Understanding Dementia: A Guide for Families and Caregivers

Based on recent reports from the medical sector, more than 6.5 million people in America are living with dementia right now. That number is projected to double within the next 30 years or so. By that time, experts expect that an estimated 1 million new cases will be diagnosed each year. Right now, studies indicate that more than 40 percent of people in the United States are at risk of developing dementia beyond the age of 55. 

If a loved one has been diagnosed with this condition, understanding what causes dementia, its symptoms, and its progression over time is essential. It’ll help you prepare for the journey and plan ahead for the future. It’ll also help you take the best possible care of your loved one and yourself along the way.

What Causes Dementia?

Dementia is a complicated condition with numerous factors involved. In general, it’s caused by changes in the brain that affect the way people think and act. Those changes can impact personality, memory, and physical capabilities. It’s important to understand that there are different types of dementia, and each one causes changes in different ways. 

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and it accounts for up to 70 percent of all cases. With Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal proteins build up in the brain and gradually destroy brain cells. Vascular dementia, the second most common form of the disease, is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. It happens when conditions damage the vessels that deliver blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the brain.

Lewy body dementia is another form of the condition. It occurs when abnormal protein deposits build up in the brain. These are different types of proteins than those involved in Alzheimer’s disease, though. With Alzheimer’s the proteins that accumulate in the brain are amyloid plaques and tau tangles. With Lewy body dementia, alpha-synuclein builds up in nerve cells in the brain and disrupts their normal functions.

Frontotemporal dementia happens when nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain break down. Some people suffer from only one of these forms of dementia. Others develop multiple forms simultaneously. 

What Are the Symptoms of Dementia?

Dementia, in all of its forms, causes several symptoms. Memory issues are often the first to arise. They can include misplacing items, getting lost in familiar places, and repeating questions or statements. People with dementia often trail off during conversations. They can also forget where they are in time and revert to their younger years. They may eventually have trouble recognizing their closest relatives and friends. 

With dementia, thinking and reasoning skills also decline. People who suffer from the condition may struggle to solve problems, make decisions, or carry out tasks that require multiple steps, such as cooking or managing their finances. They may also have trouble communicating and understanding what other people say to them. 

Changes in mood and behavior are common as well. Dementia sufferers often become anxious, depressed, or irritable. Those who are normally patient and kind may start having sudden outbursts and even become violent. Other people become withdrawn. People who are living with dementia tend to suffer from sleep disturbances too. All the while, their balance, coordination, and ability to take care of themselves decline. 

Helping a Loved One Who’s Living With Dementia

Dementia can be caused by several factors. While those mentioned here are among the most common, suffering from certain medical conditions, sustaining brain injuries, and other issues can increase a person’s risks of developing dementia. At the same time, the condition doesn’t affect everyone the same way. It does grow worse with time, though. Understanding these aspects can help you prepare for what’s to come and take the best possible care of your loved one as the condition progresses.