Dementia (Loss of Memory): Dementia is the loss of reasoning, memory, and other mental abilities. Dementia may be caused by irreversible causes such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's dementia, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia. There are also treatable causes of dementia such as infections, head injury, normal hydrocephalus, and metabolic and hormonal disorders.Early symptoms of dementia include forgetting appointments and names, losing things, difficulties performing familiar tasks (driving, cooking, household chores), personality changes, mood swings, paranoia, and suspiciousness. There are 7 types of dementia.
A variety of tests (blood tests, scans, assessment of family history) may be used to diagnose dementia. Treatment may include medication and behavioral therapy.
Must Read Articles:
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Alzheimer Disease
Alzheimer's disease (AZ) is the most common cause of dementia in industrialized nations. The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are sublte at the beginning, and over time symptoms such as: slow or worsening memory loss, trouble remembering events or activities, difficulty doing familiar tasks, and difficulties finding the right words for familiar things. -
Alzheimer's Disease FAQs
Alzheimer's disease is a fatal brain disorder. Familial and sporadic are the two types of Alzheimer's disease. The three stages include early, intermediate, and late. Symptoms are dependant upon the stage of the disease, but include: memory loss, inability to think, inability to reason, inability to judge situations, inability communicate, anxiety, agitation, disorientation, paranoia, severe memory loss, loss of mobility, delusions, and hallucinations. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, medications can be administered to control symptoms. -
Understanding Alzheimer Disease Medications
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in industrialized nations. Treatment for Alzheimer's disease include interventions focusing on behavior, and the medications cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA inhibitors, which have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. -
Syphilis
Syphilis is a contagious bacterial infection transmitted most often through sexual intercourse. Flulike symptoms, body rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Late-phase syphilis attacks the heart, brain, skin, and bones. Late-stage syphilis is rare since the discovery of the antibiotic penicillin, which is used to treat this sexually transmitted disease (STD). -
Alzheimer's Disease Stages: Symptoms and Signs
Alzheimer's disease is one of the many causes of dementia. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease typically progress over a period of years. There are warning signs of Alzheimer's, early, middle, and late stage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. If you know someone who may have the warning signs or symptoms of Alzheimer's disease they should be evaluated by a health care professional. -
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a nervous system disorder that progressively reduces the sufferer's ability to contol movement. The disease is marked by lost of strength, the ability to write, walk and ultimately talk and breath. Most people with ALS die in five years after diagnosis. -
Anemia
Anemia can be caused by many conditions and diseases such as iron deficiency, poor diet and nutrition, cancers, bone marrow problems, and more. Symptoms of anemia depend upon the cause, and progression of the disease. Treatment depends upon the cause of anemia. -
Brain Infection
Our brain, the spinal cord, and its surrounding structures could become infected by a large spectrum of germs (that is, microorganisms). Bacteria and viruses are the most common offenders. -
Cognitive Deficits
Cognitive deficits (intellectual disability) begin in childhood and cause impaired ability to learn and function. Impairment level is categorized as mild, moderate, severe, or profound. Causes include genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome, premature birth, exposure to toxins, and others. Symptoms include developmental delay, behavioral issues, or difficulties in school. There is no specific treatment, but some may benefit from dietary changes, medications, and therapies. -
Dementia Due to HIV Infection
Dementia and general cognitive decline is a hallmark of later-stage HIV infections, and is known as AIDS dementia complex (ADC). Thinking, memory, judgement, concentration, and motor function may all suffer as a result of this condition. While HIV/AIDS is incurable, antiretroviral therapy can not only prevent, but also reduce the severity of symptoms in people who have it already. -
Dementia in ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects the voluntary nervous system that causes muscles to weaken, leading progressively to paralysis and death, usually within five years of the first symptoms. ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, usually doesn't cause cognitive impairment, but is sometimes accompanied by dementia due to destruction of cells in the frontal lobe of the brain. -
Dementia in Head Injury
A head injury occurs when some trauma rocks the skull violently enough that the brain tissue inside hits the inside of the skull, twists, or is other wised shaken violently. With some serious or repeated brain trauma, dementia can result. Symptoms include memory loss, problems thinking clearly, insomnia, and many others. -
Dementia Medication Overview
There is no good way to treat the progressive condition of dementia, but several different classes of medications can improve the symptoms and slow the patient's decline, especially if paired with diet and lifestyle changes. Drug classes include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, N-methyl-D-aspartate blockers, and experimental amyloid deposit inhibitors. Antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs can help with problematic behavioral changes. -
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is an acute infection and inflammation of the brain itself. This is in contrast to meningitis, which is an inflammation of the layers covering the brain. Encephalitis symptoms and signs include headache, fever, fatigue, seizures, and photophobia. Treatment depends upon the cause of the encephalitis. -
Hardening of the Arteries
