One of the most feared conditions in later life is undoubtedly dementia due to its many losses including declines in memory, thinking and social abilities. With time, these symptoms and many others become severe enough to interfere with almost every aspect of life. Although many causes of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, are progressive and non-reversible, there are dementia-like conditions that are not progressive and can be reversed through lifestyle changes.
Overview of Dementia
Dementia is not a diagnosis, but rather a cluster of symptoms that affect memory, cognition and daily living. Memory loss itself is not the same as dementia, but can be an early sign of it.
Classic symptoms of dementia include the following:
- Memory loss which is detected by someone close to the person
- Communication difficulties such as not being able to find words
- Problems with reasoning, problem-solving, planning and organizing
- Difficulties with visual and spatial abilities leading to getting lost while driving
- Loss of motor functions, balance and coordination
- Inability to handle complex, multi-step tasks like preparing a recipe
- Confusion and disorientation to time, person and place
Individuals with dementia may also exhibit a number of psychological symptoms like depression and anxiety, sleep difficulties, changes in personality, displaying inappropriate behavior, paranoia, agitation or aggression, combativeness and hallucination.
Non-Reversible Types of Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia in the United States and around the world. It is incurable, progressive, and irreversible. Some people develop the disease due to mutations in genes, others develop it due to plaques (clumps of protein called beta-amyloid) and tangles (fibrous tangles made up of tau protein). Damage to healthy brain cells is caused by these plaques and tangles, making Alzheimer’s irreversible.
Other causes of irreversible types of dementia include the following:
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Mixed dementia
While these irreversible types of dementia will progress while symptoms become overwhelming, leading to death, there are some dementia-like conditions that are not progressive and can be reversed.
Reversible Types of Dementia
Early diagnosis and immediate treatment are key factors for reversing certain types of dementia. For instance, some individuals will develop infections and immune disorders which can produce dementia-like symptoms. Nutritional deficits are another cause of reversible dementia, especially a severe lack of vitamins B-1, B-6, B-12, copper and vitamin E.
Other reversible types of dementia include:
- Metabolic problems and metabolic abnormalities – thyroid issues, too much or too little sodium or calcium, low blood sugar or difficulties absorbing vitamin B-12
- Medication side effects
- Subdural hematomas
- Normal-pressure hydrocephalus
- Brain tumors
Modifiable Risk Factors
While certain risk factors for developing irreversible dementia are unavoidable, including age, family history, and Down Syndrome, there are many lifestyle changes that can reduce risk. Making changes in as many of the following areas as possible, can reduce risk if developing some type of dementia in the future.
- Eat a heart and brain-healthy diet
- Exercise and keep moving
- Treat any heart condition, diabetes, or other health problem
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Treat and psychological issue like anxiety or depression
- Do not smoke
- Try to use natural and organic supplements
- Take vitamins daily
- Try to avoid toxins, pollutants, and other noxious agents
- Avoid situations which may lead to head trauma
Beyond these, the “use it or lose it” theory is important to practice. Always keep the mind, body and social life active. Read, solve puzzles, get some exercise 3 to 4 times per week and stay connected to people in the community. Try to live a life with purpose and meaning and do things that bring joy and satisfaction. Pay attention to all aspects of health – physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual, as they all can become a risk factor for dementia. And finally, maintain a healthy weight.
Final Thoughts on Dementia Prevention
No one looks forward to the day they’re sitting in their doctor’s office hearing the words “You may have dementia”. It’s a terrifying diagnosis. Even though some forms of dementia are progressive and irreversible, there are those which can be reversed through healthy living and lifestyle changes. Knowing these things is not enough. The more they are put into practice, the lower the risk of developing dementia.