Dementia is not just a single disease.
It is a condition which involves the decline of Memory and Mental functioning. The decline in severe enough to affect the normal activities of a person. It causes a decline in the :
Memory
Language
Communication
Visual Perception
Reasoning and Judgmental Skills
Ability to focus and pay attention
What causes Dementia?Dementia is a result of an injury or damage to the Brain. The damage may be in the form a physical injury or a degenerative disorder.
The Brain comprises of a number of regions. Each region is responsible for a distinct activity. When the cells in a region are damaged. The region is not able to work properly. This affects the ability of the brain cells to communicate with one another. When the communication between the Brain cells is impaired the Memory, Reasoning and Behavior are affected.
Types of Dementia Alzheimer's Disease : It is a neurodegenerative disorder of the Brain caused by the accumulation of Beta amyloid plaque in the Brain.
Vascular Dementia : It is the decline in the thinking ability. The decline is caused by the reduced supply of blood.
Mixed Dementia : The presence of more than one type of dementia in a person is called Mixed dementia.
Pick's Disease : It affects the personality, behavior and social skills. It more common in women and generally occurs at an early age.
Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease ( CJD ) : It is disease of the nerve cells in the brain. It causes decline in the movements and mental functioning.
Huntington's Disease : It is inherited. It causes damage in the central part of the brain which is responsible for movements, mood and thinking ability.
Parkinson's Dementia : Parkinson's is a degenerative disorder of the Central Nervous System. It may develop into Parkinson's Dementia and affects the reasoning and thinking ability of a person.
Lewy Body Dementia : It shares the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's Dementia. Visual hallucinations are common in Lewy Body Dementia.
Memory Problems caused by an underlying disease or condition may resolve when the actual cause is treated. These are :
Stress
Depression
Alcoholism
Thyroid Problems
Vitamin deficiency
Medication side effects
If not treated properly, it may causeMemory Loss
Isolation from Society