Dementia
What is Dementia?
Overview
Dementia is an “umbrella term” and not a specific disease. It describes symptoms of a major neurocognitive disorder that interferes with the patient’s ability to perform everyday functions and activities.
50 million people worldwide suffer from some kind of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Vascular dementia, which can occur after a stroke or with vascular disease in the brain, is the second most common type of dementia.
However, there are many other conditions that can cause dementia symptoms, including some that are reversible, such as thyroid problems or various vitamin deficiencies.
Who is Affected?
Dementia can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in older adults. The risk increases significantly after the age of 65, and the likelihood continues to rise with advancing age. While age is the strongest known risk factor, dementia is not a normal part of aging, and younger people can also develop symptoms, a condition known as young-onset or early-onset dementia.
Worldwide, dementia impacts individuals from all backgrounds, as well as their families and caregivers, often leading to emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Genetics, lifestyle factors, and certain health conditions can also increase the risk of developing dementia.
Dementia Symptoms & Causes
Symptoms
Symptoms of dementia and cognitive decline include the following:
- Memory loss or impairment, such as difficulty remembering names, dates, events, appointments and details of conversations.
- Difficulty concentrating, planning or developing an appropriate solution to a problem.
- Problems with completing tasks in a timely and efficient manner at home or at work.
- Confusion or disorientation with details of place, situation or the passage of time.
- Visuo-spatial difficulties, such as geographical disorientation with driving, problems judging specific distances, or losing/misplacing items around the home.
- Language difficulties, such as word-finding problems, constricted/limited vocabulary or changes in the fluency of speech or writing.
- Demonstrating compromised reasoning or judgment in decision-making.
- Withdrawal from work or social activity increased apathy and decreased interest in social engagements or events.
- Changes in mood, personality or behavior including signs of depression and anxiety.
Causes
Various neurodegenerative diseases and other disorders can cause or are risk factors in the development of different types of dementia. These include:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Ataxia
- Brain Tumor
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
- Corticobasal Syndrome
- Frontotemporal Dementia
- HIV-Related Cognitive Impairment
- Huntington’s Disease
- Hydrocephalus
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Multiple system atrophy (MSA)
- Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
- Posterior Cortical Atrophy
- Primary Progressive Aphasia
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Vascular Dementia due to stroke
In addition, dementia may be caused as a side-effect of cancer treatment.
When to See a Doctor
If you or a loved one notice persistent changes in memory, thinking, or behavior, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. While occasional forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging, symptoms that interfere with daily life—such as difficulty managing finances, getting lost in familiar places, repeating questions, or struggling to find words—should not be ignored.
Early evaluation can help identify treatable conditions that may mimic dementia, such as depression, medication side effects, thyroid disorders, or vitamin deficiencies. Even when dementia is the cause, an early diagnosis allows for better planning, access to treatments that may slow progression, and support for patients and families.
Contact a doctor promptly if symptoms develop suddenly, worsen quickly, or are accompanied by other neurological signs, such as difficulty speaking, weakness, or changes in vision.
Dementia Diagnosis
Dementia diagnosis and treatment vary based on the cause and depend on careful medical, cognitive and physical assessments conducted by our Brain Health Center experts. Sometimes a patient’s diagnosis may indicate mixed dementia. For example, Alzheimer’s dementia is often accompanied by vascular dementia as well.
One or more of our following specialists may perform the initial assessment:
- A geriatrician (trained to treat older adults)
- A neurologist (trained to treat brain/neurocognitive disorders)
- A geriatric psychiatrist (trained in mental/cognitive disorders of older adults)
Brain Imaging
A standard brain imaging medical workup for assessing dementia often includes structural imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including quantitative volumetric imaging, or computed tomography (CT). These tests identify different causes of dementia that require different treatments and interventions.
Structural imaging can unmask tumors, evidence of small or large strokes, damage from prior traumatic brain injury or even a buildup of fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus) among other conditions.
We carefully review the patient’s medical and physical history, medication history, presenting symptoms and brain imaging results to confirm a correct diagnosis and determine an appropriate course of management and treatment.
Dementia Treatment & Outcomes
Treatment Options
While there is currently no cure for most types of dementia, treatments can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and slow progression in some cases. Treatment plans are tailored to the type and stage of dementia, as well as the patient’s overall health and personal needs.
Medications
Certain drugs, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, may improve memory, attention, and daily functioning in some patients.
