BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuDementiaLewy body dementia; DLB; Vascular dementia; Mild cognitive impairment; MCI; Alzheimer disease - dementiaDementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects one or more brain functions such as memory, thinking, language, judgment, or behavior. Dementia may also be referred to as major neurocognitive disorder.Neurocognitive disorderNeurocognitive disorder is a general term that describes decreased mental function due to a medical disease other than a psychiatric illness. Neuroco...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Dementia usually occurs in older age. Most types are rare in people under age 60. The risk of dementia increases as a person gets older.Most types of dementia are nonreversible and degenerative. Nonreversible means the changes in the brain that are causing the dementia cannot be stopped or turned back. Alzheimer disease is the most common type of dementia.Alzheimer diseaseDementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It affects memo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersAnother common type of dementia is vascular dementia. It is caused by poor blood flow to the brain, such as with stroke.Vascular dementiaDementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects one or more brain functions such as memory, thinking, language, j...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lewy body disease is another cause of dementia in older adults. People with this condition have abnormal protein structures in certain areas of the brain. Any condition that results in injury to the brain can cause dementia.The following medical conditions can also lead to dementia:Huntington disease Huntington diseaseHuntington disease (HD) is a genetic disorder in which nerve cells in certain parts of the brain waste away, or degenerate. The disease is passed do...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Brain injury Frontotemporal degeneration (Pick disease) Frontotemporal degenerationFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a rare form of dementia that is similar to Alzheimer disease, except that it tends to affect only certain areas of t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosisMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections such as HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and Lyme disease HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SyphilisNeurosyphilis is a bacterial infection of the brain or spinal cord. It usually occurs in people who have had untreated syphilis for many years....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lyme diseaseLyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread through the bite of one of several types of ticks.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Parkinson disease Parkinson diseaseParkinson disease results from certain brain cells dying. These cells help control movement and coordination. The disease leads to shaking (tremors...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Progressive supranuclear palsy Progressive supranuclear palsyProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a movement disorder that occurs from damage to certain nerve cells in the brain.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Excess alcohol use Brain traumaSome causes of dementia, such as those due to abnormal chemical processes in the body, may be stopped or reversed if they are found soon enough, including:Abnormal chemical processes in the bodyDementia is loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. Dementia may also be referred to as major neurocognitive disorder. Dementia du...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Brain injury Brain tumors Long-term (chronic) alcohol abuse Changes in blood sugar, sodium, and calcium levels Low vitamin B12 level Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. After the body uses these vitamins, leftover amounts leave the bo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Normal pressure hydrocephalus Normal pressure hydrocephalusHydrocephalus is a buildup of spinal fluid inside the fluid chambers of the brain. Hydrocephalus means "water on the brain. "Normal pressure hydroce...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Use of certain medicines, including cimetidine and some cholesterol medicines Some brain infections Symptoms Dementia symptoms include difficulty with many areas of mental function, including:Emotional behavior or personality Language Memory Perception Thinking and judgment (cognitive skills) Dementia usually first appears as forgetfulness.Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in which a person has more memory and thinking problems than other people their age. People with MCI have mild problems with thinking and memory that do not interfere with daily activities. They often know about their forgetfulness. Not everyone with MCI develops dementia.Symptoms of MCI include:Difficulty doing more than one task at a time Difficulty solving problems or making decisions Forgetting names of familiar people, recent events, or conversations Taking longer to do more difficult mental activities Early symptoms of dementia can include:Difficulty with tasks that take some thought, but that used to come easily, such as balancing a checkbook, playing games (such as bridge), and learning new information or routines Getting lost on familiar routes Language problems, such as trouble with the names of familiar objects Losing interest in things previously enjoyed, flat mood Misplacing items Personality changes and loss of social skills, which can lead to inappropriate behaviors Mood changes leading to aggressive behavior Poor performance of job dutiesAs dementia becomes worse, symptoms are more obvious and interfere with the ability to take care of oneself. Symptoms may include:Change in sleep patterns, often waking up at night Difficulty with basic tasks, such as preparing meals, choosing proper clothing, or driving Forgetting details about current events Wandering and getting lost Forgetting events in one's own life history, or losing self-awareness Having hallucinations, arguments, striking out, and violent behavior HallucinationsHallucinations involve sensing things such as visions, sounds, or smells that seem real but are not. These things are created by the mind.