Dementia: Types, Symptoms & Early Warning Signs

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a syndrome—a group of symptoms—that affects memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. It is caused by damage to brain cells and is not a normal part of aging. The most common cause is Alzheimer's disease, but there are many other types including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Dementia represents one of the greatest health challenges of our time, affecting approximately 55 million people worldwide with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed every year. The condition fundamentally changes how a person thinks, remembers, and interacts with the world around them. Understanding what dementia is—and what it is not—is crucial for recognizing symptoms early and accessing appropriate care.

The term "dementia" comes from the Latin words "de" (out of) and "mens" (mind), but this etymology doesn't capture the full picture of the condition. Dementia is not a single disease but rather an umbrella term for a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. These symptoms must be severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities and typically involve problems with at least two of the following: memory, communication and language, ability to focus and pay attention, reasoning and judgment, or visual perception.

It's important to distinguish dementia from normal age-related changes. As people grow older, it's common to occasionally forget names or appointments but remember them later, or to sometimes misplace things. However, in dementia, these problems become more severe and consistent: forgetting recently learned information, getting lost in familiar places, having difficulty following conversations or finding words, and experiencing changes in mood or behavior that are noticeable to others.

Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells. This damage interferes with the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other. When brain cells cannot communicate normally, thinking, behavior, and feelings can be affected. The brain has many distinct regions, each responsible for different functions such as memory, judgment, and movement. When cells in a particular region are damaged, that region cannot carry out its normal functions.

Cognitive Functions Affected by Dementia

Dementia primarily affects what healthcare professionals call "cognition"—the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses. The specific cognitive functions most commonly affected include:

• Memory: Particularly recent or short-term memory, making it difficult to remember new information while older memories may remain intact longer
• Language: Difficulty finding words, following conversations, or understanding what others are saying
• Attention and concentration: Trouble focusing on tasks or following complex instructions
• Reasoning and judgment: Difficulty making decisions, solving problems, or understanding abstract concepts
• Visual-spatial abilities: Problems with depth perception, recognizing objects, or navigating familiar environments

What Are the Different Types of Dementia?

The four most common types of dementia are Alzheimer's disease (60-80% of cases), vascular dementia (caused by reduced blood flow to the brain), Lewy body dementia (associated with abnormal protein deposits), and frontotemporal dementia (affecting personality and language). Many people have "mixed dementia" with features of more than one type.

Understanding the different types of dementia is essential because each type has distinct characteristics, progresses differently, and may respond to different treatments. While all types share some common symptoms, recognizing the specific type can help patients and families prepare for what lies ahead and access the most appropriate care and support.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is by far the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. It is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out simple tasks. The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906 after examining the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness.

At a biological level, Alzheimer's disease is characterized by two types of abnormal structures in the brain: amyloid plaques (clumps of protein that build up between nerve cells) and neurofibrillary tangles (twisted fibers of another protein called tau that build up inside cells). These changes typically begin in the hippocampus, the region of the brain important for forming memories, and gradually spread to other areas.

The progression of Alzheimer's disease typically follows a pattern, though the rate of decline varies considerably between individuals. Early symptoms often include difficulty remembering recent events, names, or conversations, while the ability to recall distant memories remains relatively intact. As the disease advances, people may experience confusion about time and place, difficulty with language and problem-solving, personality changes, and eventually require help with basic daily activities like dressing and eating.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, resulting from conditions that block or reduce blood flow to various regions of the brain, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients. This can occur due to stroke, small vessel disease, or other conditions that damage blood vessels and reduce circulation.

Unlike the gradual decline seen in Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia often progresses in a "stepwise" pattern, with sudden changes occurring after strokes or other vascular events. The symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected and may include problems with concentration and organization, slowed thinking, difficulty following instructions, memory problems, and physical symptoms like weakness or changes in gait.

Because vascular dementia is linked to cardiovascular health, many of its risk factors are modifiable through lifestyle changes. Managing high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol; maintaining a healthy weight; exercising regularly; and not smoking can all help reduce the risk of vascular dementia.

Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia is caused by abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. These deposits, called Lewy bodies, affect chemicals in the brain whose changes can lead to problems with thinking, movement, behavior, and mood. Lewy body dementia is one of the most common causes of dementia after Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

Distinctive features of Lewy body dementia include visual hallucinations (often detailed and recurring), fluctuations in alertness and attention, and Parkinson's-like symptoms such as slow movement, rigid muscles, and tremors. People with this condition may also experience sleep disturbances, particularly a condition called REM sleep behavior disorder, where they physically act out their dreams.

