Most people identify dementia with Alzheimer’s disease simply because it is the most common type of dementia; however, it does not completely define the term. Dementia is a collection of symptoms that can be caused by a number of disorders
Most people identify dementia with Alzheimer’s disease simply because it is the most common type of dementia; however, it does not completely define the term. Dementia is a collection of symptoms that can be caused by a number of disorders that affect the brain, which generally result in memory loss.
But memory loss alone does not mean you have dementia. Usually dementia, plus an additional impairment such as loss of reasoning, judgment, language abilities or change in personality, are required to make a definitive diagnosis.
In order to differentiate between types of dementia, symptoms are grouped by what they have in common. Some symptoms progress over time, some are linked to other disorders, and some can be treated or even reversed with treatment.
Progressive dementias are those that get worse over time. They include Alzheimer’s disease, the most common dementia in people over 65 years of age. It is estimated by experts in the field that there are more than 4 million people living with the disease in the United States. This averages out to 10 percent of the population over 65 years old, and almost 50 percent of the population over the age of 85.
Alzheimer’s symptoms include memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, language difficulties and impaired judgment. Most cases develop after the age of 60, but some people have it at younger ages. Alzheimer’s usually progresses over seven to 10 years, and is due to beta-amyloid plaque formation in the brain and neurofibrillary tangles comprised of a protein called tau.
People worry when they forget things that they feel they should remember. However, there is a huge difference between occasional lapses in memory, which is normal, and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
It is normal to sometimes forget names and appointments but it is not normal to completely forget important dates, names and events, or ask for the same information repeatedly. It is normal to make the occasional mistake when following a recipe (even a familiar one) or balancing your checkbook, but it is not normal to have trouble following the basic steps of familiar household tasks or remembering to pay monthly bills. It is normal to ask for directions to a place that you don’t frequent, but it is not normal to get lost going to or walking in your neighborhood grocery store. It is normal to misplace items such as your car keys from time to time. It is not normal to put them in the fridge. It is normal to not find the right word to express yourself occasionally, but it is not normal to stop in the middle of a conservation, with no idea about how to continue, or to call common objects by an incorrect name or have no idea what they are called.
The second-most common type of dementia is vascular dementia, which is most typically caused by strokes. Symptoms usually are sudden after a part of the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or severely reduced. Another type of vascular dementia is more progressive, in which a series of small strokes causes increased brain damage. Sometimes symptoms may just be on one side of the body or may include just a few specific functions such as language. Sometimes they cause only temporary issues.
Lewy-body dementia is caused by the formation of small round Lewy bodies in regions of the brain involved in thinking, movement, control of sleep and wakefulness. Lewy-body dementia shares symptoms with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Like Alzheimer’s, it can cause memory impairment and confusion, and like Parkinson’s it can result in rigid muscles, slowed movement and tremors. The most striking aspect of Lewy-body dementia is the visual hallucinations that may range from abstract colors to conversations with deceased relatives. People with Lewy-body dementia may have nightmares and sleep excessively in the daytime.
So what can you do to protect yourself from these types of dementias and other less common ones? Keep your mind active by regularly engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles, word games, reading, writing, playing a musical instrument, or learning a new language.
Be physically and socially active. Studies show that people who are physically active are less likely to experience decline in their mental functioning. This may have to do with increased blood flow to the brain. Exercise also increases natural chemicals that protect brain cells and even increases development of new ones.
Keep your blood pressure under control to help prevent strokes, and keep your blood sugar normal. Diabetes has been linked to increased risk of cognitive decline for many years, because it damages your blood vessels. Eat a healthy diet. Many studies point to a diet rich in fruits, veggies, and omega-3 fatty acids (commonly found in salmon and nuts) as being protective for the brain, and aiding in avoiding diabetes and high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Jane Riley, B.A.,C.P.T., C.N.A., can be reached at janeriley_cpt@yahoo.ca, 808-212-1451 or www.janerileyfitness.com.