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Having delusions, depression, and agitation DepressionDepression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for shor...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article More difficulty reading or writing Poor judgment and loss of ability to recognize danger Using the wrong word, not pronouncing words correctly, speaking in confusing sentences Withdrawing from social contact People with severe dementia can no longer:Perform basic activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, and bathing Recognize family members Understand language Other symptoms that may occur with dementia:Problems controlling bowel movements or urine Swallowing problems Exams and Tests A skilled health care provider can often diagnose dementia using the following:Complete physical exam, including nervous system exam Asking about the person's medical history and symptoms Mental function tests (mental status examination) Neuropsychological testingOther tests may be ordered to find out if other problems may be causing dementia or making it worse. These conditions include:Anemia AnemiaAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Different type...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Brain tumor Brain tumorA primary brain tumor is a group (mass) of abnormal cells that start in the brain.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Long-term (chronic) infection Intoxication from medicines Severe depression Thyroid disease Vitamin deficiencyThe following tests and procedures may be done:B12 level B12 levelThe vitamin B12 level is a blood test that measures how much vitamin B12 is in your blood.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Blood ammonia level Blood ammonia levelThe ammonia test measures the level of ammonia in a blood sample.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood chemistry (chem-20) Blood chemistryA comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood gas analysis Blood gas analysisBlood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysisCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a group of laboratory tests that measure chemicals in the cerebrospinal fluid. CSF is a clear fluid that surro...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Drug or alcohol levels (toxicology screen) Drug or alcohol levelsA toxicology screen refers to various tests that determine the type and approximate amount of legal and illegal drugs a person has taken by measuring...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electroencephalograph (EEG) ElectroencephalographAn electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test to measure the electrical activity of the brain.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Head CT Head CTA head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) Mental status test Neuropsychological test MRI of head MRI of headA head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid function tests, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) Thyroid function testsThyroid function tests are used to check whether your thyroid is working normally. The most common thyroid function tests are:Free T4 (free thyroxine...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid stimulating hormoneA TSH test measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It prompts the thyroid g...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urinalysis UrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Genetic tests PET scan Treatment Treatment depends on the condition causing the dementia. Some people may need to stay in the hospital for a short time.Sometimes, medicines given for any condition, including dementia, can make a person's confusion worse. Stopping or changing these medicines is part of the treatment.Certain mental exercises can help with dementia.Treating conditions that can lead to dementia symptoms often greatly improve mental function. Such conditions include:Anemia Decreased blood oxygen (hypoxia) Depression Heart failure Heart failureHeart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections Nutritional disorders Thyroid disorders Medicines may be used to:Slow the rate at which symptoms get worse, though improvement with these medicines may be small Control problems with behavior, such as loss of judgment or confusion Newer treatments can reduce levels of amyloid in the brains of people with Alzheimer disease. While they offer hope, they haven’t been proven to slow the disease.Someone with dementia will need support in the home as the condition gets worse. Family members or other caregivers can assist by helping the person cope with memory loss and behavior and sleep problems. It is important to make sure the homes of people who have dementia are safe for them. Support in the homeDementia is a loss of cognitive function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Memory lossPeople who have dementia may have trouble with: Language and communicationEatingHandling their own personal careImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Behavior and sleep problemsPeople with dementia often have certain problems when it gets dark at the end of the day and into the night. This problem is called sundowning. The...