What is dementia?

Dementia is a brain condition characterized by a decline in thinking skills severe enough to impair a person’s daily life and independence. 

Dementia is not a single disease. Rather, it’s an umbrella term — like heart disease — that covers a wide range of medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. There are many other conditions that can cause symptoms of dementia, including some that are reversible, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies.

What are the symptoms of dementia?

Symptoms of dementia can vary greatly, but you or your loved one may:

  • Have difficulty keeping track of everyday items, such as a purse or wallet

  • Be confused about where you are, or what day or year it is

  • Show poor judgement

  • Have mood or personality changes

Many dementias are progressive, which means symptoms start out mild and gradually get worse. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory difficulties or other changes in thinking ability, don’t ignore them. Contact your health care provider soon to determine the cause. Early detection of dementia allows patients to get the maximum benefit from the latest treatments.

Dementia care at St. Charles

There is no test to determine if someone has dementia. At St. Charles, our neurological care team diagnoses Alzheimer's and other types of dementia with a high degree of certainty based on a careful medical history, a physical examination, laboratory tests and changes in thinking and behavior. 

While there is no cure and no treatment that slows or stops the progression of dementia, there are drug treatments that may temporarily improve symptoms. The same medications used to treat Alzheimer's are sometimes prescribed to help with symptoms of other types of dementia. Non-drug therapies can also alleviate some symptoms of dementia.

What can I do to prevent dementia?

Some risk factors for dementia, such as age and genetics, cannot be changed. However, the latest research findings suggest that a combination of healthy lifestyle choices -- including healthy diet, not smoking, regular exercise and mental stimulation -- may decrease your risk.