The information in this section defines dementia (based on Dementia Australia). The symptoms (signs) and causes of dementia are described. It also explains the difference between normal memory problems and dementia.
Dementia describes a collection of symptoms caused by diseases of the brain. It is not a single specific disease, but an umbrella term that encompasses various forms.
Dementia affects thinking, behavior and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Memory is often affected. However, language, orientation and other functions of the human brain can also be impaired. Brain function is so severely impaired that a person’s social or professional life is affected. Those affected are then dependent on support and possibly also care in everyday life. To be diagnosed with dementia, the impairment must have been present for at least 6 months.
Most people with dementia are older, but it is important to know that not all older people develop dementia. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing.
Dementia can affect anyone. It is most common after the age of 65. But people in their 40s and 50s can also develop dementia. Old age is the most important risk factor for dementia. However, there are also other risk factors.
There are many different forms of dementia, and each has its own causes. What they have in common is that normal processes in the brain are disrupted for different reasons.
The most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer’s dementia, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia, Huntington’s disease, alcohol-related dementia and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
There are a number of conditions that cause symptoms similar to dementia. These include some vitamin and hormone deficiencies, depression, medication overdose, infections and brain tumors.
It is important that a medical diagnosis of dementia is made at an early stage, when symptoms first appear, also to ensure that another condition requiring different treatment is properly diagnosed and treated.
If the symptoms are caused by dementia, an early diagnosis means early access to support, information and medication.
Around 90% of dementias are primary dementias. These dementias develop as a result of diseases that begin directly in the brain. According to the current state of research, this process cannot be cured. Secondary dementias, on the other hand, arise as a result of diseases that can affect the brain. For example, tumor diseases, metabolic disorders or vitamin deficiencies can cause dementia symptoms. If the underlying disease is treated, these symptoms can regress. Secondary dementia can therefore be curable.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. In second place are vascular dementias, which are caused by circulatory disorders in the brain or mixed forms of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s dementia. Other forms of dementia are frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies.
This depends on the cause of the dementia, so it is important to have a reliable medical diagnosis. Most cases of dementia are not inherited.
If you are concerned about the risk of inheriting or passing on dementia, contact your doctor or use the helpline.
The early signs of dementia are very subtle and vague and may not be immediately obvious. Some common symptoms may include:
- Progressive and frequent memory loss
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Personality changes
- Apathy and withdrawal
- Loss of ability to perform everyday tasks
View also: Early memory impairment
There are currently several approaches to prevent the development of dementia. These include, for example, a healthy diet, exercise, positive social interactions, good treatment of any cardiovascular risk constellations and good provision of hearing aids. There is still no cure for most forms of dementia. However, it has been found that some medications can slow the progression of dementia. Support is vital for people with dementia. Help from family, friends and caregivers can have a positive impact on coping with the disease.
Editors: Dr. Julia Perry und Dr. Katrin Radenbach from the University Medical Center Göttingen and Dr. Ayda Rostamzadeh from the University Hospital Cologne.