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Originally Posted On: https://sloanestreetsurgery.co.uk/articles/what-is-dementia-and-is-all-memory-loss-caused-by-dementia/
What is dementia? And how can I reduce the risk of developing it?
Dementia refers to a group of conditions characterised by a progressive decline in brain function. It is very common and approximately 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK have dementia.
There are different types and causes of dementia. The two main causes are vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain and Alzheimer’s is thought to be caused by a buildup of proteins called amyloid and tau in the brain, although these conditions often overlap.
As we get older, approximately 40% of people will experience some memory loss as a normal part of ageing and won’t go on to develop dementia. Memory loss can also be caused by more common treatable things like stress, depression, insomnia, or some vitamin deficiencies.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
Dementia is progressive, and the symptoms develop gradually over time. Memory loss is usually the first sign that is noticed, but symptoms may initially be mild and difficult to recognise.
Common symptoms of dementia include:
- Memory loss
- A reduction in thinking speed
- A reduction in mental sharpness
- Difficulty speaking and forgetting words or using incorrect words
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty planning and organising
- Impaired judgment and understanding
- Mood or behaviour changes
- Change in sleep pattern
How is dementia diagnosed?
Dementia is usually diagnosed by a psychiatrist or neurologist using a combination of memory and cognitive tests as well as blood tests and brain scans to identify the underlying cause.
How to prevent dementia?
Increasing age is the most important risk factor for dementia, and most people are diagnosed after the age of 65. Less than 1% of cases of dementia are inherited, and it tends to be the rarer, younger-onset types of dementia that are genetic.
New research has found that addressing a set of risk factors for dementia early on can reduce the risk of developing dementia by 45%.
These known modifiable risk factors are:
- Hearing loss
- Visual loss or poor vision
- High LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Social isolation
- Air pollution
What are the treatment options for dementia?
There is currently no cure for dementia, but depending on the cause, some new treatment options are available to slow down the progress.
Particularly for Alzheimer’s disease, new promising ‘disease-modifying’ drugs and immunotherapies are in the process of being approved in the UK in 2024-2025 having already been approved in the USA. These treatments are most effective when given early in the course of the disease and this is why it is crucial to get an early diagnosis.
A new drug, Lecanemab, that slows down the progression of mild Alzheimer’s disease was approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in August 2024 and is now available in the UK. Due to its price, it has not been approved for use by the NHS yet, but it can be prescribed privately by dementia specialists.
In the UK, there are also many clinical trials underway looking at new treatment options for dementia which your doctor can refer you into.
If you have concerns about your memory or would like to discuss your risk factors, your doctor is available to help with a tailored comprehensive assessment and swift referral to a specialist if needed.
To book an appointment online click here or call us on 0207 245 3999.
