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Dementia is a common term used in connection with a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily life. Memory loss is one example, and Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. Alzheimer’s accounts for 60-80 percent of cases, and vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke, is the second most common type of dementia.

A wide range of symptoms are associated with a decline in memory and other thinking skills. But there are many other medical conditions that can cause the same symptoms, including some conditions that are reversible like thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies.

To be considered dementia, at least two of the following core mental functions must be significantly impaired:

• Memory
• Communication and language
• Ability to focus and pay attention
• Reasoning and judgment
• Visual perception

People with dementia commonly have problems with short-term memory like:

• Keeping track of their purse or wallet
• Paying bills
• Planning and preparing meals
• Remembering appointments
• Traveling out of their neighbourhood

Many types of dementia are progressive with symptoms starting out slowly and gradually getting worse. If you or a loved one is experiencing memory difficulties or other changes in thinking skills, don’t ignore them. See your doctor soon to determine the cause. Your doctor may find a treatable medical condition causing these symptoms. Even if symptoms suggest dementia, early diagnosis allows you to get maximum benefit from available treatments. You can even volunteer for clinical trials or studies. But most importantly, early diagnosis gives you time to plan for the future.

Treatment & Care

Treatment for dementia can vary. With the more progressive cases of dementia such as Alzheimer’s, there is no cure and no treatment that slows or stops its progression. But there are some medications that can temporarily improve symptoms. There are even non-drug therapies to help alleviate some symptoms.

Keeping your brain healthy is similar to protecting your heart: don’t smoke; keep your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar in line; and maintain a healthy weight. Physical exercise and a healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet can help lower the risk of some types of dementia.