Dementia is a general term for the decline in cognitive function. Cognitive function refers to the brain’s ability to carry out mental processes, including complex tasks like gaining knowledge and understanding, as well as simpler tasks such as managing daily chores.
Dementia typically progresses gradually over the years. Occasional forgetfulness is not necessarily a sign of dementia – it may simply result from distractions or mental overload at the time.
In the early stages of dementia, people often struggle with recent memory (e.g., remembering events from the past few weeks), while long-term or remote memory (e.g., events from several years ago) usually remains intact.
People affected by dementia may not be aware of their symptoms. It is usually family members or friends who become concerned and bring the person to a doctor.
Key areas of cognitive function include:
- Memory – the ability to store and recall information
- Attention – the ability to focus and concentrate
- Language – understanding and using spoken or written words
- Executive functions – planning, decision-making, and problem-solving
- Perception – recognizing and interpreting sensory input
- Reasoning and judgment – evaluating situations and making choices
There are various types of dementia:
- Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, accounting for 60-80% of cases. It is caused by a buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles.
- Vascular dementia results from reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes (including mini-strokes or TIAs) or small vessel disease, typically caused by uncontrolled, asymptomatic hypertension.
- Lewy body dementia is caused by abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in brain cells. Symptoms often resemble a combination of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is caused by the degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
- Parkinson’s disease dementia typically occurs in individuals with Parkinson’s disease after many years of living with the condition.
- Mixed dementia is a combination of two or more types of dementia.
There are other, less common forms of dementia that we will not discuss here.
Symptoms of dementia are varied but most commonly include memory loss, difficulty with thinking and problem-solving, language problems, poor judgment, trouble performing familiar tasks, changes in mood or behavior, and personality changes – or a combination of these symptoms.
How Can We Prevent Dementia?
Causes of dementia are multifactorial. Genetics play a role that cannot be changed. You can, however, do many other things to reduce the risk of dementia.
What You Can Do:
- Avoid head injuries. Even minor, repeated head injuries can increase the risk. Take precautions to prevent falls and wear protective gear during activities.
- Stay mentally active. Learn new skills, read and write regularly, and play games that involve thinking, reasoning, and memory recall.
- Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5-6 days a week. Activities can include walking, gardening, sports, or any form of movement you enjoy.
- Eat a healthy diet. Focus on vegetables, lentils, beans, chicken, and fish. Limit red meat and ultra-processed foods. Consider following or adapting diets like the Mediterranean, MIND, or DASH diets.
- Get adequate sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours per night. You should feel refreshed upon waking.
- Stay socially connected. Maintain strong ties with family and friends to support mental and emotional well-being.
- Manage existing health conditions. Properly control chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake. These habits can contribute to cognitive decline and other health issues.
- Reduce stress. While easier said than done, try to minimize avoidable or unnecessary stress. Engage in relaxing activities and mindfulness practices.
- Get regular health screenings. Many diseases develop silently and can be managed more effectively if detected early, before causing irreversible damage.
- Have your hearing checked. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to increased dementia risk. Hearing tests are typically affordable and easily performed by an audiologist. If loss is detected, using a hearing aid can help. This form of screening is often overlooked, but some smartphone apps now allow basic hearing tests at home.
- Screen your mental function. You can perform a Mini Mental State Examination (e.g., the NYS Mini Mental exam) using free mobile apps. Do the test when you are well-rested and relaxed. If the results are abnormal, repeat the test in a week. If you get abnormal results three times, consult your doctor for further evaluation.
Currently, there is no cure for dementia, but symptoms can often be managed. It is a progressive disease. Being proactive is your best chance to reduce your risk. Monitoring both your mental and physical health is your best strategy for maintaining quality of life in later years.