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Safe for themIt is important to make sure the homes of people who have dementia are safe for them.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) People with MCI do not always develop dementia. When dementia does occur, it usually gets worse over time. Dementia often decreases quality of life and lifespan. Families will likely need to plan for their loved one's future care. The prognosis depends on the underlying cause. Some dementias rapidly progress to death while others can take years to get worse.Future careDementia is a loss of cognitive function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior.Read Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:Dementia symptoms develop or a sudden change in mental status occurs Change in mental statusConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The condition of a person with dementia gets worse You are unable to care for a person with dementia at home Prevention Most causes of dementia are not preventable.The risk of vascular dementia may be reduced by preventing strokes through:Eating healthy foods Exercising Quitting smoking Quitting smokingThere are many ways to quit smoking. There are also resources to help you. Family members, friends, and co-workers may be supportive. But to be su...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Controlling high blood pressure Controlling high blood pressureHypertension is another term used to describe high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to: StrokeHeart attackHeart failureKidney diseaseEar...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Managing diabetesDiabetesDiabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesBudson AE, Solomon PR. Evaluating the patient with memory loss or dementia. In: Budson AE, Solomon PR, eds. Memory Loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and Dementia. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 2.Knopman DS. Cognitive impairment and dementia. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 371.Peterson R, Graff-Radford J. Alzheimer disease and other dementias. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 95.Petersen RC, Lopez O, Armstrong MJ, et al. Practice guideline update summary: mild cognitive impairment: report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2018;90(3):126-135. PMID: 29282327 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29282327/.AllVideoImagesTogAlzheimer diseaseAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersAlzheimer disease - Animation Imagine waking up this morning, and not being able to remember your own name, or recognize your spouse? While Alzheimer disease is a more gradual process, over time it can destroy memory to the point where people can't even remember the simplest and most important details of their lives. Let's talk more about Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer disease is a type of dementia, a loss of brain function that makes it harder and harder to think and speak. To understand what causes Alzheimer, we need to look inside the brain. In a normal brain, nerves send messages to one another. In people with Alzheimer disease, abnormal proteins clump in the brain, damaging nerve cells so they can no longer send the messages needed to think clearly. So, why do some people get Alzheimer, and others do not? Getting older itself doesn't cause Alzheimer disease. It's not a part of the normal aging process. Alzheimer does seem to run in families, though. So if you have a close relative, like a sister or parent, with Alzheimer, you may be more likely to get the disease. Usually when Alzheimer disease starts, people have trouble remembering simple things, like their phone number, or where they put their car keys. But, as the disease progresses, memory loss gets worse. People with Alzheimer find it hard to have conversations or complete simple tasks, like getting dressed. They can also become angry or depressed. Those in the later stages of the disease can no longer care for themselves. They lose the ability to recognize even close family members. To diagnose Alzheimer disease, doctors prescribe tests of mental ability. They also prescribe medical tests to rule out diseases that can make it harder to think clearly, such as a brain tumor or stroke. As far as treatments for Alzheimer disease, right now, there isn't a cure. A few drugs can slow memory loss and control depression and aggressiveness from the disease. Despite what you may have read, there isn't any proof that vitamins or other supplements can prevent or treat Alzheimer. However, eating a low-fat diet that's high in vitamin E and C, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids may keep your brain healthier. Alzheimer disease is different in each person. Some people decline quickly and die within just a few years, while others can live for two decades with the disease. If you have a family member with Alzheimer, talk to your doctor about ways to protect your own memory. And, call right away if you have any significant memory loss. Though it may be normal forgetfulness that comes with getting older, the sooner you get it checked out, the earlier you can start treatment if you need it.Brain - illustration The major areas of the brain have one or more specific functions.BrainillustrationArteries of the brain - illustration The internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries supply blood to the brain.Arteries of the brainillustrationAlzheimer diseaseAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersAlzheimer disease - Animation Imagine waking up this morning, and not being able to remember your own name, or recognize your spouse? While Alzheimer disease is a more gradual process, over time it can destroy memory to the point where people can't even remember the simplest and most important details of their