What is dementia? Signs, stages, types, and treatment
Dementia is a term used to describe a set of symptoms that include the loss of cognitive functioning which leads to an impaired ability to think, remember, problem-solve, reason, and more.
It typically progresses in stages, and the symptoms range in severity. This means that the symptoms may be mild at first, but they get worse over time which often affects an individual’s ability to perform everyday activities altogether.
There are several different types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the most common. Dementia mostly affects older adults, however, it is not a part of normal aging.
Dementia is far more common than many people realize. According to the World Health Organization, about 57 million people were living with dementia worldwide in 2021, with nearly 10 million new cases every year. In the United States alone, more than 7 million people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.
What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are not the same thing. Dementia is an umbrella term for a set of symptoms: difficulties with memory, thinking, and reasoning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common disease that causes dementia, responsible for 60-80% of cases, but there are several other types, including vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia.
Early signs of dementia
Dementia affects the brain, and symptoms often start showing when nerve cells in the brain stop working. Symptoms can vary from person to person depending on their cognitive abilities and overall health, as well as the type of dementia. Different types of dementia affect different parts of the brain, and the symptoms are related to the parts of the brain that are affected. It’s important to monitor any changes in behavior and ability over time that could indicate the onset of dementia.
Although the symptoms of dementia can vary, people living with dementia commonly have problems with:
- Memory
- Communicating and formulating words
- Expressing their thoughts
- Reading and writing
- Reasoning, judgment, and problem solving
- Becoming lost
- Completing everyday tasks such as cooking or planning
- Empathy
The stages of dementia
What causes dementia?
Dementia develops from a mix of factors; some fixed, like age and genetics, and many modifiable, like lifestyle and overall health. Researchers believe that there are multiple causes of dementia which are often linked to the type of changes taking place in the brain. In general, dementia likely develops as a result of multiple factors such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle.
Some common risk factors are family history (those who have family members with dementia are more likely to develop it themselves), poor health, and increasing age (the strongest risk factor). While risk factors such as genetics and age can’t be changed, factors such as lifestyle can be. Studies show that leading a healthy lifestyle and being socially and physically active amongst other things can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
In fact, a major 2024 report from the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention found that around 45% of dementia cases worldwide are potentially preventable by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors across a person’s life, including hearing loss, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, excessive alcohol use, social isolation and untreated vision loss. This doesn’t mean dementia can always be prevented, but it does mean that everyday lifestyle and health choices can shift a person’s risk.
How is dementia diagnosed?
Diagnosing dementia is often performed by healthcare specialists who consider cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, memory, and more. This often involves a physical exam, blood tests, and a brain scan.
In recent years, researchers have also developed blood-based biomarker tests that can help detect signs of Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain, and these are increasingly being used alongside traditional cognitive testing to support earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
What are the different types of dementia?
There are several forms of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the most common. It is often difficult to define the boundaries between different forms of dementia which is why it is possible for them to co-exist. Other forms include:
- Lewy body dementia: Caused by abnormal deposits of the protein that develop inside nerve cells called Lewy bodies.
- Vascular dementia: Caused by conditions that damage blood vessels in the brain or interrupt the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain such as strokes.
- Fronto-temporal dementia: A rare form that tends to occur in people younger than 60. It is associated with the front lobe of the brain degenerating.
- Mixed dementia: A combination of more than one type of dementia in the brain.
- Other: Dementia may also develop due to certain infections such as HIV, or due to excessive alcohol use, injuries to the brain, or nutrition-related deficiencies
Is there a cure for dementia?
There is currently no cure for dementia, but a combination of medication, non-drug therapies, and everyday support can help manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. Individuals living with dementia are treated based on the type of dementia they have and the underlying cause. There is currently no cure for neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia, however, there are medications and tools that can help manage symptoms and help stimulate cognitive function.
In recent years, new disease-modifying treatments (such as lecanemab and donanemab) have been approved in some countries for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. These are designed to slow the progression of the disease itself rather than only manage symptoms, but they are only suitable for a specific group of people, require careful medical monitoring, and are not a cure.
Impact of dementia on families and caregivers
Dementia can often make a person exhibit challenging behaviors and psychological changes that can be upsetting for everyone involved in their care. From other nursing home residents, to caregivers and loved ones. This can be overwhelming, but support from care professionals and experts can greatly improve the lives of those living with dementia as well as those who care for them.
One of the most significant, and often underestimated, ways dementia affects care communities is through agitation. Research shows agitation can account for up to 44% of the annual cost of dementia care in care homes.
Read more in The Hidden Cost of Agitation in Dementia Care Homes.
Treating dementia
There are many ways to support and improve the lives of people living with dementia. Some of these are ensuring they are physically active on a regular basis and that they maintain social contact. This can decrease the chances of developing chronic diseases, make challenging behaviors more manageable and reduce cognitive decline in those living with dementia.
Some examples of treatments for dementia include reminiscence therapy, music therapy, and meaningful activities. The Tovertafel is a great example of a tool that can be used by families and care professionals in dementia care.
Developed specifically for seniors living with dementia, the Tovertafel works by projecting interactive lights onto flat surfaces in the form of games. It provides care professionals and family members with a simple way to provide what many people living with dementia need: stimulating, enjoyable, relaxing, social activities. The Tovertafel’s games are scientifically proven to stimulate physical activity, social interaction, and cognition. This helps promote moments of happiness and connection for people living with dementia and those caring for them.
Care communities are already seeing it in practice. At Holland Home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, staff use the Tovertafel daily to help residents living with dementia connect and engage.
Read the full story: “A real gift”: How These Interactive Games Help Dementia Residents Connect.
