When memory problems start affecting everyday life, they may be more than a normal part of ageing. Changes in memory, thinking, reasoning or other cognitive abilities can be signs of dementia or another underlying condition.
Early evaluation helps identify the cause and guide appropriate management. At the CK Birla Hospital, treatment is individualised to the person’s symptoms, diagnosis and stage of disease.
Dementia is a term for a group of conditions that cause a decline in memory, thinking, reasoning or other cognitive abilities severe enough to affect daily life.
Dementia occurs when changes or damage in the brain affect cognitive functions such as:
Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. If changes in memory, thinking or everyday activities continue or worsen, it is worth speaking to a neurologist.
It is also possible for dementia to develop before the age of 65, known as young-onset dementia (YOD), also called early-onset dementia.
Dementia can look different in each person, depending on what is causing it.
It usually begins with difficulty remembering recently learned information. As the condition progresses, language, judgement, reasoning and everyday functioning may also be affected.
It happens when damage to the brain’s blood vessels reduces blood flow to the brain. It can affect attention, planning, thinking speed and movement.
This type of dementia may cause changes in attention and alertness, visual hallucinations, movement problems similar to Parkinson’s disease and sleep disturbances.
This one mostly affects behaviour, personality, social judgement or language before memory becomes the main concern. It can also occur at a younger age.
Sometimes, more than one type of brain disease contributes to cognitive decline. This is known as mixed dementia.
Dementia warning signs can be subtle at first. Look out for changes that are persistent, worsening or affecting daily activities.
Some common signs dementia are:
Dementia usually develops gradually. Sudden confusion or a rapid change in thinking needs prompt medical evaluation because it can have other causes, including infection, medication effects, metabolic problems or stroke.
Dementia can be caused by different brain conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular disease, Lewy body disease and frontotemporal dementia.
Some risk factors cannot be changed, such as age and family history. Others can be managed.
Managing these factors does not guarantee that dementia will be prevented. However, maintaining cardiovascular, metabolic and overall brain health may help reduce risk.
Regular physical activity, a healthy balanced diet, avoiding tobacco use, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, staying socially and cognitively active, and addressing hearing loss where appropriate are among the measures that may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Diagnosis usually involves understanding the person’s symptoms, medical history and changes in everyday functioning. A neurologist may assess:
Depending on the symptoms, the evaluation may include:
Dementia cannot usually be completely cured, but it can be managed. Treatment may help control symptoms, slow the progression of some types and address conditions that may be contributing to cognitive decline.
Medicines may help manage memory, thinking or other symptoms of dementia. Some people with early Alzheimer’s disease may also be eligible for medicines that can slow disease progression. Any medicine should only be taken when prescribed by a neurologist, as the choice depends on the type of dementia, symptoms, stage and overall health.
Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease can affect brain health. Managing these conditions is particularly important in vascular dementia, where blood-vessel damage contributes to cognitive decline.
Dementia management is not limited to medicines. Depending on individual needs, it may include:
Dementia affects families as well as patients. Caregivers may need guidance on communication, medication routines, nutrition, safety, behavioural changes and planning for increasing care needs. Regular follow-ups allow the care plan to change as the person’s needs change.
You should see a neurologist if memory or cognitive changes are:
If confusion develops suddenly, particularly with weakness, difficulty speaking, severe headache or loss of consciousness, seek emergency medical care.
At the CK Birla Hospital, we take a comprehensive approach to dementia care, coordinating neurological evaluation with other medical and supportive services based on each patient’s individual needs.
We offer:
No. Forgetting a name or misplacing something occasionally can happen with age. Dementia involves ongoing changes in memory, thinking or other cognitive abilities that start affecting everyday life.
The most common types include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia. Some people may have more than one type of dementia, known as mixed dementia.
Early signs can include repeatedly forgetting recent conversations, getting lost in familiar places, struggling with money or medicines, having trouble with familiar tasks, or noticing changes in language, behaviour or judgement.
They have different underlying causes. Alzheimer’s disease is linked to changes in the brain, including the buildup of certain proteins. Vascular dementia happens when damage to the brain’s blood vessels affects blood flow, often after a stroke or because of small-vessel disease.
Not all cases of dementia can be prevented. However, staying physically active, not smoking, eating a balanced diet and keeping blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol under control may help reduce the risk. Staying socially active and treating hearing loss may also help.
