Dementia [Meaning/Causes/Symptoms/Types & Treatment]

Are you worried about the mental health problems, like dementia, of someone you care about? If so, you might be searching for good treatment for dementia.

We are happy to state that Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh, a renowned psychiatrist can be a life-changing person for you as he is regarded as the best doctor for dementia in Patna, Bihar.

To know more about him read this post to the last. But before that, it is important to gain some brief knowledge about dementia.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a term that means a serious decline in mental abilities that makes everyday life difficult.

It is not a specific disease but a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social skills.

Dementia can be caused by different health issues and mostly affects older people, but it is not a normal part of getting older.

Dementia, the word is derived from the Latin words ‘de’ meaning ‘without’ and ‘means’ meaning ‘mind’.

Thus, the dementia definition stands for memory loss along with other problems related to the injury or loss of brain cells.

Though dementia is not a normal part of aging, it is more common among elderly people over the age of 65. The dementia age is young or early-onset while affecting the working-age people i.e. between 30 and 65 years old.

What are the Main Dementia Causes?

Dementia starts when brain cells are damaged, which disrupts how neurons talk to each other.

This damage can happen because of diseases, injuries, or genetic factors. These are the main causes of dementia.

1: Neurodegenerative Disorders

These are conditions that degrade the cell or a group of cells in the brain leading to dementia’s slow decline.

Neurodegenerative disorders form many kinds of dementia:

• Alzheimer’s disease : Fusillade clumps of damaged proteins form in the brain this is the primary etiology.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Movement disorder and also causes cognitive failure in the final stages.
• Huntington’s Disease: A genetic disorder that depletes the nerve cells in the brain.

2: Vascular Failure

Damage due to shrinkage of blood flow to the brain may trigger dementia through a reduction of cells due to a lack of oxygen or nutrients.

Here are some reasons that trigger vascular failure:

• Strokes: Sudden blockage or bursting of blood vessels in the brain
• High BP: one common cause is that highly elevated pressure causes chronic impairment of vessels for a prolonged time increasing the risk of dementia.
• Uncontrolled diabetes: Blood vessel injury deteriorates with prolonged poor brain function.

3: Cranial Damage

• Traumatic brain injury links itself with accidents, falls, and traumas, ultimately increasing the risk of dementia.
• “Repetitive head injuries, like that of athletes, could worsen and progress to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), one type of dementia”.

4: Infection and cognitive impairment

Some types of infection induce brain inflammation, in some cases causing cognitive impairment.

It includes, in the order of very mild cognitive slowness, infectious diseases with CNS involvement, such as but not limited to:

• HIV/AIDS: Neurologic complications with mild loss of memory, which renders them unable to form new memories
• Syphilis: Nervous system gets affected if not treated and remains there even after blood titer is negative.
• Meningitis: Infection which activates neuronal inflammation in the brain and/or spinal cord

5: Nutritional Deficiencies

The functioning of the brain is dependent upon pivotal nutrients, a dearth of which may lead to cognitive impairment.

Nutritional deficiencies associated with dementia include:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency: Transient memory loss and confusion
• Folate deficiency: Extremely important for brain functioning, leading to cognitive difficulties if not supplemented.

6: Exposure to Toxins

Prolonged exposure to various intoxicating agents may culminate in brain injury and result in dementia.

Common toxins with the potential to induce cognitive decline:

• Heavy metals: Poisonous are lead, mercury, and aluminum, all directly causing neurodegeneration
• Alcohol abuse: The Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and alcohol-related dementia largely result from chronic alcohol denigration.

7: Genetic Aspects

Some types of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease before age 65, are mainly caused by genes.

So, if a close family member has dementia, you might have a higher chance of getting it too.

However, other things like your environment and lifestyle also play an important part in how genetic factors work together.

What Are Dementia Symptoms?

The symptoms of dementia can vary, depending on the cause of dementia. However, the symptoms tend to worsen over time.

Because the early symptoms can help in getting medical help in a good time.

Some of the common signs of dementia include:

Memory loss

Memory loss is the most common and earliest indicator of dementia.

The concerned people will:

• Forget recent conversations or events.
• Ask the same questions over and over.
• Forget appointments or important dates.

Difficulty communicating

Dementia may affect a person’s language and communication skills, making it difficult to express (speak out) clearly.

