As people get older, their memories may not be as sharp as when they were younger. They may forget minor details or have trouble concentrating, but these symptoms shouldn’t be serious enough to affect their daily activities. When forgetfulness becomes a dangerous or life-altering problem or the person is dis oriented with regard to time, place, or other people, the condition may be diag nosed as dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but there are many other causes. Age is the biggest risk factor; by age 85, about 35 percent of people have some form of dementia. Symptoms usually result from damage or changes to the brain, including strokes, tumors, or head injuries. Disorders such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s diseases may also be to blame. In some cases, symptoms like those of dementia stem from treatable conditions, such as depression, underactive thyroid, vitamin B12 deficiency, or a buildup of fluid in the brain, called hydrocephalus. Memory loss and confusion may also result from medication use or interactions between medications or supplements.

Sometimes dementia develops suddenly and quickly; other times it progresses slowly, over many years or even decades. Memory loss is usually the first sign. As the condition progresses, people may forget the names of relatives, get lost in places they know well, or forget how to perform simple actions such as combing their hair or brushing their teeth. If dementia gets bad enough and can’t be treated, patients may require constant care.

To diagnose dementia, a doctor will ask a patient questions, perform simple memory tests, and talk to family members. Blood tests may check for treatable causes, and brain scans can show whether brain tissue is shrinking—a probable sign of dementia. Medication can be prescribed to slow the condition’s progression, and studies show that keeping the brain busy with activities like playing cards or doing crossword puzzles can help stave off dementia as well. Family members can make life easier for a person with dementia by posting reminder notes around the house and keeping important phone numbers next to the telephone.

ADDITIONAL FACTS

  1. Research shows that physical activity—such as daily walks or other moderate exercise—can help slow the progression of dementia in patients in the early stages. Scientists believe that people who are physically healthy get more blood and nutrients to their brains, keeping brain tissue healthy longer.
  2. More than 70 percent of Americans with dementia are cared for at home by family caregivers. In one study, more than a third of caregivers reported six or more symptoms of depression.
  3. It is believed that high cholesterol levels may also increase the risk for developing dementia.