Although dementia is more common with age, it is not considered a normal part of aging.
This article will examine the signs, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dementia.
Signs of Dementia
Because dementia refers to multiple conditions, symptoms can vary greatly between individuals.
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Amyloidplaques are known to play a role in Alzheimers disease.
This build-up of protein causes damage and makes it harder for cells to communicate with each other.
However, scientists are still unsure exactly how amyloid plaque damages nerve cells.
Another characteristic of Alzheimers disease is the presence of neurofibrillary tangles called tau tangles in the brain.
Risk factors
A number of risk factors are associated with an increased chance of developing dementia.
They include:
Diagnosis
There is no one test todiagnose dementia.
These treatments are intended to slow neurodegeneration and disease progression.
However, managing modifiable risk factors can lower your risk of getting dementia.
The chance of being diagnosed with dementia increases greatly with age.
Treatments can be used to help manage symptoms but do not slow dementia’s progression.
Making healthy lifestyle modifications can help lower the risk of getting dementia.
A Word From Verywell
Dementia can be a difficult diagnosis for both patients and their loved ones.
Medications and lifestyle changes can potentially improve symptoms but are most effective if initiated in dementias early stages.
Because dementia is progressive, its also important to explore available resources early on.
There are manyorganizations that offer supportto both patients with dementia and their caregivers throughout all stages of the condition.
Alzheimers disease is one of several types of dementia.
It is also the most common punch in of dementia.
Its likely that dementia has multiple causes including physical changes to the brain, genetics, and lifestyle factors.
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