affects day-to-day abilities. ...
  • Sign 2: Difficulty performing familiar tasks. ...
  • Sign 3: Problems with language. ...
  • Sign 4: Disorientation in time and space. ...
  • Sign 5: Impaired judgement. ...
  • Sign 6: Problems with abstract thinking. ...
  • Sign 7: Misplacing things.

At what point do dementia patients need 24 hour care?

Late stage Alzheimer’s sufferers become unable to function and eventually lose control of movement . They need 24-hour care and supervision. They are unable to communicate, even to share that they are in pain, and are more vulnerable to infections, especially pneumonia.

What stage of dementia is anger?

Aggressive Behavior by Stage of Dementia

The middle stages of dementia are when anger and aggression are most likely to start occurring as symptoms, along with other worrying habits like wandering, hoarding, and compulsive behaviors that may seem unusual.

What age is dementia most common?

Dementia is more common in people over the age of 65 , but it can also affect younger people. Early onset of the disease can begin when people are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s.

What foods are bad for dementia?

The MIND diet specifically limits red meat, butter and margarine , cheese, pastries and sweets, and fried or fast food. You should have fewer than 4 servings a week of red meat, less than a tablespoon of butter a day, and less than a serving a week of each of the following: whole-fat cheese, fried food, and fast food.

What vitamins can help dementia?

  • Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 has been proven to improve brain function, nerve function and red cell production.
  • Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid: Being deficient in both Vitamin B12 and folic acid is common in those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

What should you not say to someone with dementia?

  • “You’re wrong” ...
  • “Do you remember...?” ...
  • “They passed away.” ...
  • “I told you...” ...
  • “What do you want to eat?” ...
  • “Come, let’s get your shoes on and get to the car, we need to go to the store for some groceries.”

Does stress cause dementia?

A key hormone released when you’re stressed, cortisol, has been linked to problems with memory. Stress is also closely linked to conditions such as depression and anxiety, which have also been suggested as factors that could increase the risk of dementia .

Can dementia be cured?

There is currently no cure for dementia . But there are medicines and other treatments that can help with dementia symptoms.

Does a person with dementia know they are confused?

In the earlier stages, memory loss and confusion may be mild. The person with dementia may be aware of — and frustrated by — the changes taking place, such as difficulty recalling recent events, making decisions or processing what was said by others. In the later stages, memory loss becomes far more severe.

Do naps cause dementia?

For example, they cite 2012 research that found afternoon naps delay the onset of dementia , and yet another study concluding afternoon sleepiness may increase the risk of dementia or cognitive decline.

When do you start losing your memory?

Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are 10 warning signs and symptoms. If you notice any of them, don’t ignore them.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.