Among common language problems are:

• Difficulty finding the right words.
• Lose the thread in a long conversation.
• Repeat phrases or sentences.

Disorientation

People with dementia might get disoriented about places or self-details.

Signs of disorientation include:

• Getting lost in familiar places.
• Forgetting the date, time, or season.
• Not recognizing friends or family members.

Changes in Mood and Behavior

Dementia can lead to alterations in mood and behaviour.

Some common mood changes include:

• Increased anxiety or depression.
• Irritability or aggression.
• Social withdrawal/lethargy.

Impaired judgment and reasoning

Dementia severely affects decision-making, therefore one is more susceptible to making foolish decisions.

Examples include:

• Falling for scams or financial fraud.
• Dressing inadequately with reference to climate.
• Failing to observe basic safety rules.

Difficulty in carrying out everyday tasks

Dementia makes it hard to perform routine daily activities with progression.

Such deficits might be divided into:

• Difficulties using the stove to prepare meals.
• Forgetfulness on operating household appliances.
• Personal hygiene assistance.

Since some of the dementias are progressive, the symptoms can get worse with the passage of time. However, others may be reversible if caught early.

Nonetheless, in both cases, it is recommended for you to see a professional doctor like Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh neuropsychiatrist in Patna Bihar, to receive effective treatment. 

Stages of Dementia

Dementia evolves from mild cognitive changes into serious impairments of cognitive function.

Identifying these stages will enable the person with dementia and the caregiver to plan better to cope with the challenges of the future.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Any tiny change in cognitive functions observed by the individual himself or a close observer might suggest a MCI.

Some symptoms of MCI are:

• Brief memory lapses, such as having forgotten names or recent conversations.
• Problems focusing on activities.
• Processing of information much slower than usual.
• While coping with the changes, individuals will find their daily life relatively unharmed.

Early Stage Dementia

Development of cognitive decline becomes more obvious in this stage.

Symptoms include:

• Repeated memory slip-ups, especially concerning recent events.
• Problems managing financial matters, planning, and performing everyday activities.
• Changes in mood such as increasing anxiety, depression, or frequent irritability.
• Trouble finding words in conversations.
• By itself, an individual might live normally, with support now necessitated for some tasks.

Medium-Stage Dementia

This is a transition phase, in which cognitive declines so much that it would interfere with daily activities.

This is when you would see:

• Heightened confusion, which may be accompanied by difficulty identifying familiar faces.
• Equally, problems in speech, understandability, and interpreting conversations are noticeable.
• Repetitive actions such as repeatedly asking what the time is.
• Difficulty in dressing, cooking, or utilizing appliances at home.
• Changes in temperament such as aggression, or completely withdrawing from social events: at this point, daily help is required.

Severe-Stage Dementia

This is truly end-stage dementia, which requires full-time care.

Symptoms often accompanied in this last stage:

• Memory loss gets severe, not recognizing them anymore and loved ones.
• Bedside manners and informal conversation become impossible.
• A slight case of incontinence with swallowing problems.
• They will be immobile, thereby developing a plethora of infections and bedsores.

If you or someone you know shows signs of dementia, it’s important to get help from a professional to handle the difficulties of this condition.

What are the Types of Dementia?

Dementia is not any single illness but a group of conditions with different causes. The most common dementia types are various as follows:

Alzheimer’s Disease

It is the most common type of dementia that affects the majority of people. It is a progressive disease and develops slowly over years.

Alzheimer’s is characterized by a progressive build-up of abnormal protein clumps that causes damages to the nerve cells.

This is the mostly prevalent type and accounts for 60-80% of the identified cases of dementia.

Caused by build-up of abnormal proteins (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) in the brain.

Its characteristic features include:

• Slow memory loss.
• Confusion and trouble making decisions.
• Changes in mood and behavior.

Vascular Dementia

Reduced supply of blood to the brain due to narrowing or blockages in blood vessels can harm the brain cells and cause vascular dementia.

Due to stroke that causes decreased blood circulation to the brain or blockages in the blood vessels, Vascular Dementia can occur.

Its features include:

• Inability to solve problems and make decisions.
• Rapid changes in mood.
• Poor concentration and slowness in intellect.
• This type can show either sudden or gradual progression.

Lewy Body Dementia Abilities

Possibly enzymatically triggered, it most typically results from the misfolding of proteins into Lewy Bodies and their deposition into brain cells.