Atherosclerosis is the term referring to a hardening of the arteries caused by buildup of fat and cholesterol on the artery walls. The deposits, called plaque, can eventually block blood flow. Obesity, high cholesterol, age and a number of other factors put people at risk for atherosclerosis. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, surgery, and medication. -
Head Injury
Head injury is a general term used to describe any trauma to the head, and most specifically to the brain itself. Several types of head injuries may occur such as skull fractures, intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding) such as subdural or epidural hematoma. Treatment of a head or brain injury depends on the cause and severity of the injury. Skull fracture: A skull fracture is a break in ... -
Huntington Disease Dementia
Huntington disease (HD) is a virus that causes movement disorder and neurological problems. The neurological problems eventually cause cognitive and emotional disabilities that eventually descend into dementia. -
Dementia With Lewy Bodies
Dementia with Lewy bodies or Lewy body dementia is the name for a group of in which dementia is caused by the presence of Lewy bodies in the brain. The cause of formations of Lewy bodies in the brain is not known. Symptoms of dementia with lewy bodies include recent loss of memory, difficulty conentrating or paying attention, misperceptions of space and time, the inability to think or reason, anbnormal movements of Parkinson's disease, depression, delusions, agitation, and unexplained fainting. Treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies is focused on lifestyle changes, care for the individual with dementia with Lewy bodies, and medicaiton to manage symptoms. -
Mad Cow Disease and Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob
Mad cow is an infectious disease in the brain of cattle. Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is the human form of mad cow disease. Symptoms and signs include muscle spasms, lack of muscle control, and worsening problems with memory. There are no effective treatments. -
Meningitis in Adults
Meningitis is an infection of the layers around the spinal cord called meninges. This potentially life-threatening condition can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungus, or reactions to medications or environmental toxins. -
Possible Early Dementia
Dementia is marked decline in brain function that affects memory, thought processes and speech. Alzheimer's disease is a major cause, but many other different factors can cause permanent or reversible dementia. Dementia should be distinguished from the benign age-related forgetfulness many experience, which only superficially affects daily life. Mild cognitive impairment is a memory-loss state more significant than age-related senescence describe above, but less severe than Alzheimer's. -
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a brain disorder that develops in older adults. Hydrocephalus happens when the drainage of the cerebro-spinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord is blocked. The fluid builds up in the hollow ventricals inside the brain, and the excess pressure can cause dementia, and physical symptoms similar to Parkinson disease. Treatment includes implanting a shunt with a valve that drains the excess fluid when the pressure reaches a certain point. -
Parkinson Disease Dementia
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the brain. It mainly affects movements of the body. Severe cognitive impairments associated with PD are a form of dementia. Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease Dementia include various types of cognitive impairment, such as loss of decision-making ability, disorientation in familiar surroundings, inflexibility to adapting changes, and more. The condition is diagnosed via neuropsychological testing. Various classes of prescription medications are used to treat the condition. -
Pick Disease
Pick disease is a form of dementia characterized by a slow decline of mental abilities caused by damaged brain cells. The disease is similar to Alzheimer's. It is a terminal disease, but some drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and others can slow the progression. -
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a disease that causes the brain to degenerate, leading to problems with movement and balance, loss of cognitive function, memory, speech, and attention. This loss ultimately leads to dementia, and PSP usually affects those over 60. There is no treatment for this disease, the symptoms of which are sometimes similar to Parkinson Disease. -
Stroke-Related Dementia
Dementia is a blanket term to describe significant cognitive and memory decay that could be caused by a number of different conditions. A stroke is a bleed or blockage in the blood vessels that may starve parts of the brain of oxygen. Thought and memory impairment due to a stroke is called vascular dementia. Medications and behavioral therapy may prevent further strokes and slow cognitive decline, but stroke damage cannot be repaired after more than a few hours after the event.
Featured:
- slow or worsening memory loss,
- trouble remembering events or activities,
- difficulty doing familiar tasks, and
- difficulties finding the right words for familiar things.
Expert Views and News
- Alzheimer's Blood Test on the Horizon
- Striking New-Onset Seizure Risk With Dementia
- Midlife Obesity Linked to Long-term Dementia Risk
- Trans Fats Tied to Increased Dementia Risk
- Can Anticoagulants Prevent Alzheimer's?
- Chilis Not So Hot for the Brain After All?
- Gum Disease Bacteria a Treatment for Alzheimer's
- Sleeping Pill Use Linked to Increased Dementia
- Hearing, Vision Loss Raise Dementia Risk
- Acute Sleep Loss Increases Alzheimer's Biomarker
- New WHO Dementia Guidelines Released
- Brain Stimulation Rapidly Revives Working Memory
- Antihypertensive Therapy Reduces Alzheimer's
- Midlife Stressors Boost Dementia Risk
- Light Therapy Improves Dementia Symptoms
- Viruses May Play a Role in Alzheimer's Disease
- Screening Tool Improves Dementia Prediction
- Prolonged Sitting Tied to Brain Atrophy
- 6 Million With Alzheimer’s Disease
- Higher Brain Glucose Levels, Severe Alzheimer's
- Hypertension in 40s Linked to Later Dementia
- Fluctuating Home Blood Pressure Linked to Dementia
- Genes Point to Alzheimer's Triggers
- Autoimmune Diseases Linked to Dementia
- Obesity May Age Your Brain
- Midlife Memory Lapses May Be Normal Part of Aging
- Common Meds and Dementia: How Strong Is the Link?