The overlap between Lewy body dementia and both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease can make diagnosis challenging. However, accurate diagnosis is crucial because people with Lewy body dementia can have severe sensitivity to certain medications, particularly antipsychotic drugs, which can cause life-threatening reactions.

Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) refers to a group of disorders caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain's frontal lobes (the areas behind the forehead) or temporal lobes (the regions behind the ears). Unlike other types of dementia that typically affect people over 65, frontotemporal dementia often begins at a younger age, usually between 45 and 65.

The symptoms of frontotemporal dementia depend on which parts of the brain are affected. When the frontal lobes are primarily involved, behavioral changes are prominent: people may become socially inappropriate, impulsive, emotionally indifferent, or neglect personal hygiene. When the temporal lobes are affected, language problems are more pronounced, including difficulty finding words, understanding speech, or recognizing familiar faces.

There is currently no cure for frontotemporal dementia, and no treatment has been shown to slow its progression. However, certain medications may help manage behavioral symptoms, and speech therapy can help with language difficulties.

Mixed Dementia

Research has increasingly shown that many people—particularly those over 80—have brain changes associated with more than one type of dementia. This is called "mixed dementia." The most common combination is Alzheimer's disease with vascular dementia, but other combinations can occur. Mixed dementia may cause symptoms that are similar to or even distinct from those of one type alone, and the combination can affect how quickly symptoms progress.

What Are the Symptoms of Dementia?

Common symptoms of dementia include memory loss affecting daily life, difficulty with planning and problem-solving, confusion about time and place, trouble understanding visual images, problems with words, misplacing things, decreased judgment, withdrawal from activities, and changes in mood and personality. Symptoms vary by dementia type and progress over time.

Recognizing the symptoms of dementia is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention. While symptoms vary depending on the type of dementia and individual factors, certain patterns are commonly observed across most types. It's important to note that having one or more of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean someone has dementia, but these signs should prompt a medical evaluation.

The symptoms of dementia typically develop gradually and worsen over time. Family members and close friends often notice changes before the person affected does, as the changes may be subtle at first. The Alzheimer's Association has identified 10 warning signs that may indicate dementia:

Memory Changes That Disrupt Daily Life

One of the most common signs of dementia, especially in its early stages, is forgetting recently learned information. This goes beyond occasionally forgetting an appointment or someone's name—which can happen to anyone—to forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions repeatedly, and increasingly relying on memory aids or family members for things previously handled independently.

In early dementia, short-term memory is typically affected first. A person might remember events from decades ago in vivid detail but struggle to recall what they had for breakfast or a conversation from earlier that day. This pattern reflects the way dementia often affects the hippocampus, which is crucial for forming new memories, before spreading to other brain regions.

Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems

People with dementia may experience significant changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe, keeping track of monthly bills, or concentrating on tasks that require multiple steps. These difficulties reflect impairment in what neurologists call "executive function"—the brain's ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks.

This symptom often becomes apparent in the workplace before it affects home life. A person who has always been highly organized might start missing deadlines, making unusual errors, or struggling with tasks they previously performed easily. The decline in these abilities can be particularly distressing because it often affects a person's sense of competence and independence.

Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks

People with dementia may find it hard to complete daily tasks that were once automatic. They may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing finances, or remembering the rules of a favorite game. Tasks that involve multiple steps become increasingly challenging, even if each individual step was once performed without conscious thought.

Confusion With Time or Place

Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time is common in dementia. People may forget where they are or how they got there. This disorientation can be frightening and is often one of the symptoms that prompts families to seek help. In later stages, a person may not recognize their own home or may confuse day and night.

Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships

For some people, vision problems are a sign of dementia. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance, determining color or contrast, or recognizing faces—even their own reflection in a mirror. These difficulties are distinct from typical age-related vision changes like cataracts and can lead to problems with driving, navigating stairs, or other activities requiring spatial awareness.

New Problems With Words in Speaking or Writing

People with dementia may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a sentence and have no idea how to continue, or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have difficulty naming familiar objects, or substitute unusual words. This can make communication increasingly frustrating for both the person with dementia and their conversation partners.

Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps

While anyone can misplace things occasionally, a person with dementia may put things in unusual places—like car keys in the refrigerator or a wallet in the dishwasher. They may be unable to retrace their steps to find the items again, and this difficulty often increases over time. In some cases, they may accuse others of stealing when they cannot find things.

Decreased or Poor Judgment

Dementia can affect decision-making and judgment. People may use poor judgment when dealing with money, becoming victims of scams or giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to personal grooming or keeping themselves clean. These changes can put people at risk and often require family intervention to ensure safety.

