Memory loss and dementia

Overview

Dementia happens when brain cells stop working and die. It causes problems with memory, language, planning, and judgment. Symptoms usually start mild and get worse over years.

Common types include Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia (from damaged blood vessels in the brain), Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Many people have more than one type.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a stage between normal aging and dementia. Not everyone with MCI gets dementia.

Symptoms

Early signs are often noticed by family first.

• Memory problems, like forgetting recent events or repeating questions
• Brain fog or trouble concentrating
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Trouble planning or handling money

Less common

• Trouble finding words
• Mood or personality changes
• Seeing things that aren't there
• Problems with walking or balance

Look up a symptom: Brain fog or trouble concentrating · Memory problems

When to get medical care

Causes

Dementia is caused by diseases that damage brain cells. In Alzheimer's, proteins build up into plaques and tangles. In vascular dementia, strokes or narrowed blood vessels cut off blood flow.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older age, the biggest risk
• Family history
• High blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking
• Hearing loss that isn't treated
• Head injuries
• Not being active

Possible complications

• Delirium: Sudden confusion, often from infections
• Pneumonia: From trouble swallowing in late stages

Diagnosis

There's no single test. Doctors put together several kinds of information.

Questions you may be asked

• What changes you or your family have noticed, and when they started
• Medicines you take
• Mood, sleep, and alcohol use

The exam

They'll do a physical and nerve exam and short memory and thinking tests.

Tests

Tests look for causes that can be treated:

• Blood tests: Check vitamin B12, thyroid, and other problems that can affect memory.
• Brain scan (CT or MRI): Looks for strokes, tumors, or fluid buildup.
• Special Alzheimer's tests: Some PET scans, spinal fluid tests, and newer blood tests look for Alzheimer's proteins.

Treatment

Treatment aims to keep people safe, independent, and comfortable for as long as possible.

Self-care

• Keep a daily routine and use calendars, lists, and reminders
• Stay active, socially and physically
• Make the home safe: good lighting, no loose rugs, locked medicines
• Plan ahead: talk about finances, driving, and medical wishes early
• Caregivers need support too: ask about respite care and support groups

Medicines

Medicines can't cure dementia but may help some symptoms.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Some medicines may slow symptoms for a while. Newer medicines for early Alzheimer's can slow decline in some people but need careful checks. Treating hearing loss, depression, and sleep problems can also help.

How it compares

Prevention

These habits may lower the risk:

• Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
• Be active and stay social
• Treat hearing loss
• Don't smoke and limit alcohol
• Protect your head from injuries

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Make your home safe from falls: good lighting, no loose rugs, grab bars.
• Ask your doctor whether it's safe to drive.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• Alzheimer's Association: Free 24/7 helpline 1-800-272-3900 for people and caregivers.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Many people keep working in the early stages, with changes to their tasks.
• Plan ahead for work, money, and legal choices while you can.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Younger people: Dementia can start before 65 (young-onset). It's often a different type and needs a specialist.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Set up a pill organizer and a simple daily routine.
• Make the home safe from falls.
• Go to visits with them and write down what the doctor says.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Most types of dementia slowly get worse. People can live many years after diagnosis, and support and planning make a big difference for the person and their family.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring someone who knows you well.

What to bring

• A family member or friend
• A list of changes and when they started
• All medicines and supplements

Questions to ask

• What could be causing these changes?
• Could any of them be treated?
• Is driving still safe?
• What support is available for caregivers?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Memory loss and dementia