The most common symptoms consist of the following:

• Visual hallucinations.
• Fluctuations in attention and alertness.
• Parkinson’s-like signs, such as tremors and muscle stiffness.
• Sleep issues.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Also known as Pick’s disease it affects the front section and the temporal lobes of the brain.

It causes difficulties in organizing, planning, controlling emotions, and understanding or speaking language.

It might display some of these symptoms:

• Behavioral changes: impulsivity or social inappropriateness.
• Dysphasia vs. aphasia: Difficulty in articulation or comprehension of words.
• Emotional indifference and abulia.

Huntington’s Disease

This is a genetic condition that causes a premature breakdown of the nerve cells thus, resulting in impaired movement and dementia.

It exists in juvenile (childhood or adolescence) or adult-onset.

• Symptoms: Cognitive decline, mood swings, and involuntary movements, typically appearing in mid-adulthood.
• Causes: Caused by a genetic mutation in the HTT gene.

Parkinson’s Disease

People develop dementia when they have advanced Parkinson’s disease.

As it progresses the person becomes irritable, paranoid, or depressed and may have trouble understanding.

• Symptoms: Cognitive decline, memory problems, and changes in mood and behavior, alongside the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s.
• Causes: Related to the progression of Parkinson’s disease and the presence of Lewy bodies.

Mixed Dementia

A condition in which a person has more than one type of dementia, most commonly Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

• Symptoms: A combination of symptoms from the different types of dementia present.
• Causes: The presence of multiple underlying conditions affecting the brain.

Each type has its own unique characteristics, progression, and treatment options.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of dementia, it is important to seek professional evaluation and support to determine the appropriate course of action.

Dementia Diagnosis

An extensive array of investigations is required during the diagnosis of dementia, focusing sharply either on reasons or severity.

Some role and significance are given to the following:

1. Medical History

Medical questioning becomes an important arm of the diagnosis because for it the practitioner considers certain elements during the medical history taking and in what the caregiver program provided.

These are of special interest:

• Symptoms and their timeline of onset.
• Past medical history (strokes, sometimes head injury, etc.).
• Family dementia history, family history of neurological disease.

2. Cognitive Assessment

Around-the-clock to conduct cognitive measures such as memory, etc., resolving complex problems, etc.

Additional tests can require:

• Mini-mental state examination (MMSE): This is used to assess basic cognitive function.
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): This test may be used to diagnose MCI, Mild Cognitive Impairment. A low score indicates deterioration of cognitive function.

3. Brain Imaging

The brain is observed structurally and functionally in the living tissue; the tests used are:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Look at brain shrinkage and other brain-abnormalities.
• CT scan (Computerized Tomography scan): Detection of an acute stroke or tumors of unusual sports.
• PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography Scan): This is a high-tech tool used in dementia to display changes in brain metabolism and activity.

4. Blood Test

Blood tests generally provide a battery of tests in an effort to rule out medical conditions that mimic dementia due to confusion or memory loss, such as deficiency of vitamins:

• For example: Vitamin B12.
• Thyroid disorders
• Infections

5. Neurologic Exams

Perform a neurological exam to check how well the brain can do basic tasks like responding to stimuli, keeping balance, coordinating movements, and testing reflexes, muscle strength, and senses.

This helps to understand which specific brain diseases, like Parkinson’s or stroke, may be causing dementia.

Diagnosing dementia is a complex process that requires a thorough evaluation by healthcare professionals.

Early diagnosis is essential for effective management and support, allowing individuals and their families to plan for the future and access appropriate resources.

What are the Available Dementia Treatments?   

Dementia treatment is aimed at slowing down the progression of the symptoms and increasing the quality of life.

Medications, therapies, and some lifestyle adjustments can all help to alleviate the symptoms as much as possible.

1. Medications

A number of drugs may be used to control the symptoms of dementia and help to maintain cognitive function. Some of these include the following:

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

• These drugs are as follows: Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine.
• These drugs work by increasing acetylcholine release, a neurotransmitter important for memory and learning.

Benefits: This drug improves memory, improves attention, and slows the downturn into the first part of the mild stage for people with dementia.

Memantine

• It serves to control glutamate levels-renowned because of its excellent functional neurotransmitter properties.
• Good for improving thinking, memory, and the daily performance found in moderately severe dementia cases.

