What is Dementia? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Synopsis

Dementia is often mentioned in popular culture, sometimes even used casually to describe moments of forgetfulness. But in reality, dementia is far more complex. It’s a broad term that refers to a range of conditions affecting memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. While it’s commonly caused by damage to brain cells, the reasons behind dementia can vary. In this blog, we’ll explore what causes dementia, its symptoms, ways to reduce risk, and more.

What is Dementia?

As mentioned before, dementia is an umbrella term for cognitive problems, including memory, thinking, language, problem-solving, and judgment. Dementia generally happens due to damaged brain nerve cells, making it harder for the brain to work properly.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, followed by vascular dementia. Other types include Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).

Dementia Symptoms

Dementia symptoms often start slowly and get worse over time. In the early stages, the changes may be mild and not easy to notice. But as the disease progresses, the signs of dementia may become clearer. Common dementia symptoms include:

Memory loss, especially forgetting recent events or names.
Trouble concentrating or planning.
Difficulty in following conversations or finding the right words.
Getting confused about time or place.
Mood changes, such as becoming anxious, sad, or irritable.
Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations).
Believing things that aren’t true (delusions).

It’s important to remember that memory loss alone doesn’t always mean a person has dementia. Other conditions, such as mild cognitive impairment or depression, can also cause similar symptoms. It is always advisable to consult a neurospecialist rather than self-diagnose.

What Causes Dementia?

Dementia causes include several brain diseases. These illnesses (brain diseases) damage brain cells and interfere with the brain’s communication, leading to a decline in cognition and daily functioning.

Common Types of Dementia and Their Causes:

Alzheimer’s Disease: It is the most common type of dementia, often heard in popular culture. It starts with memory problems and gets worse over time. It’s caused by abnormal protein build-up in the brain that disrupts nerve function.
Vascular Dementia: This often occurs after a stroke or small blood vessel damage. At first, it affects planning, decision-making, and reasoning more than memory.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB): This type of dementia is caused by protein clumps (Lewy bodies) in the brain cells. It leads to changes in attention, movement, and visual hallucinations.
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): It affects the front and sides of the brain. It often starts with personality or behaviour changes, leading to language problems.

Sometimes, a person may have mixed dementia, which means they have more than one type of dementia at the same time, such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

Who is at Greater Risk of Dementia?

Dementia mostly affects older people, especially those over 65. However, it’s not a normal part of ageing. Young-onset dementia can also occur in people under 65.

Some risk factors include:

Getting older
High blood pressure
Lack of physical activity
Drinking too much alcohol
Smoking
Hearing loss
Poor diet
Family history (though most types of dementia are not inherited)

Diagnosing Dementia

If someone shows signs of memory or thinking problems, getting a checkup is important. A memory loss test can help doctors determine what’s going on.

Doctors may:

Ask questions about symptoms and health history.
Perform thinking and memory tests.
Order brain scans or blood tests.

Getting an early diagnosis is important. It helps the person and their family understand the condition and plan for the future.

Dementia Treatment and Care

There is no cure for dementia yet, but the right dementia treatment can make a big difference. Treatment focuses on slowing the disease, managing symptoms, and helping the person live well.

Here are some common types of Dementia treatments:

Medications: Certain memory medications, including cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, can help with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Medicine for memory loss may help improve attention and slow cognitive decline in some people.
Non-medical therapies: Talking therapies or counselling can help with mood or behaviour changes. Cognitive stimulation, like puzzles and memory games, can improve brain function.
Lifestyle support: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and staying socially active can support brain health. Safety measures at home help reduce risks like falls or confusion.
Person-centred care: Focuses on understanding and meeting the emotional and daily needs of the person.

Can You Prevent Dementia?

While not all dementia can be prevented, experts believe that healthy habits can reduce the risk, especially in mid-life (ages 40–65). These include:

Controlling blood pressure
Exercising regularly
Eating a balanced diet
Avoiding smoking and alcohol
Managing hearing loss early

These steps not only lower the risk of dementia but also protect overall brain health.

Living with Dementia

A person with dementia can still enjoy life. With proper care, support from family, and access to healthcare, they can remain active and independent for longer. It is important to treat them with dignity and patience and help them do as much as they can on their own.

Support groups, social activities, and community services are also helpful for people with dementia and their caregivers.

When to See a Neurologist

If someone shows signs of cognitive decline or memory loss, it’s best to consult a specialist. A neurologist in Bangalore or another city can offer expert advice, diagnosis, and treatment options. They can also guide families on how to care for someone with dementia.

Choosing the best neurology hospital in Bangalore or another city ensures access to top facilities, skilled doctors, and advanced diagnostic tools. Getting help early can make a real difference.

Conclusion

Dementia is a serious condition, but it can be managed with the right approach. Knowing the symptoms, understanding the causes, and getting timely treatment are all key steps in handling the condition.
If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of memory loss, don’t ignore it. A memory loss test can help diagnose the problem early. With support from a good neurologist in Bangalore and care from the best neurology hospital in Bangalore or another city, you can find ways to cope and improve your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a treatment for dementia?

There’s no cure, but medications like cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) can temporarily improve memory and judgment.

What is the two-finger test in dementia?

This simple test assesses cognitive and motor function. The patient is asked to mimic a specific hand gesture. Struggling with it may indicate early cognitive decline.