Causes and Symptoms of Dementia You Should Know

The fact that the prevalence of dementia across the globe is huge is not hidden from anyone. The number of people dealing with dementia worldwide stands at 55 million, which is quite staggering. It doesn’t end here, dementia is the seventh leading cause of death. This makes it imperative for one and all to have a good amount of knowledge about the causes and symptoms of dementia. This will stand you in good stead in the long run if you have aging parents that may be at the receiving end of this debilitating condition.

It is always wise to take preventative measures in the form of following some healthy lifestyle habits in terms of nutrition and exercise. This is because of the fact that dementia is a progressive condition and irreversible. Not to mention how the condition impacts an individual’s quality of life by interfering in their activities of daily living. As we all know prevention is better than cure. This all the more holds true in this context.

This blog by one of the most well-acclaimed assisted living Anthem facilities in Phoenix- Anthem Senior Homes- aims to shed light upon dementia symptoms and causes so that you are always prepared in advance for an unexpected emergency (or diagnosis).

Dementia basically is a term that refers to a deteriorating cognitive function, which includes loss of memory, language difficulty and impaired judgment. Dementia is a group of symptoms that gravely impacts one’s thinking, memory and social abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease, but a group of symptoms that could be associated with a number of diseases. For instance, the root cause of dementia in two patients could be very different but the symptoms may get manifested in the same way.

It must also be noted here that memory loss is one of the most common symptoms of dementia. But not all memory loss is indicative of the person having dementia.

Let’s take a look at the symptoms:

Cognitive changes include

1. memory loss (usually observed by someone else like a family member),
2. trouble communicating or finding words,
3. visual or spatial abilities also takes a hit, for example, going to a place of familiarity but not exactly knowing where one is,
4. trouble with reasoning problems,
5. difficulty with planning or organizing things,
6. trouble having coordination or starting to face motor issues,
7. confusion or disorientation.

Psychological changes (depends on the area affected) include

1. anxiety,
2. depression,
3. changes in personality,
4. agitation,
5. hallucinations,
6. paranoia.

Let’s talk about the causes now:

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.

1. An individual may have a genetic trait associated with a type of gene that codes for a protein called Apo-E, Apo-E4 in particular. These individuals (compared to the rest of the population) are at a much higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. It is advisable that you get tested for it if there is a family history of Alzheimer’s to assess your risk.
2. High insulin levels flowing around the bloodstream or glucotoxicity is another cause. This is one reason why Alzheimer’s is referred to as Type 3 diabetes today.

It is important to remember that most individuals don’t have the genetic condition and majority have the other type of Alzheimer’s or the type of dementia associated with Alzheimer’s. Book a suite today at Anthem Senior Homes. Reach out to us on 623-300-1180.