There is no one test to determine if someone has dementia. While most changes in the brain that cause dementia are permanent and worsen over time, thinking and memory problems caused by the following conditions may improve when the condition is treated or addressed: That's why memory loss is often one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's. The brain region called the hippocampus is the center of learning and memory in the brain, and the brain cells in this region are often the first to be damaged.

For example, in Alzheimer's disease, high levels of certain proteins inside and outside brain cells make it hard for brain cells to stay healthy and to communicate with each other. Take the Courseĭifferent types of dementia are associated with particular types of brain cell damage in particular regions of the brain.

Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia outlines the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, symptoms, stages, risk factors and more. When cells in a particular region are damaged, that region cannot carry out its functions normally. The brain has many distinct regions, each of which is responsible for different functions (for example, memory, judgment and movement). When brain cells cannot communicate normally, thinking, behavior and feelings can be affected. This damage interferes with the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other. Learn more: 10 Warning Signs, Stages of Alzheimer's Causesĭementia is caused by a variety of diseases that cause damage to brain cells. It also provides time to plan for the future. And even if symptoms suggest dementia, early diagnosis allows a person to get the maximum benefit from available treatments and provides an opportunity to volunteer for clinical trials or studies. Professional evaluation may detect a treatable condition. See a doctor soon to determine the cause. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory difficulties or other changes in thinking skills, don't ignore them. Examples include problems with:ĭementia symptoms are progressive, which means that the signs of cognitive impairment start out slowly and gradually get worse over time, leading to dementia. Learn the Signs Symptoms and signs of dementia Learn more: Common Types of Dementia, What is Alzheimer's?įind out how typical age-related memory loss compares to early signs of Alzheimer's and other dementias. There are many other conditions that can cause symptoms of cognitive impairment but that aren't dementia, including some that are reversible, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies.ĭementia is often incorrectly referred to as 'senility' or 'senile dementia,' which reflects the formerly widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of aging. Those who experience the brain changes of multiple types of dementia simultaneously have mixed dementia. Vascular dementia, which occurs because of microscopic bleeding and blood vessel blockage in the brain, is the second most common cause of dementia. They also affect behavior, feelings and relationships.Īlzheimer's disease accounts for 60-80% of cases. Dementia symptoms trigger a decline in thinking skills, also known as cognitive abilities, severe enough to impair daily life and independent function. Diseases grouped under the general term 'dementia' are caused by abnormal brain changes. It's an overall term to describe a collection of symptoms that one may experience if they are living with a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.

Hippocampus band artwork