There are different causes of dementia (Alzherimers is only one) and one of the main difficulties lay-people have is sorting out the differences.
For example, a quick list includes: infections, small strokes, head injuries, drug interactions or drugs by themselves and even some nutritional deficiencies. And of course, Alzheimer’s disease is included in there.
The bottom line is that anything that can influence the operation of the brain can give you symptoms of dementia. The good news is that some of these difficulties can be reversed (i.e. stop the medication or fix the nutritional deficiency) so jumping to conclusions that the dementia is permanent before the underlying cause is known
isn’t a smart thing to do (but entirely common and human given our public understanding of this disease).
A Short Summary of Causes of Dementia
Causes of Dementia You Can’t Reverse
Alzheimer ‘s Disease. This is indeed the most common cause of dementia – it is estimated that it creates 50% of the conditions. The good news is that there ‘s another 50% out there that isn’t Alzheimer ‘s. Alzheimer ‘s can be treated and slowed but is irreversible and damage is permanent.
Vascular Dementia This is the second most common cause of dementia and it is estimated to hit 30-40% of dementia patients. This is the common “hardening of the arteries” thatwe hear about so much. Deposits of fat, dead tissue etc form on the inside of our arteries and block off the blood flow to the brain. This in turn creates many mini-strokes and brain damage. There are several different forms of this dementia (all are related to blood restriction however). Treatments can (like Alzheimer ‘s) slow the progression but once a brain function is lost, it can ‘t be recovered.
Other Diseases that create or mimic dementia include:
Parkinson ‘s Disease may create some symptoms but is not the same nor will everyone who gets Parkinson ‘s develop dementia.
Lewy body dementia is caused by microscopic bits of protein which destroy nerve cells.
Huntington ‘s Disease is an inherited problem where certain kinds of brain cells waste away. Again, it ‘s not guaranteed that all those with Huntington ‘s will develop symptoms of dementia but it ‘s fairly common.
Creutzfedt-Jakob disease is a disease created by small”agents”called prions that invade and kill off brain cells. This problem develops quickly and is fatal – it tends to attack younger or middle-aged individuals.
The important thing to understand is that treatment is different for each of these problems and trying to do this yourself is next to impossible. Do see a physician for assistance
Treatable Causes of Dementia
Head Injury. Brain damage and repair has come a huge way in over the last few years. The brain will often”remap”itself if given the proper rehabilitation processes. Injuries that occur over a long time (thinking boxing or head-beating sports) may not be treatable and can lead to dementia.
Infections of the brain (meningitis, encephalitis) can be primarycauses of dementia. Treat these and the problems diminish. Other infections such as HIV/Aids and syphilis can directly influence the brain in their latter stages because of brain cell inflammation.
Brain tumors can mimic dementia. The swell and interfere with normal glandular operations so they can mimic the symptoms of dementia.
Exposure to toxins. Working around heavy metals (mercury, lead) without protection can be hazardous to your health and this is one way the problem presents itself.
Hormone problems (thyroid, pituitary) can lead to hormone imbalances and this can mimic dementia symptoms and lead to permanent damage if not treated.
Hydrocephalus or swelling of the brain (the brain”floats”in clear cerebrospinal fluid) created by an excess fluid and the resulting pressure on the inside of the head – directly influencing how the brain functions. There are several forms of this problem and all
are causes of dementia but can be reversed with the appropriate timely treatment.
Metabolic disorder of the liver, pancreas and kidneys can disrupt salt balances in the body and this in turn can (quite quickly) create conditions that mimic Alzheimers. If this persists, brain cells may die but if treated on time a full recovery is possible.
Hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the blood) is one of the treatable causes of dementia. The lack of oxygen in the blood starves the brain and can kill brain cells. Pneumonia or Emphysema are two primary causes of this problem. This is one reason why it is thought that cigarette smoking that creates
Emphysema is also related to Alzheimer ‘s.
Congestive heart problems are also related to hypoxia.
Drug reactions. I ‘m told (off the record) that this is more common that we ‘d like to know about and with the drug mixes that many seniors are on for a variety of conditions, it is impossible to track all the possible outcomes. Individual drugs – such as those for sedation can create these symptoms as can those that create symptoms such as”dry mouth”or”constipation”
This is not to mention illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin may cause dementia symptoms if taken in high enough doses, for long times, or taken by elderly people Drug withdrawal usually removes the reaction in most cases.
Nutritional deficiencies. The B vitamins are particularly associated with symptoms that resemble dementia.
Alcoholism - chronic drinking creates liver problems and this in turn is one of the above causes of dementia
Bottom Line
When it comes to any of these causes of dementia, the rule of thumb is to work with a doctor to get a reliable diagnosis. That diagnosis is the basis for treatment and lay people simply can’t make this kind of distinction.
The issue is (if you’re like me) you notice it more the older you get because you’re asking yourself the question, “Am I losing it?” And forgetting where you left your keys is normal. Now, if you forget where you left your keys and your car, we may need to chat.