Withdrawal From Work or Social Activities

A person with dementia may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects, or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or hobby, or they may avoid social situations because of the changes they've experienced. This withdrawal can lead to isolation and depression, which can further worsen cognitive function.

Changes in Mood and Personality

The mood and personality of people with dementia can change significantly. They may become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends, or when out of their comfort zone. Some people become more apathetic, losing interest in activities they once enjoyed. Others may become more agitated or aggressive, particularly when confused or frustrated.

When Should You See a Doctor About Memory Problems?

Consult a doctor if you or a loved one experience memory problems that interfere with daily life, difficulty performing familiar tasks, confusion about time or place, or personality changes noticed by others. Early evaluation is important because some causes of cognitive decline are treatable, and early diagnosis of dementia enables better planning and access to support services.

Deciding when to seek medical attention for memory concerns can be challenging. Many people hesitate, attributing changes to normal aging or fearing a dementia diagnosis. However, there are several compelling reasons to seek early evaluation when cognitive changes become noticeable.

First, not all memory problems are caused by dementia. Many conditions can cause dementia-like symptoms, and some of these are treatable or even reversible. These include thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies (particularly B12), medication side effects, depression, sleep disorders, and infections. A thorough medical evaluation can identify these conditions and lead to appropriate treatment.

Second, even when dementia is the cause, early diagnosis offers significant benefits. It provides an opportunity to access medications that may help manage symptoms, participate in clinical trials, make legal and financial plans while the person can still participate in decisions, access support services and educational resources, and make lifestyle modifications that may slow progression.

You should consider scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider if you notice:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life or work performance
• Difficulty performing tasks that were previously routine
• Problems with language, such as frequently forgetting words or calling things by wrong names
• Disorientation about time, date, or location
• Poor or decreased judgment affecting decisions
• Changes in mood or behavior that are unusual for the person
• Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies
• Any of these symptoms noticed by family members or close friends

How Is Dementia Diagnosed?

Dementia diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation including medical history review, cognitive testing (like the MMSE or MoCA), physical and neurological examination, blood tests to rule out reversible causes, and brain imaging (MRI or CT scan). Additional tests like lumbar puncture or PET scans may be used to determine the specific type of dementia.

Diagnosing dementia requires a thorough and systematic approach. There is no single test that can determine if a person has dementia; instead, doctors use a combination of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and cognitive assessments. The process aims to establish whether dementia is present, identify its cause, and determine its severity.

Medical History and Physical Examination

The diagnostic process typically begins with a detailed medical history, gathered from both the patient and family members or close friends who can describe changes they've observed. The doctor will ask about the onset and progression of symptoms, any medications being taken (as some can cause cognitive side effects), family history of dementia, lifestyle factors, and any other medical conditions.

A thorough physical examination helps identify other conditions that might cause or contribute to cognitive symptoms. The neurological examination assesses reflexes, balance, eye movements, sensation, and other functions that can indicate where brain damage may have occurred.

Cognitive and Neuropsychological Testing

Standardized tests are used to evaluate memory, problem-solving, attention, counting, and language abilities. The most commonly used screening tools include:

• Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): A 30-point questionnaire that tests various cognitive functions including orientation, memory, attention, and language
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): A more sensitive test that may detect milder cognitive impairment
• Clock Drawing Test: A simple test of executive function and visuospatial abilities

More comprehensive neuropsychological testing may be conducted by a specialist to create a detailed profile of cognitive strengths and weaknesses, which can help distinguish between different types of dementia.

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests are essential to rule out potentially reversible causes of cognitive decline. Standard tests typically include thyroid function tests, vitamin B12 and folate levels, complete blood count, metabolic panel, and sometimes tests for syphilis or HIV if these infections are suspected. Identifying these conditions is crucial because treating them may improve or resolve cognitive symptoms.

Brain Imaging

Brain imaging studies help visualize the structure of the brain and identify conditions like strokes, tumors, or hydrocephalus that might cause dementia symptoms. The most common imaging studies include:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of brain structure and can show patterns of atrophy characteristic of different types of dementia
• Computed Tomography (CT): Less detailed than MRI but useful for identifying strokes, bleeding, or tumors
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET): Can show patterns of brain activity and, with specialized tracers, detect amyloid plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease

Additional Tests

In some cases, additional tests may be needed to confirm a diagnosis or determine the specific type of dementia. These might include lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to analyze cerebrospinal fluid for proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease, electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure electrical activity in the brain, or genetic testing in cases where familial forms of dementia are suspected.

What Treatments Are Available for Dementia?