lives. Let's talk more about Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer disease is a type of dementia, a loss of brain function that makes it harder and harder to think and speak. To understand what causes Alzheimer, we need to look inside the brain. In a normal brain, nerves send messages to one another. In people with Alzheimer disease, abnormal proteins clump in the brain, damaging nerve cells so they can no longer send the messages needed to think clearly. So, why do some people get Alzheimer, and others do not? Getting older itself doesn't cause Alzheimer disease. It's not a part of the normal aging process. Alzheimer does seem to run in families, though. So if you have a close relative, like a sister or parent, with Alzheimer, you may be more likely to get the disease. Usually when Alzheimer disease starts, people have trouble remembering simple things, like their phone number, or where they put their car keys. But, as the disease progresses, memory loss gets worse. People with Alzheimer find it hard to have conversations or complete simple tasks, like getting dressed. They can also become angry or depressed. Those in the later stages of the disease can no longer care for themselves. They lose the ability to recognize even close family members. To diagnose Alzheimer disease, doctors prescribe tests of mental ability. They also prescribe medical tests to rule out diseases that can make it harder to think clearly, such as a brain tumor or stroke. As far as treatments for Alzheimer disease, right now, there isn't a cure. A few drugs can slow memory loss and control depression and aggressiveness from the disease. Despite what you may have read, there isn't any proof that vitamins or other supplements can prevent or treat Alzheimer. However, eating a low-fat diet that's high in vitamin E and C, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids may keep your brain healthier. Alzheimer disease is different in each person. Some people decline quickly and die within just a few years, while others can live for two decades with the disease. If you have a family member with Alzheimer, talk to your doctor about ways to protect your own memory. And, call right away if you have any significant memory loss. Though it may be normal forgetfulness that comes with getting older, the sooner you get it checked out, the earlier you can start treatment if you need it.Brain - illustration The major areas of the brain have one or more specific functions.BrainillustrationArteries of the brain - illustration The internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries supply blood to the brain.Arteries of the brainillustrationTalking to your MD Dementia - what to ask your doctor Self Care Dementia and drivingDementia - daily careDementia - behavior and sleep problemsDementia - keeping safe in the homeRelated Information Normal pressure hydrocephalus(Condition)Dementia due to metabolic causes(Condition)Decreased alertness(Symptoms)Dementia - what to ask your doctor (Doctor Questions)Communicating with someone with aphasia(Self-Care)Dementia and driving(Self-Care)Dementia - behavior and sleep problems(Self-Care)Dementia - daily care(Self-Care)Dementia - keeping safe in the home(Self-Care)Communicating with someone with dysarthria(Self-Care)Eating extra calories when sick - adults(Self-Care)Preventing falls(Self-Care)Alzheimer disease - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 3/31/2024 Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
DementiaLewy body dementia; DLB; Vascular dementia; Mild cognitive impairment; MCI; Alzheimer disease - dementiaDementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects one or more brain functions such as memory, thinking, language, judgment, or behavior. Dementia may also be referred to as major neurocognitive disorder.Neurocognitive disorderNeurocognitive disorder is a general term that describes decreased mental function due to a medical disease other than a psychiatric illness. Neuroco...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Dementia usually occurs in older age. Most types are rare in people under age 60. The risk of dementia increases as a person gets older.Most types of dementia are nonreversible and degenerative. Nonreversible means the changes in the brain that are causing the dementia cannot be stopped or turned back. Alzheimer disease is the most common type of dementia.Alzheimer diseaseDementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It affects memo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersAnother common type of dementia is vascular dementia. It is caused by poor blood flow to the brain, such as with stroke.Vascular dementiaDementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects one or more brain functions such as memory, thinking, language, j...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lewy body disease is another cause of dementia in older adults. People with this condition have abnormal protein structures in certain areas of the brain. Any condition that results in injury to the brain can cause dementia.The following medical conditions can also lead to dementia:Huntington disease Huntington diseaseHuntington disease (HD) is a genetic disorder in which nerve cells in certain parts of the brain waste away, or degenerate. The disease is passed do...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Brain injury Frontotemporal degeneration (Pick disease) Frontotemporal degenerationFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a rare form of dementia that is similar to Alzheimer disease, except that it tends to affect only certain areas of t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosisMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections such as HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and Lyme disease HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SyphilisNeurosyphilis is a bacterial infection of the brain or spinal cord. It usually occurs in people who have had untreated syphilis for many years....