Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

Can dementia be prevented?

The most common types of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. Although there is no known prevention, you can reduce your likelihood of developing this condition by: maintaining heart health; stopping smoking; avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol; maintaining a healthy body weight; maintaining a healthy level of cholesterol, and; eating a healthy and balanced diet.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is dementia?

Dementia is a permanent decline in brain function, which commonly affects memory and thinking.

What are the symptoms of dementia?

There are several types of dementia and there can be different stages associated with each type, so the symptoms can vary. Some of the more common symptoms may include some of the following: persistent and frequent memory loss; difficulties in …

What causes dementia?

There are several types of dementia and each type may be associated with a different cause, including: 1) Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia. For most people who develop this type, the cause is not yet known. 2) Vascular dementia, which is caused by …

Who gets dementia?

Dementia is more common in the older population, but is not a normal part of the ageing process. Most people with dementia are over 65 years of age. Although it is more common in the older population, younger people may also experience dementia.

How is dementia diagnosed?

Dementia is not diagnosed by a single test. To help make an accurate assessment, a detailed history is taken and cognitive testing is undertaken to measure and evaluate memory, concentration, problem-solving and language skills. Laboratory tests may be carried …

How is dementia treated?

If the dementia is due to a thyroid imbalance, or nutritional deficiency, medication and dietary changes can help recovery. If the dementia is due to another condition such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease or Huntington's disease, the condition cannot be …

Can dementia be cured?

Most causes of dementia cannot be cured. If the dementia is due to a hormone imbalance or nutritional deficiency, medication and dietary changes may help a full recovery.

What is the outlook for dementia?

There is yet no cure for dementia. the condition will gradually get worse, until the complications of this condition lead to its terminal stages.

How common is dementia?

Dementia is most common in the older population (over 65 years of age), It is one of the leading causes of death and disability for this age group.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative condition of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking, language and behaviour. It is the most common form of dementia and a leading cause of disability in people over 65 years of age. Treatment aims to slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.…
Diseases & conditions

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative condition of the brain that causes a range of symptoms, including problems with controlling movements. It is caused by a reduction in the amount of an important chemical messenger in the brain called dopamine.…
Diseases & conditions

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an enlargement of the prostate gland, which is common in older men. It can lead to problems with urination, however it can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications and/or surgery.…
Diseases & conditions

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that interferes with the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. This can lead to impaired sensation, movement and cognition.…
Diseases & conditions

Stroke

A stroke happens when oxygen-rich blood cannot reach the brain cells, often due to blockage or damage of a blood vessel. This loss of oxygen damages brain cells within minutes, which then start dying. Occurring mostly in older adults, a stroke is a serious medical emergency.…
Diseases & conditions

Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is more common, however it is the bacterial meningitis that is dangerous with potential serious complications. Meningitis requires prompt medical assessment.…

About this article

Author: Dr Nikki Wallis PhD, BSc
First answered: 27 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Votes: 726 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Alzheimer’s disease

×

Content goes in here.