Dementia and Memory Loss - Top 7 Causes and treatment

Most Common Cause: Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's accounts for 80 percent of dementia cases, primarily affecting individuals over 65 years old. It is caused by beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, starting in the hippocampus. Key Signs of Dementia Seven most common signs include: memory loss, difficulty with communication, disorientation, impaired judgment, difficulty with familiar tasks, mood changes, and spatial/navigation issues. Risk Factors for Alzheimer's The most significant risk factor is age, with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, and low educational attainment as modifiable contributors. Stages of Alzheimer's Progression Early symptoms include gradual memory loss. Over 4–10 years, cognitive decline accelerates, leading to dependence, communication loss, and eventual complications like dysphagia. Treatment for Alzheimer's Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil) temporarily improve cognition, while antipsychotics may be used for agitation. Regular physical activity and a Mediterranean diet can reduce dementia risk by 30–40 percent. Vascular Dementia Responsible for 10 percent of cases, vascular dementia arises from reduced blood flow due to strokes or small vessel disease. Symptoms often develop in steps, with impaired attention and executive function as early signs. Dementia with Lewy Bodies Comprising 5 percent of cases, this type is marked by hallucinations, fluctuating cognition, and Parkinsonism. Lewy bodies disrupt dopamine and acetylcholine pathways. Frontotemporal Dementia Affects 5–10 percent of cases under age 65. Early symptoms include personality changes, apathy, and language difficulties, linked to frontal and temporal lobe degeneration. Mixed Dementia Combines features of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, leading to faster progression. Risk factors overlap with vascular disease and Alzheimer's, making prevention challenging. Imaging and Diagnosis Alzheimer's shows brain atrophy, especially in the medial temporal lobe, with positron emission tomography confirming amyloid deposits. Lewy bodies and vascular changes can also be identified via imaging. Disclaimer: This information is provided for general knowledge and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor for any questions or concerns you may have about your health.