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lyme diseaseLyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread through the bite of one of several types of ticks.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Parkinson disease Parkinson diseaseParkinson disease results from certain brain cells dying. These cells help control movement and coordination. The disease leads to shaking (tremors...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Progressive supranuclear palsy Progressive supranuclear palsyProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a movement disorder that occurs from damage to certain nerve cells in the brain.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Excess alcohol use Brain traumaSome causes of dementia, such as those due to abnormal chemical processes in the body, may be stopped or reversed if they are found soon enough, including:Abnormal chemical processes in the bodyDementia is loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. Dementia may also be referred to as major neurocognitive disorder. Dementia du...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Brain injury Brain tumors Long-term (chronic) alcohol abuse Changes in blood sugar, sodium, and calcium levels Low vitamin B12 level Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. After the body uses these vitamins, leftover amounts leave the bo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Normal pressure hydrocephalus Normal pressure hydrocephalusHydrocephalus is a buildup of spinal fluid inside the fluid chambers of the brain. Hydrocephalus means "water on the brain. "Normal pressure hydroce...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Use of certain medicines, including cimetidine and some cholesterol medicines Some brain infections Symptoms Dementia symptoms include difficulty with many areas of mental function, including:Emotional behavior or personality Language Memory Perception Thinking and judgment (cognitive skills) Dementia usually first appears as forgetfulness.Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in which a person has more memory and thinking problems than other people their age. People with MCI have mild problems with thinking and memory that do not interfere with daily activities. They often know about their forgetfulness. Not everyone with MCI develops dementia.Symptoms of MCI include:Difficulty doing more than one task at a time Difficulty solving problems or making decisions Forgetting names of familiar people, recent events, or conversations Taking longer to do more difficult mental activities Early symptoms of dementia can include:Difficulty with tasks that take some thought, but that used to come easily, such as balancing a checkbook, playing games (such as bridge), and learning new information or routines Getting lost on familiar routes Language problems, such as trouble with the names of familiar objects Losing interest in things previously enjoyed, flat mood Misplacing items Personality changes and loss of social skills, which can lead to inappropriate behaviors Mood changes leading to aggressive behavior Poor performance of job dutiesAs dementia becomes worse, symptoms are more obvious and interfere with the ability to take care of oneself. Symptoms may include:Change in sleep patterns, often waking up at night Difficulty with basic tasks, such as preparing meals, choosing proper clothing, or driving Forgetting details about current events Wandering and getting lost Forgetting events in one's own life history, or losing self-awareness Having hallucinations, arguments, striking out, and violent behavior HallucinationsHallucinations involve sensing things such as visions, sounds, or smells that seem real but are not. These things are created by the mind.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Having delusions, depression, and agitation DepressionDepression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for shor...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article More difficulty reading or writing Poor judgment and loss of ability to recognize danger Using the wrong word, not pronouncing words correctly, speaking in confusing sentences Withdrawing from social contact People with severe dementia can no longer:Perform basic activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, and bathing Recognize family members Understand language Other symptoms that may occur with dementia:Problems controlling bowel movements or urine Swallowing problems Exams and Tests A skilled health care provider can often diagnose dementia using the following:Complete physical exam, including nervous system exam Asking about the person's medical history and symptoms Mental function tests (mental status examination) Neuropsychological testingOther tests may be ordered to find out if other problems may be causing dementia or making it worse. These conditions include:Anemia AnemiaAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Different type...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Brain tumor Brain tumorA primary brain tumor is a group (mass) of abnormal cells that start in the brain.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Long-term (chronic) infection Intoxication from medicines Severe depression Thyroid disease Vitamin deficiencyThe following tests and procedures may be done:B12 level B12 levelThe vitamin B12 level is a blood test that measures how much vitamin B12 is in your blood.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Blood ammonia level Blood ammonia levelThe ammonia test measures the level of ammonia in a blood sample.