Dementia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss, impaired judgment, and difficulty with reasoning and communication. Unlike normal aging-related forgetfulness, dementia significantly disrupts daily life and gradually worsens over time.

Types of Dementia

There are several types of dementia, including:

• Alzheimer’s Disease – The most common form, caused by the accumulation of plaques and tangles in the brain.
• Vascular Dementia – Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes or cardiovascular conditions.
• Lewy Body Dementia – Involves protein deposits in nerve cells, affecting both cognition and movement.
• Frontotemporal Dementia – Primarily affects personality, behavior, and language due to nerve cell loss in the frontal and temporal lobes.

Key Symptoms of Dementia

Symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of dementia but generally include:

• Memory loss that affects daily activities
• Difficulty communicating or finding words
• Confusion and disorientation
• Changes in personality or mood
• Impaired reasoning and judgment
• Difficulty with planning and problem-solving
• Hallucinations or delusions (common in later stages)

Causes and Risk Factors

Dementia results from damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain. Risk factors include:

• Age – Risk increases significantly after age 65.
• Genetics – Family history can play a role, especially in Alzheimer’s disease.
• Cardiovascular health – High blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes increase risk.
• Lifestyle factors – Smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise contribute to cognitive decline.
• Head injuries – Repeated brain trauma is linked to higher dementia risk.

Treatment Approaches

There is currently no cure for dementia, but treatments can slow progression and improve quality of life.

Conventional Treatments

• Medications – Cholinesterase inhibitors (Donepezil, Rivastigmine) and NMDA receptor antagonists (Memantine) help manage symptoms.
• Cognitive therapy – Improves memory, problem-solving, and social interactions.
• Behavioral therapy – Addresses mood swings, aggression, and hallucinations.

Innovative and Alternative Treatments

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – Acupuncture and herbal medicine help improve circulation and cognitive function.
• Stem Cell Therapy – Research suggests stem cells may repair damaged neurons and reduce brain inflammation.
• Lifestyle modifications – Regular physical activity, a Mediterranean diet, and cognitive exercises help maintain brain function.