“What causes a person to have dementia?”
What are the various factors that could result in dementia? Are there any symptoms to identify this condition early?
3 Answers
NeurologistDementia
Richard Grant Hunter
Neurologist
There are many causes of dementia. Their presentations can be varied. Frequently problems with recent memory occur early. But be aware of difficulties with speech, comprehension, perception, changed level of alertness & awareness can be the earliest symptoms, though they usually come later. Suggest neurological evaluation if any of these occur.
Dementia is a broad definition of cognitive decline . Alzheimer's disease is possibly the commonest cause of dementia . Vascular disease , Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism syndromes, infections such as HIV and syphillis as well as vitamin deficiencies as well as hypothyroidism are a few other causes
Risk factors that can precipitate dementia are diabetes, hypertension, and increased cholesterol. The way to identify dementia early is by early screening, memory testing, and MRIs of the brain. If there is still suspicion because of family history, then a SPECT scan.
