What Is Dementia? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Dementia is one of the most widely discussed topics in senior mental health, yet it remains misunderstood by many patients and families. Dementia is not a single illness—it’s an umbrella term for a decline in thinking, memory, and cognitive functioning severe enough to interfere with daily life. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIH), dementia occurs when nerve cells in the brain become damaged and lose the ability to communicate.

As an online psychiatrist serving patients in Missouri, Dr. Pooja Sharma works with individuals and families who are concerned about memory loss, cognitive changes, behavioral symptoms, and the emotional impact of dementia. This guide offers a clear, evidence-based understanding of dementia, its signs, how it is diagnosed, and available treatment options.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia describes a collection of symptoms affecting cognitive functions such as:

• Memory

• Language

• Problem-solving

• Attention

• Reasoning

• Judgment

• Behavior

• Ability to perform daily tasks

While dementia becomes more common after age 65, it is not a normal part of aging. Many older adults remain cognitively healthy well into late adulthood.

Common Types of Dementia

Dementia can have multiple causes, and identifying the type helps guide treatment.

1. Alzheimer’s Disease

The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s, accounts for 60–80% of cases (Alzheimer’s Association).

 Key features include:

• Short-term memory loss

• Difficulty learning new information

• Brain changes, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles

2. Vascular Dementia

Caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, often linked to:

• Stroke

• Mini-strokes

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

Symptoms may include slowed thinking, difficulty planning, or walking problems.

3. Lewy Body Dementia

Associated with abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies). Symptoms often include:

• Cognitive fluctuations

• Visual hallucinations

• Parkinson-like symptoms

4. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

FTD affects the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, causing:

• Personality changes

• Loss of inhibition

• Emotional withdrawal

• Language difficulties

5. Mixed Dementia

Many older adults have more than one form, especially a combination of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Early Symptoms of Dementia

Detecting early warning signs allows for timely evaluation and support. According to NIH and the Alzheimer’s Association, common early symptoms include:

• Increasing forgetfulness

• Misplacing items or repeating questions

• Difficulty managing finances or medications

• Challenges with planning or decision-making

• Confusion about time, place, or familiar routes

• Struggling to find the right words

• Personality or mood changes

• Withdrawal from social activities

If several of these symptoms appear together, a medical evaluation is recommended.

What Causes Dementia?

Dementia develops when brain cells become damaged. Several factors increase risk:

1. Age

The biggest risk factor, though, is that dementia is not inevitable.

2. Genetics

Family history raises the risk of Alzheimer’s and some rare inherited dementias.

3. Cardiovascular Health

Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and stroke increase risk.

4. Lifestyle Factors

Research from the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention identifies several modifiable risk factors:

• Physical inactivity

• Social isolation

• Hearing loss

• Smoking

• Poor diet

• Excessive alcohol use

5. Brain Injury

Moderate or severe traumatic brain injuries elevate lifelong risk.

How Dementia Is Diagnosed

Dementia diagnosis requires a comprehensive psychiatric or neurological evaluation. Dr. Sharma uses evidence-based assessment tools to identify cognitive changes and potential causes.

A typical evaluation may include:

• Detailed medical and psychiatric history

• Cognitive testing

• Medication review

• Blood tests (thyroid, B-12, metabolic issues)

• Neuroimaging (MRI or CT scan)

• Functional assessment of daily living skills

• Evaluation for depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders (which can mimic dementia)

The goal is to confirm the presence of dementia, determine its type, and rule out reversible conditions.

Treatment Options for Dementia

While most dementias are progressive, treatment can significantly improve quality of life, slow symptom progression, and support the patient and family.

1. Medications

Commonly used, depending on the type of dementia:

• Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine)

• Memantine

• Medications for depression, anxiety, hallucinations, or sleep issues

Newer disease-modifying treatments for early Alzheimer’s disease target amyloid buildup, though they require careful evaluation and monitoring.

2. Therapy and Behavioral Strategies

Evidence-based interventions include:

• Cognitive stimulation therapy

• Behavioral therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Environmental safety planning

• Caregiver coaching

3. Lifestyle Approaches

Backed by the Mayo Clinic and NIH:

• Regular physical activity

• Healthy diet (Mediterranean or DASH)

• Management of cardiovascular risk factors

• Social engagement

• Structured routines

• Adequate sleep

• Stress reduction practices

4. Caregiver Support

Support groups, education, and respite care significantly reduce caregiver burnout and improve patient well-being.

Living with Dementia: Tips for Patients and Families

With early diagnosis, many individuals live meaningful and satisfying lives for years. Helpful strategies include:

• Simplifying daily routines

• Using reminders, calendars, or labels

• Ensuring a safe home environment

• Maintaining social connections

• Encouraging autonomy when possible

• Creating a long-term care plan early on

Having a trusted mental health professional is an essential part of this journey.

When to Seek Help from a Psychiatrist

You should reach out for an evaluation if you notice:

• New or worsening memory problems

• Difficulty performing daily tasks

• Changes in personality or behavior

• Confusion or disorientation

• Safety concerns (leaving appliances on, wandering)

Early intervention leads to better symptom management, improved functioning, and essential support for families.

Online Dementia Evaluation and Support in Missouri

Dr. Pooja Sharma is a board-certified psychiatrist offering online dementia evaluations, follow-up care, and caregiver guidance through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth. She provides compassionate, personalized support to help individuals and families navigate memory concerns with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re experiencing cognitive changes or caring for a loved one with dementia, early support can make a meaningful difference.