Addressing Underlying Causes
When dementia symptoms are due to reversible conditions (e.g., thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, medication effects), treating the root cause can lead to improvement or resolution of symptoms.
Lifestyle Interventions
Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, mental stimulation, and social engagement can support brain health and overall well-being.
Supportive Therapies
Occupational, speech, and physical therapy can help maintain independence, while counseling and support groups provide emotional assistance to patients and caregivers.
Patient Outcomes
The course of dementia varies widely depending on its type, underlying cause, and how early it is diagnosed. In progressive forms, such as Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms typically worsen over time, leading to increasing dependence on others for daily care. However, timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and comprehensive support can help patients maintain quality of life for longer, reduce complications, and ease the burden on caregivers.
In cases where dementia symptoms are due to treatable conditions, addressing the cause can result in partial or full recovery. For progressive dementias, a focus on symptom management, safety, and personalized care planning can make a significant difference in patient comfort and dignity throughout the disease journey.
Managing Dementia
For patients and families affected by dementia, we provide support with extensive exercise classes and support groups. We offer balance classes and mindfulness/yoga classes along with support groups for patients with dementia co-facilitated by medical and spiritual faculty and guest speakers.
In addition, there are many resources and family caregiver support groups that can help cope with the challenges of these neurodegenerative conditions.
As the signs and symptoms of dementia can vary depending upon the underlying causes of the neurocognitive decline, multidisciplinary care is available at our center and may include therapies for other associated conditions:
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Gait disturbance
- Imbalance
- Neuro-vascular disease
- Endocrine/hormone deficiencies
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Movement disorders
Experience Compassionate, Expert Care
At Pacific Neuroscience Institute, our dementia specialists provide kind, compassionate, and comprehensive care for patients and their families. We understand that dementia affects every aspect of life, not just memory and thinking, and we tailor our approach to meet each individual’s medical, emotional, and practical needs.
Our team offers:
- Thorough clinical evaluations to identify the type and stage of dementia and rule out reversible causes.
- A broad array of treatment options including medications, lifestyle recommendations, cognitive therapy, and supportive services.
- Collaborative care with neurologists, neuropsychologists, geriatricians, therapists, and social workers.
- Ongoing support for patients and caregivers to help maintain quality of life and connection with the activities and people who matter most.
We are committed to guiding you through every step of the journey with expertise and empathy. Contact us at 310-582-7641 to schedule a consultation.
Learn More About Dementia
The prognosis depends on the type of dementia, the patient’s age, overall health, and how early it is diagnosed. Progressive dementias, such as Alzheimer’s disease, worsen over time, often over several years. While there is no cure, treatment and supportive care can help manage symptoms, slow decline in some cases, and maintain quality of life. In reversible causes of dementia, treating the underlying problem may lead to significant improvement.
A combination of medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and supportive therapies can help. Medications may improve memory and thinking for some patients. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, mental stimulation, social engagement, and good sleep are all linked to better brain health.
Experiences vary, but common challenges include memory loss, difficulty communicating, and changes in mood or behavior. Many people remain active and engaged for years, especially with a supportive care team and strong social network. As the disease progresses, assistance with daily activities may be needed.
Signs include persistent memory loss, confusion, difficulty with problem-solving, getting lost in familiar places, trouble with language, and personality or mood changes. Only a medical evaluation can confirm the cause and rule out other conditions.
Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of cases.
While there’s no single “magic” food to avoid, diets high in processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars may increase dementia risk. A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, is recommended for brain health.
There isn’t a single trigger, but age, genetics, cardiovascular disease, and lifestyle factors all play a role. Poor heart health—such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes—is strongly linked to increased dementia risk.
On average, people live 4–8 years after diagnosis, but some live 10 years or more. The course varies based on dementia type, overall health, and quality of care.
Factors may include untreated medical conditions, poor cardiovascular health, repeated head injuries, lack of social engagement, sedentary lifestyle, and unmanaged depression or anxiety. Prompt treatment of health issues and a healthy lifestyle may help slow decline.
Resources
Get Expert Care from Leading Specialists
If you or a loved one are experiencing memory changes or other signs of dementia, early evaluation is the best step toward effective treatment and support. At Pacific Neuroscience Institute, our experienced team offers advanced diagnostics, personalized care plans, and compassionate guidance for every stage of the journey.