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Have you ever lost your glasses only to find them on top of your head? Or misplaced your car in a busy parking structure? We all have moments where we can’t remember a name or a place. But if it happens often, it might be a sign of something serious.
While memory loss can be a normal part of aging, it may also be a symptom of dementia, which affects about 57 million people around the world.1
What is dementia?
Dementia is a broad term for losing cognitive skills — like thinking, remembering, and reasoning — in a way that affects your daily life. The actual symptoms are often caused by one or more diseases.
Dementia symptoms usually worsen over time, but how quickly they get worse is different for each person. Some people stay the same for many years. Others lose skills quickly.
When does dementia start?
Most people with dementia start experiencing symptoms after 65, but it’s possible for symptoms to develop sooner. Early-onset dementia can affect people in their 40s or 50s, and in rare cases even earlier.
Early signs of dementia
Especially in the early stages, some people with dementia look and act like they always did. But as symptoms progress, it may become more obvious that someone’s struggling.
Common signs and symptoms of dementia
Memory loss is the most well-known sign of dementia, but it’s not enough for a diagnosis. According to Yuri Bronstein, MD, a neurologist at Kaiser Permanente, “Memory can be affected by a wide range of diseases and conditions, both mental and physical.” So it’s important to look for other signs.
Mental signs of dementia
- Memory loss
- Impaired judgment and problem-solving
- Personality changes, like increased agitation or restlessness
- Confusion about where you are, what time it is, or who you’re talking to
- A loss of social skills and awareness
- An inability to complete daily tasks
Physical signs of dementia
- Problems with coordination or balance, often leading to falls
- Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
- Difficulty talking or remembering words
- Misplacing things or losing the ability to retrace steps
Common types of dementia
There are many different types of dementia, each with its own set of symptoms and causes. Many people have more than one type of dementia, which can make it hard to diagnose and classify. Dementia can also be caused by other conditions.
The 4 most common types of dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Frontotemporal lobar degeneration
- Lewy body dementia
Alzheimer’s disease
The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. It makes up 60% to 80% of all cases.2 Alzheimer’s disease starts with small memory problems and gets worse over time, making it hard to remember people and have a conversation. There’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But there are medicines that may help control symptoms and make it easier to live with.
Vascular dementia
The second most common cause of dementia is vascular dementia, which accounts for about 5% to 10% of cases.3 It results from problems with the blood vessels that go to the brain, usually because of one or more strokes. Symptoms can include problems with memory, decision-making, and talking. If you have more strokes or mini-strokes, the symptoms may get worse.
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is another common cause of dementia and may cause 10% to 20% of all cases.4 It results from damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. One common form of FTLD is primary progressive aphasia. This type of dementia affects language skills, speaking, writing, and comprehension.
Lewy body dementia
Lewy body dementia is less common, accounting for about 4% to 8% of dementia cases.5 People with this condition have a buildup of abnormal protein particles in their brain tissue, called Lewy bodies. In addition to more typical symptoms like memory loss, this form of dementia may cause movement or balance problems.
Risk factors of dementia
Not everyone with risk factors will get dementia. But age, genetics, and certain health conditions are some important risk factors to know about.
Age
Dementia isn’t a normal part of the aging process. Many older people enjoy good brain health throughout their lives. But as you get older, you have a greater chance of getting dementia.
Genetics
Having a family member with dementia increases your risk, but it’s not a guarantee you’ll develop it too. Both genes and lifestyle can also play a role.
Health conditions
Certain health conditions also increase your risk. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Lifestyle changes can lower the risks of dementia
You can’t change some risk factors, like age and genetics. But certain healthy habits can help you lower your risk. In fact, up to 45% of dementia risk may be preventable with select lifestyle changes.6
Physical changes to help prevent dementia
- Manage your cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes
- Get help for hearing problems, so you can continue to engage with the world around you
- Make time for regular exercise you enjoy, whether it’s taking a daily walk or going for a swim
- Quit smoking to improve your memory, focus, and overall health
- Eat healthy, nutrient-rich foods such as fish, nuts, and leafy greens
- Limit alcohol and avoid drugs like marijuana
Social changes to help prevent dementia
- Stay social by making plans with friends, joining a club or group, or having a chat with a loved one
- Take time to chat with friends and loved ones — in person, over the phone, or online
- Prioritize your mental health by getting help for depression or anxiety
- Get a good night’s sleep by aiming for 6 to 8 hours every night
Caring for someone with dementia
Being a caregiver is one of the most profound ways you can support a loved one with dementia. It’s a deeply meaningful yet challenging task. But your most important step as a caregiver is taking care of yourself.
Even in the best of situations, caregiving can be stressful. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed, and it’s okay to reach out for support. Explore the many caregiving resources available to you, plus tips to help avoid caregiver burnout.
Be part of the solution
There’s still research to be done, but improving treatment and finding a cure aren’t out of reach. Many researchers today are looking for biomarkers that can help them find early signs of rapidly progressive dementias, like autoimmune encephalitis.
If you want to help, you can consider participating in a clinical study to help researchers find a cure. Your support could help doctors find dementia early and lead to better ways to prevent and treat it. And when you’re part of a study, you may find you’re more inspired to stay active and track the progress of your own health.
Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned
Mild memory loss is common with aging, and some symptoms may simply be caused by stress. But if you have symptoms that are worrying you — or if they’re getting worse over time — it’s best to speak with your doctor.