NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date. Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis. What are the signs and symptoms of dementia? What causes dementia? What are the different types of dementia?
It is caused by changes in the brain, including abnormal buildups of proteins, known as amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Frontotemporal dementia , a rare form of dementia that tends to occur in people younger than It is associated with abnormal amounts or forms of the proteins tau and TDP Lewy body dementia , a form of dementia caused by abnormal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein, called Lewy bodies. Vascular dementia , a form of dementia caused by conditions that damage blood vessels in the brain or interrupt the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.
Mixed dementia, a combination of two or more types of dementia. These conditions include: Argyrophilic grain disease, a common, late-onset degenerative disease Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease , a rare brain disorder Huntington's disease , an inherited, progressive brain disease Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, caused by repeated traumatic brain injury HIV-associated dementia , a rare disease that occurs when the HIV virus spreads to the brain The overlap in symptoms of various dementias can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis.
How is dementia diagnosed? The following procedures also may be used to diagnose dementia: Cognitive and neurological tests. These tests are used to assess thinking and physical functioning. These include assessments of memory, problem solving, language skills, and math skills, as well as balance , sensory response, and reflexes.
Brain scans. These tests can identify strokes , tumors, and other problems that can cause dementia. Scans also identify changes in the brain's structure and function. The most common scans are: Computed tomography CT , which uses X-rays to produce images of the brain and other organs Magnetic resonance imaging MRI , which uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of body structures, including tissues, organs, bones, and nerves Positron emission tomography PET , which uses radiation to provide pictures of brain activity Psychiatric evaluation.
This evaluation will help determine if depression or another mental health condition is causing or contributing to a person's symptoms. Genetic tests. In these cases, a genetic test can help people know if they are at risk for dementia. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website.
These cookies do not store any personal information. What does it feel like to have dementia? What is dementia? Which illnesses cause dementia? Who gets dementia? Will I get dementia? What happens to someone with dementia? Why do people with dementia change so much? Why do simple things become difficult for people with dementia? Can a person with dementia get better? What can I do? What if things go wrong? How can I cope with my feelings? Dementia can lead to:.
There's no sure way to prevent dementia, but there are steps you can take that might help. More research is needed, but it might be beneficial to do the following:.
Get enough vitamins. Some research suggests that people with low levels of vitamin D in their blood are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
You can get vitamin D through certain foods, supplements and sun exposure. More study is needed before an increase in vitamin D intake is recommended for preventing dementia, but it's a good idea to make sure you get adequate vitamin D.
Taking a daily B-complex vitamin and vitamin C also might help. Manage cardiovascular risk factors. Treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Lose weight if you're overweight. High blood pressure might lead to a higher risk of some types of dementia. More research is needed to determine whether treating high blood pressure may reduce the risk of dementia. Dementia care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with your daily life.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references What is dementia? Alzheimer's Association. Accessed Feb. The dementias: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Larson EB. Evaluation of cognitive impairment of dementia. Dementia adult.
Mayo Clinic; Press D, et al. Treatment of dementia.
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