While there is no cure for most types of dementia, several treatments can help manage symptoms. Medications include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) for Alzheimer's disease and memantine for moderate-to-severe cases. Non-drug approaches include cognitive stimulation therapy, occupational therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Treating underlying conditions is essential for vascular dementia.

Treatment for dementia is multifaceted, aiming to manage symptoms, slow progression where possible, improve quality of life, and support both patients and caregivers. While current treatments cannot cure dementia or stop its progression entirely, they can provide meaningful benefits.

Medications for Cognitive Symptoms

Several medications are approved for treating cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and may also be used for other types of dementia:

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: These drugs work by boosting levels of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in memory and judgment. They include donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne). These medications may help with memory, thinking, language, judgment, and other thought processes. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and increased frequency of bowel movements.

Memantine: This medication works by regulating glutamate, another brain chemical involved in learning and memory. It is approved for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease and is sometimes used in combination with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Side effects are generally mild and may include headache, constipation, confusion, and dizziness.

For vascular dementia, the focus is on preventing further strokes by controlling risk factors. This typically involves medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, as well as blood thinners if appropriate.

Medications for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms

Many people with dementia experience behavioral and psychological symptoms at some point during their illness. These can include agitation, aggression, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions. Various medications may be used to manage these symptoms:

• Antidepressants: For depression and anxiety, which are common in dementia
• Anxiolytics: Short-term use for severe anxiety, though these can increase confusion and fall risk
• Antipsychotics: Sometimes used for severe agitation or psychotic symptoms, but with caution due to increased stroke risk in older adults with dementia

Non-drug approaches should always be tried first for behavioral symptoms, and any medication use should be carefully monitored due to increased sensitivity and side effect risks in people with dementia.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments

Non-drug treatments play a vital role in dementia care and can be as important as medications:

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST): A structured program of activities designed to improve cognitive function and quality of life. Sessions typically involve themed activities like word games, music, and discussion of current events.

Occupational Therapy: Helps people with dementia maintain independence by adapting activities and environments, teaching compensatory strategies, and recommending assistive devices.

Reminiscence Therapy: Uses life history activities, photos, music, and other prompts to stimulate memory and provide pleasure.

Physical Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve mobility, reduce fall risk, and may have cognitive benefits. Exercise programs should be adapted to the person's abilities and preferences.

Music and Art Therapy: Creative therapies can reduce agitation, improve mood, and provide meaningful engagement even in advanced dementia.

Supportive Care and Environment

Creating a supportive environment is essential for people with dementia. This includes establishing consistent routines, simplifying tasks, maintaining a calm and well-lit environment, using calendars and clocks to support orientation, removing safety hazards, and ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration.

How Can You Live Well With Dementia?

Living well with dementia involves maintaining social connections, staying physically active, using memory aids and routines, continuing meaningful activities with adaptations, planning for the future, and accessing support services. Early planning, including legal and financial arrangements, is important while the person can still participate in decision-making.

Receiving a dementia diagnosis is life-changing, but it does not mean life is over. Many people live meaningful, active lives for years after diagnosis. With appropriate support and strategies, people with dementia can maintain their quality of life and continue to engage in activities they enjoy.

Telling Others About Your Diagnosis

Deciding whom to tell about a dementia diagnosis is a personal choice. However, sharing the diagnosis with family, close friends, and potentially employers or colleagues can help ensure appropriate support and understanding. Being open about the diagnosis can reduce stigma and help others understand changes in behavior or abilities.

Maintaining Social Connections

Social isolation is common following a dementia diagnosis but can worsen cognitive decline and increase depression risk. Maintaining relationships and social activities is important, even if modifications are needed. This might mean meeting in quieter environments, having smaller group gatherings, or engaging in familiar activities that provide structure and enjoyment.

Staying Physically Active

Regular physical activity benefits both body and mind. Exercise can improve strength, balance, and mobility while potentially slowing cognitive decline. Activities should be adapted to the person's abilities and might include walking, swimming, dancing, or chair exercises. The key is finding activities that are enjoyable and sustainable.

Using Memory Aids and Strategies

Various tools and strategies can help compensate for memory difficulties:

• Keep a notebook or use a smartphone app for important information
• Establish consistent routines for daily activities
• Always keep essential items (keys, wallet, phone) in the same place
• Use pill organizers for medication management
• Set alarms and reminders for appointments and tasks
• Label drawers and cupboards with pictures or words

Planning for the Future

While the person with dementia can still participate in decision-making, it's important to plan for the future. This includes creating or updating legal documents (power of attorney, advance healthcare directives), discussing care preferences, organizing financial affairs, and considering long-term care options. Having these conversations early allows the person with dementia to express their wishes and reduces burden on family members later.