Antidepressants and Antipsychotics

• Antidepressants (Sertraline, Citalopram) contribute in dealing with depression and anxiety, which are prevalent among people with dementia.
• Some antipsychotics (Risperidone, Olanzapine) may be used for severe cases like aggression and hallucination.

Caution: Research on this area is simple, and only specially guided by specialists to be utilized due to many detrimental effects.

2. Therapies

Therapies are nonmedicinal aids, which are also crucial in improving dementia symptoms and the cognitive abilities of dementia patients.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)

• CST is based on arranging games and discussion groups.
• Improves memory, language, and social skills.

Occupational Therapy

• Improves the knowledge of how to do efficiently for oneself.
• Examples would be dressing, eating, and finance simplification.

Behavioral Therapy

• Focuses on reducing aggression, agitation, and confusion.
• Uses personalized routines, music therapy, and relaxation techniques to manage distressing behaviors.

3. Lifestyle Changes

A healthy lifestyle can support brain health and slow cognitive decline.

Healthy Diet

Include foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins to support brain function.

Food to eat:

• Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale).
• Seeds from nuts (walnuts, flaxseeds).
• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel).
• Dietary fiber.
• Whole grains.
• Healthy fruits like berries.

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise enhances blood circulation and oxygen flow to the brain.

Good physical activities include:

• Walks or jogs.
• Swimming or cycling.
• Yoga and stretching exercises.

Social Engagement

• Interacting with others can increase mental stimulation and emotional well-being.
• Doing things such as volunteering, participating in organizations or community events, and spending time with family can be great ways to involve oneself.

In essence, Dementia treatments aim to manage symptoms, slow down the disease, and improve life quality.

Medicines like donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are used for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, while memantine is for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s.

Also, activities like brain training, exercise, and socializing can help reduce symptoms.

How Can You Prevent Dementia?

There is no definite way to prevent dementia, although altering lifestyles is known to retard cognitive impairment.

Eating Healthy

It goes without saying that what goes into your stomach goes a long way to ensure optimal neurological health.

In terms of the Mediterranean diet, adopted food groups include the following:

• Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains.
• Lean proteins like fish and poultry.
• Healthy fats such as olive oil.

Physical Activity

Blood flow to the brain increases with exercise, preventing dementia of the vascular type. Try for at least 30 minutes of light to moderate exercise each day.

Some possible activities you could add consist of:

• Lung walks in the park.
• Swimming and light aerobics training.
• Strength and balance training.

Engage in Intellectual Stimulation

An intellectually stimulated brain continues well in cognitive function.

Engaging hobbies include:

• Reading books or newspapers.
• Puzzles of all kinds, including crosswords andSudoku.
• Acquiring new skills such as playing an instrument or learning a new language.

Control Chronic Conditions

Some health problems can raise the chance of getting dementia.

Simple actions can help improve these problems, like keeping blood sugar normal for people with diabetes, managing blood pressure for those with high blood pressure, and treating high cholesterol by eating healthy foods and being active.

Avoid Cigarette Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption

• Smoking causes damage to the brain by starving it of oxygen.
• Drinking amounts of alcohol can lead to dementia.
• Both cessation of smoking and limiting alcohol could serve to deter brain damage.

Sound Sleep

Lack of sleep can force memory issues and hinder cognition. Hence, following are some sleep tips:

• Establish a sleeping time routine.
• Avoid screens and bright lights hours before going to bed.
• Keep a comfortable and quiet sleeping room, even in the day.

Overall, to help prevent dementia, stay healthy. This means exercising regularly, eating well, keeping health problems under control, not smoking, drinking less alcohol, and staying active socially and mentally by learning new things and doing fun activities.

Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh – Best Doctor for Dementia Treatment 

Dementia is a complex set of conditions, which are important to assess with good care.

Therefore, you can rely on Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh for he is the best neuropsychiatrist in Patna Bihar you can find for the treatment of dementia in Patna, Bihar.

He is a devoted doctor who is well versed in dementia and other related mental conditions.

Dr. Singh has performed numerous dementia treatment cases and has achieved a high success rate. His treatment costs are also very affordable.

Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh has worked as a psychiatrist at AIIMS and PMCH hospital, Patna.

His precision and presence of mind in recognizing both mind and body symptoms are noteworthy.

So, book your appointment with him today as dementia can get terrible with time.