Loss of brain function due to a series of small strokes (vascular dementia)
The two conditions often occur together.
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a leading cause of dementia in elderly adults. People with this condition have abnormal protein structures in certain areas of the brain.
The structures and symptoms of DLB are similar to those of Alzheimer's disease, but it is not clear whether DLB is a form of Alzheimer's or a separate disease. There is no cure for DLB or Alzheimer's.
Conditions that damage blood vessels or nerve structures of the brain can also lead to dementia.
Dementia usually occurs in older age. It is rare in people under age 60. The risk for dementia increases as a person gets older.
Symptoms:
Problems may involve language, memory, perception, emotional behavior or personality, and cognitive skills (such as calculation, abstract thinking, or judgment). Dementia usually first appears as forgetfulness.
The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms of dementia. Treatment depends on the condition causing the dementia. Some people may need to stay in the hospital for a short time.
Stopping or changing medications that make confusion worse may improve brain function. Medicines that contribute to confusion include:
Provide environmental and other cues with reality orientation
Reward appropriate behaviors and ignore inappropriate ones to control unacceptable or dangerous behaviors
Stick to a simple activity schedule
Advance directives, power of attorney , and other legal actions may make it easier to decide about the care of the person with dementia. Seek legal advice early in the course of the disorder, before the person with dementia is unable to make such decisions.
Support Groups:
Expectations (prognosis):
Dementia usually gets worse and often decreases quality of life and lifespan.
Complications:
Complications depend on the cause of the dementia, but may include the following:
Abuse by an overstressed caregiver
Increased infections anywhere in the body
Loss of ability to function or care for self
Loss of ability to interact
Reduced life span
Side effects of medications used to treat the disorder
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if dementia develops or a sudden change in mental status occurs.
Call your health care provider if the condition of a person with dementia gets worse.
Call your health care provider if you are unable to care for a person with dementia at home.
Prevention:
Most causes of dementia are not preventable.
You can reduce the risk of vascular dementia, which is caused by a series of small strokes, by quitting smoking and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes. Eating a low-fat diet and exercising regularly may also reduce the risk of vascular dementia.
References:
Alva G. Alzheimer disease and other dementias. Clin Geriatr Med. 2003; 19(4): 763-76.
American Academy of Neurology. About Dementia. Neurology. 2004; 63(10); E20.
Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:283-286.
Farlow MR, Cummings JL. Effective pharmacologic management of Alzheimer's disease. Am J Med, 2007;120:388-397.
Review Date: 2/13/2008 Reviewed By: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy & Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