What Support Is Available for Caregivers?

Caregivers can access support through dementia organizations, healthcare providers, support groups, respite care services, adult day programs, and counseling. Taking care of one's own health is essential—caregiver burnout is common and can affect both the caregiver and the person with dementia. Respite care provides temporary relief and is vital for sustainable caregiving.

Caring for someone with dementia is both rewarding and challenging. As the disease progresses, caregiving demands typically increase, and caregivers are at high risk for physical and emotional strain. Recognizing this, a wide range of support services exist for caregivers.

Types of Support Available

Healthcare Team: The person with dementia's healthcare providers can offer guidance on managing symptoms, coordinating care, and accessing community resources. Regular appointments should address both the patient's needs and the caregiver's concerns.

Dementia Organizations: Organizations like Alzheimer's associations worldwide offer information, support programs, and advocacy. Many provide 24/7 helplines staffed by trained professionals who can offer guidance and emotional support.

Support Groups: Meeting with other caregivers who understand the challenges of dementia caregiving can provide emotional support, practical tips, and social connection. Support groups may be in-person or online.

Respite Care: Temporary care that gives primary caregivers a break. This can be provided in the home, at adult day centers, or through short-term stays at residential facilities. Regular respite is essential for preventing caregiver burnout.

Home Care Services: Professional caregivers can assist with personal care, household tasks, and companionship, allowing family caregivers to continue working or take time for themselves.

Counseling and Mental Health Services: Many caregivers experience depression, anxiety, or grief. Professional counseling can help caregivers process these emotions and develop coping strategies.

Taking Care of Yourself as a Caregiver

Caregiver self-care is not selfish—it's essential for sustainable caregiving. Strategies include:

• Accepting help from others and delegating tasks when possible
• Maintaining your own health through regular check-ups, exercise, and proper nutrition
• Setting realistic expectations and recognizing that you cannot do everything
• Taking breaks and using respite care services
• Staying connected with friends and pursuing your own interests
• Seeking professional help if you experience signs of depression or burnout

Can Dementia Be Prevented?

Research suggests up to 40% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors. Key prevention strategies include managing cardiovascular health (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes), staying physically active, maintaining social connections, engaging in cognitive activities, eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking, protecting against head injuries, and treating hearing loss.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, research increasingly shows that lifestyle choices can significantly influence risk. The 2020 Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care identified 12 modifiable risk factors that together account for around 40% of dementias worldwide. Addressing these factors offers the best current evidence for reducing dementia risk.

Cardiovascular Health

What's good for the heart is good for the brain. Managing high blood pressure, particularly in midlife, is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for dementia. Similarly, controlling diabetes, managing high cholesterol, and maintaining a healthy weight all reduce dementia risk. These conditions damage blood vessels throughout the body, including in the brain, contributing to vascular dementia and potentially worsening Alzheimer's disease.

Physical Activity

Regular physical exercise is one of the most powerful tools for brain health. Exercise improves blood flow to the brain, promotes the growth of new brain cells and connections, reduces inflammation, and helps manage other risk factors like blood pressure and diabetes. Current guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

Mental Stimulation

Keeping the brain active through education, challenging work, and cognitive activities appears to build "cognitive reserve"—the brain's resilience against damage. Activities like reading, puzzles, learning new skills, and playing strategy games may help maintain cognitive function. The key is engaging in activities that are mentally challenging and enjoyable.

Social Engagement

Social isolation is associated with higher dementia risk. Maintaining strong social connections through friends, family, community groups, and volunteering supports brain health and may reduce dementia risk. Social activities often combine multiple beneficial elements—physical activity, mental stimulation, and emotional support.

Healthy Diet

Dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet and the MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) have been associated with lower dementia risk. These diets emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, and olive oil while limiting red meat, processed foods, and sugar. Specific nutrients important for brain health include omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants.

Other Risk Factors

Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption increases dementia risk. Limiting intake to recommended guidelines (or less) is advised.

Smoking: Smoking significantly increases dementia risk. Quitting at any age provides health benefits.

Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injury, particularly repeated injuries, increases dementia risk. Using seatbelts, wearing helmets, and preventing falls can reduce this risk.

Hearing Loss: Untreated hearing loss is associated with faster cognitive decline. Using hearing aids when indicated may help maintain cognitive function.

Sleep: Poor sleep quality and sleep disorders like sleep apnea may contribute to dementia risk. Addressing sleep problems is important for overall brain health.

Depression: Depression is both a risk factor for dementia and can be an early symptom. Treating depression promptly and effectively is important for cognitive health.