Adult Psychiatry & Psychology

Understanding Dementia

Dementia is a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, reasoning, language, perception and problem-solving. Most common in older adults, the cognitive decline associated with dementia typically worsens over time and can significantly interfere with a person's ability to perform basic daily tasks. In advanced stages, full-time care is often necessary.

Our experts have the advanced training and experience to diagnose and treat neurocognitive conditions of all kinds, including dementia.

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What Causes Dementia?

Dementia occurs when nerve cells in the brain become damaged and lose their connections to other brain cells. There are several types of dementia, including:

Alzheimer’s disease: The most common type of dementia, primarily affecting memory and learning.
Vascular dementia: The second most common form of dementia, vascular dementia is caused by decreased blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes or small blood vessel disease.
Lewy body dementia: Associated with abnormal protein deposits in brain cells, which affects cognition and movement.
Frontotemporal dementia: Affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality, behavior and language.
Mixed dementia: A combination of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia or other forms, this type of dementia is rare.

How Is Dementia Diagnosed?

Dementia is diagnosed with a full medical history, physical exam, cognitive testing and, in some cases, brain imaging or blood testing. These tests can help rule out other causes of memory loss and cognitive decline, such as depression or vitamin deficiencies.

Common Symptoms of Dementia

Dementia symptoms vary based on the type of dementia and how advanced it is. Common symptoms include:

Memory loss. Forgetting recent events or repeating questions.
Cognitive decline. Difficulty with problem-solving, planning or language.
Behavioral changes. Agitation, anxiety or personality changes.
Physical challenges. Issues with mobility or swallowing, usually in later stages.

Caring for a person with dementia can be difficult both physically and emotionally. Recognizing that a loved one’s changing and often challenging behaviors are not intentional, but rather symptoms of their disorder, is key to effective management.

Managing Symptoms to Improve Quality of Life

There’s no cure for dementia but managing symptoms can improve quality of life and help maintain meaningful connections with loved ones. Some effective strategies include:

Create and maintain a calm and predictable environment with simple, consistent routines.: Minimize clutter to reduce sensory overload and promote a safe environment. Install grab bars and remove tripping hazards. Use locks or alarms if wandering is a concern.

Speak slowly and use short, simple sentences.

Avoid open-ended questions. For example, when making lunch offer two choices like soup or sandwich.
Acknowledge feelings and validate emotions.: Avoid correcting or arguing with the person.

Try to redirect attention if something is causing agitation.

Maintain eye contact to help focus attention.

Use calming techniques like soft music, aromatherapy or weighted blankets to sooth anxiety. Test new ideas gradually.
Engage in meaningful activities.: Encourage your loved one’s continued involvement in favorite hobbies and activities.

Incorporate music and art to reduce agitation, evoke memories and stimulate creativity.

Provide opportunities for light exercise like chair yoga to improve mobility and reduce restlessness. Always consult a doctor first.
Address triggers quickly to maintain calm.: Identify triggers like hunger, noise or fatigue that may increase agitation or confusion and take steps to prevent or minimize them. Note that symptoms may worsen in the evening, a phenomenon known as sundowning.
Support nutrition and overall health.: Simplify meals and offer finger foods or small portions to make eating easier. Ensure adequate hydration, as dehydration can worsen confusion.

Prioritize good sleep hygiene with a regular bedtime. Limit caffeine and screen time before bed.

Work with doctors to manage prescriptions and schedule regular checkups. Specialized therapies like cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) or reminiscence therapy may be recommended to slow cognitive decline and improve mood.

Symptoms will change as the disease progresses, so it’s crucial to adjust management strategies on a regular basis. Typically, in the early stages the focus is on supporting and prolonging independence, while in later stages comfort and safety are the priority.