How Does Dementia Happen?

The Facts

Dementia is a condition in which brain functions decline as a result of injury, stroke or disease. In the United States, statistics show as many as 4 to 5 million people suffer from some form of dementia. What was once thought of as a natural part of the aging process is now recognized as a condition that can occur within any area of the population.

Brains processes like memory, reasoning or everyday cognitive functions can all be affected by dementia. Areas showing most affected across the board are short and long term memory functioning. This article will address the different causes of dementia.

Areas Affected

The area of the brain most affected by dementia is the cerebral cortex region. Dementia caused by disease is found to damage the cerebral cortex, or at least disrupt its normal processes. Provided the damage caused isn't permanent, in some cases the effects of dementia can be stopped or reversed.
The two most common disease-related causes of dementia are Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia. With Alzheimer's disease, signs of dementia don't typically occur until after the age of 65. Substantial memory loss and disorientation are the primary symptoms.

Vascular Dementia occurs after a person has undergone a series of mild strokes which impair blood flow to the brain. With each successive stroke, symptoms of dementia worsen. Problems with muscle coordination, memory or urinary incontinence are all symptoms of the condition. Doctors have also identified causal links between Vascular Dementia and hypertension, as well as diabetes.

Other Causes

Dementia has also been shown to result from any chemical or circulatory imbalances in the body that continue for a prolonged period of time. Common causes within this category are metabolic disorders, brain tumors, vitamin deficiencies, alcohol and drug abuse, and infectious diseases.
Additional risk factors to consider with dementia are high cholesterol levels, smoking and high blood pressure. It is becoming increasingly evident that lifelong lifestyle choices play a role in the brain's ability to function as a person ages.

Expert Insight

In May of 2006, the British Medical Journal published a study linking the occurrence of dementia to blood clots in the brain. Researchers identified a high incidence of "mini-stroke" activity in Alzheimer's patients using an ultrasound technique. The presence of recurrent strokes accounted for the impaired blood flow in the brain.
Additional studies are underway to further validate these findings. If conclusive, their results will provide new approaches to the treatment and prevention of dementia.

Resources

• Information on Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
• Dementia Caregiver Resources