- Survey Reveals Beliefs, Behaviors on Alzheimer's
- Feds Crack Down on False Brain-Training Claims
- Size of These Brain Parts Tied to Dementia Risk
- New Drugs Show Signs of Slowing Alzheimer's
- Green Tea Linked to Lower Risk for Dementia
- Diabetes and Dementia May Be Linked
- Adult Asthma Linked to Higher Dementia Risk
- Guns and Dementia
- Study: 1 in 3 Alzheimer's Cases 'Preventable'
- Study Finds U.S. Dementia Care Costs High
- Panel Advises Against Hormones to Prevent Disease
- Exercise Protects Aging Brains Better
- Insomnia, Anxiety Drugs May Raise Dementia Risk
- Get This Much Sleep for a Sharp Memory
- Eye Disease Linked to Memory Decline
- Berries Boost Brain Function
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Brain Age Better
- Dementia: Some Antipsychotic Drugs Riskier Than Others
- Faster Walkers Have Lower Odds of Memory Problems
- Overeating May Raise Risk for Memory Problems
- Smoking in Men Speeds Up Mental Decline
- Senior Moment or Something Worse? Yes/No Test May Tell
- Mild Memory Problems May Be More Common in Men
- Nicotine Patch May Improve Memory in Pre-Dementia Patients
- Memory Loss May Occur as Early as 40s
- Eating Fish May Be Good for Brain Health
- Memory Loss Boosts Risk of Death
- Breathing Problems During Sleep Linked to Memory Problems
- Mild Cognitive Impairment in Many Older Americans
- Omega-3s Linked to Lower Dementia Risk
- Dementia Risk for Retired Football Players?
- Baby Aspirin May Help Memory, Thinking Skills
- Maintaining Good Health May Reduce Dementia Risk
- Cognitive Impairment: 4 in 10 Over Age 85 Have It
- Brain Health Clues
- Multiple Languages Cut Risk of Memory Problems
- Metabolic Syndrome Linked to Memory Loss
Dementia (Loss of Memory) Topic Guide - Visuals
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Dementia (Loss of Memory) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
MemantineMemantine reduces the actions of chemicals in the brain that may contribute to the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease...learn more »
GalantamineGalantamine improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KO leen). ...learn more »
ZiprasidoneZiprasidone is an antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat schizophrenia and the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression)...learn more »
Rivastigmine TransdermalRivastigmine transdermal (skin patch) is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease...learn more »
RivastigmineRivastigmine is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease...learn more »
Citalopram (oral)Citalopram is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
learn more »
QuetiapineQuetiapine is an antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children who are at least 13 years old...learn more »
Donepezil (oral)Donepezil is used to help improve mental function in people with Alzheimer's disease...learn more »
OlanzapineOlanzapine is an antipsychotic medication that affects chemicals in the brain...learn more »
LamotrigineLamotrigine is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant...learn more »
GabapentinGabapentin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures ...learn more »
Risperidone (oral)Risperidone is a antipsychotic medicine that works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain...learn more »
ParoxetineParoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant.
learn more »
Methylphenidate (transdermal)Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)...learn more »
MethylphenidateMethylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy...learn more »
SertralineSertraline is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline affects chemicals in the brain that m...learn more »
FluoxetineFluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressant. Fluoxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people wi...learn more »
Valproic AcidValproic acid affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures...learn more »
Carbamazepine (oral)Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant. It works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain...learn more »
HaloperidolHaloperidol is an antipsychotic medicine. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain...learn more »
Dementia (Loss of Memory) Topic Guide – Related Topics
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Electroencephalography (EEG)
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Aerobic Exercise
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High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) may be present in an individual, without any symptoms. Thus, it is called the "silent killer." Causes of high blood pressure ...learn more »
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CT Scan
What is a CT scan? Computerized tomography scans (CT scans) are important diagnostic tools for a variety of medical conditions. Some areas of the body frequentl...learn more »
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High cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease, stroke, angina, blood clot formation, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Causes of high cholesterol inclu...learn more »
Bacterial Pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. People with pneumonia usually experience coughing, fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Pneumonia is a ...learn more »
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Suicidal thoughts may be brought about by a sudden, negative change in life circumstances, substance abuse, or even sleep deprivation. Suicidal thoughts are tro...learn more »
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End-of-Life Decision Making
End-of-life decision making typically involves creating two documents: an advance directive and a durable learn more »