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood chemistry (chem-20) Blood chemistryA comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood gas analysis Blood gas analysisBlood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysisCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a group of laboratory tests that measure chemicals in the cerebrospinal fluid. CSF is a clear fluid that surro...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Drug or alcohol levels (toxicology screen) Drug or alcohol levelsA toxicology screen refers to various tests that determine the type and approximate amount of legal and illegal drugs a person has taken by measuring...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electroencephalograph (EEG) ElectroencephalographAn electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test to measure the electrical activity of the brain.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Head CT Head CTA head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) Mental status test Neuropsychological test MRI of head MRI of headA head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid function tests, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) Thyroid function testsThyroid function tests are used to check whether your thyroid is working normally. The most common thyroid function tests are:Free T4 (free thyroxine...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid stimulating hormoneA TSH test measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It prompts the thyroid g...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urinalysis UrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Genetic tests PET scan Treatment Treatment depends on the condition causing the dementia. Some people may need to stay in the hospital for a short time.Sometimes, medicines given for any condition, including dementia, can make a person's confusion worse. Stopping or changing these medicines is part of the treatment.Certain mental exercises can help with dementia.Treating conditions that can lead to dementia symptoms often greatly improve mental function. Such conditions include:Anemia Decreased blood oxygen (hypoxia) Depression Heart failure Heart failureHeart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections Nutritional disorders Thyroid disorders Medicines may be used to:Slow the rate at which symptoms get worse, though improvement with these medicines may be small Control problems with behavior, such as loss of judgment or confusion Newer treatments can reduce levels of amyloid in the brains of people with Alzheimer disease. While they offer hope, they haven’t been proven to slow the disease.Someone with dementia will need support in the home as the condition gets worse. Family members or other caregivers can assist by helping the person cope with memory loss and behavior and sleep problems. It is important to make sure the homes of people who have dementia are safe for them. Support in the homeDementia is a loss of cognitive function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Memory lossPeople who have dementia may have trouble with: Language and communicationEatingHandling their own personal careImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Behavior and sleep problemsPeople with dementia often have certain problems when it gets dark at the end of the day and into the night. This problem is called sundowning. The...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Safe for themIt is important to make sure the homes of people who have dementia are safe for them.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) People with MCI do not always develop dementia. When dementia does occur, it usually gets worse over time. Dementia often decreases quality of life and lifespan. Families will likely need to plan for their loved one's future care. The prognosis depends on the underlying cause. Some dementias rapidly progress to death while others can take years to get worse.Future careDementia is a loss of cognitive function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior.Read Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:Dementia symptoms develop or a sudden change in mental status occurs Change in mental statusConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The condition of a person with dementia gets worse You are unable to care for a person with dementia at home Prevention Most causes of dementia are not preventable.The risk of vascular dementia may be reduced by preventing strokes through:Eating healthy foods Exercising Quitting smoking Quitting smokingThere are many ways to quit smoking. There are also resources to help you. Family members, friends, and co-workers may be supportive. But to be su...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Controlling high blood pressure Controlling high blood pressureHypertension is another term used to describe high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to: StrokeHeart attackHeart failureKidney diseaseEar...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Managing diabetesDiabetesDiabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesBudson AE, Solomon PR. Evaluating the patient with memory loss or dementia. In: Budson AE, Solomon PR, eds. Memory Loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and Dementia. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 2.Knopman DS. Cognitive impairment and dementia. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 371.Peterson R, Graff-Radford J. Alzheimer disease and other dementias. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 95.Petersen RC, Lopez O, Armstrong MJ, et al. Practice guideline update summary: mild cognitive impairment: report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2018;90(3):126-135. PMID: 29282327 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29282327/.