According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dementia isn’t a single disease. Instead, it’s a broad term used to describe problems with a person’s thinking, remembering and decision-making abilities. As dementia progresses, cognitive decline worsens, making it difficult to perform ordinary tasks. For example, someone with dementia symptoms may have trouble paying bills, balancing a checkbook or remembering how to get to familiar places.

The number of people living with dementia is expected to double every 20 years, making it critical for older adults and their families to understand the symptoms and learn what they can do to prevent dementia from worsening. This guide provides in-depth information on dementia, including its causes, types, symptoms and treatment options. It also aims to explain Cedar Creek’s comprehensive approach to dementia care.

How Common Is Dementia?

Finding a memory care community that caters to your loved one’s specific needs is crucial. Dementia is extremely common, affecting more than 55 million people worldwide. In the United States, nearly 7 million individuals are living with dementia. The high prevalence of dementia has a tremendous impact on individuals, families and healthcare systems.

At the individual level, dementia makes it difficult to carry out activities requiring good memory, judgment or decision-making skills. For example, dementia symptoms make it more difficult to follow recipes and navigate to new places. Over time, people with dementia experience memory loss and other signs of cognitive impairment. Memory loss makes it difficult to remember past events and recognize loved ones, increasing the risk of loneliness and isolation.

Caring for a loved one with dementia takes a physical, financial and emotional toll on family members. Providing ongoing care is tough on the body, especially if family caregivers have to lift their loved ones or assist with bathing and other activities of daily living. Family members may have to work fewer hours or pay for a personal care aide to provide extra coverage, leaving them with less money available for other expenses.

Memory loss and other symptoms of dementia also make it difficult for family members to maintain their usual relationships. Family caregivers may feel frustrated or burned out by caregiving, leading to arguments and other high-stress situations. Some symptoms of dementia also cause an individual to believe family members are stealing from them or mistreating them when they’re not, increasing conflict within the family unit.

What Causes Dementia?

Some individuals have a higher risk of dementia than others. One of the most common risk factors is older age. Although dementia isn’t a normal part of aging, it’s more common in older people. People with a family history of dementia are also more likely to develop dementia at some point in their lives.

The following health conditions are also known causes of dementia:

• Diabetes
• Atherosclerosis (the accumulation of plaque in the lining of the arteries)
• High cholesterol
• Multiple sclerosis
• Brain injuries
• Huntington’s disease
• Pick disease
• Parkinson’s disease

Your lifestyle also contributes to your risk of developing dementia as you age. Smoking, obesity and heavy drinking are some of the most common dementia causes related to lifestyle. To reduce your risk of developing this condition, it’s important to keep your brain cells and nerve cells healthy. Do your best to stop smoking, drink in moderation and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What Are the Types of Dementia?

Since dementia isn’t a single condition, there are several types of dementia you need to know about:

• Alzheimer’s disease: Alzheimer’s disease accounts for up to 80% of all dementia cases. Researchers don’t know the exact cause of Alzheimer’s, but they believe something causes damage to the brain cells. As damage spreads, the affected cells die, interfering with normal cognitive function.
• Vascular dementia: Vascular dementia occurs due to impaired blood flow within the brain, which may occur after a stroke or a brain hemorrhage. Some people develop this condition due to narrowed blood vessels in the brain. Diminished blood flow prevents the brain from receiving an adequate amount of oxygen, resulting in confusion, memory problems and other signs of cognitive impairment.
• Lewy body dementia: Lewy body dementia develops due to the buildup of alpha-synuclein in the brain. Alpha-synuclein is a protein involved in the release of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals responsible for carrying messages throughout the nervous system. Alpha-synuclein deposits, also known as Lewy bodies, affect the amounts of dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain. As a result, an affected individual develops memory problems, has difficulty learning new things and exhibits other symptoms of dementia.
• Mixed dementia: Someone with mixed dementia has symptoms of two or more dementia types at once. For example, someone may have Alzheimer’s disease and brain changes caused by impaired blood flow within the brain. It’s also possible to have Alzheimer’s disease and an accumulation of Lewy bodies.

What Are the Stages of Dementia?

Dementia is a progressive condition, so the symptoms usually occur in stages. During the early stage, an individual may not have any noticeable symptoms. However, they may experience a few dementia warning signs. Generally, the individual can continue living independently.

In the middle stage, the individual experiences additional warning signs of dementia. At this point, an individual with dementia needs assistance to manage activities of daily living. If family members can’t provide regular care, it may be necessary to hire a personal care aide or use the services of a senior center or adult day health program. The middle stage typically lasts for years.

During the late stage of dementia, the individual may need around-the-clock supervision and care. It becomes more difficult to communicate with other people, swallow food or move around. Someone in the late stage of dementia is also more likely to develop pneumonia and other infections.

These dementia stages don’t look exactly the same for every person, but they can help you understand what to expect at each stage of the journey.

Dementia Signs and Symptoms

Initially, an individual may experience these early signs of dementia:

• Difficulty solving problems
• Memory loss that interferes with everyday life
• Difficulty making or following plans
• Confusion related to time and place
• Trouble completing familiar tasks
• Difficulty judging distance
• Sudden problems with writing or speaking
• Poor judgment
• Constantly misplacing items
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Sudden changes in mood
• Personality changes

The signs of dementia typically worsen as the condition progresses. Your loved one may wander away from home, have difficulty remembering familiar people, become increasingly anxious or get confused in unfamiliar environments. Certain signs of dementia may cause an individual to experience increased levels of fear, sadness or agitation, leading to reduced quality of life.

How Is Dementia Diagnosed?

Getting a dementia diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, an in-depth interview and a series of cognitive tests. Getting diagnosed as early as possible has several benefits. For example, an early diagnosis gives an individual time to come to terms with the diagnosis. It also gives them extra time to explore their care options. An early diagnosis may even give an individual access to additional dementia treatment options.

How Is Dementia Treated?

Currently, health care professionals usually prescribe medications to manage dementia symptoms. These medications include memantine, rivastigmine, galantamine, and donepezil. People with dementia may also benefit from occupational therapy and environmental changes. For example, if your loved one wanders, it’s wise to install door alarms and other security features. Overall, these treatment options aim to help people with dementia live better lives.

Researchers are working hard to develop more effective treatments and even find a way to prevent dementia. One promising breakthrough is the development of lecanemab, which clears sticky proteins from the brain. These sticky proteins, known as amyloid plaques, have been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. Taking lecanemab appears to slow cognitive decline in people with early-stage Alzheimer’s. Additionally, in July 2024, the FDA approved another drug for early Alzheimer’s called Kisunla (donanemab-azbt). Kisunla works similarly by targeting amyloid plaques, offering hope for those in the early stages of the disease. These developments underscore the rapid progress being made in Alzheimer’s research.

Recognizing the Right Time for Professional Care

If your loved one wanders frequently, has difficulty communicating or requires care your family can’t provide, it may be time for professional care. Cedar Creek offers a supportive and nurturing environment designed to meet the needs of individuals with dementia. We also provide ongoing support and assurance to family members. Call (301) 384-4017 to learn more about our comprehensive dementia care program.

Why Choose Cedar Creek for Care?

Cedar Creek offers specialized dementia care services to help ensure your loved one is safe and secure. Our staff members provide assistance with activities of daily living, medication management and holistic activities designed to enrich the life of each resident.

We also offer a person-centered approach to dementia care. Every resident has a customized care plan based on their physical and emotional needs, ensuring they receive just the right combination of services and support. Cedar Creek’s resident-to-staff ratios are some of the lowest in the industry, giving you extra peace of mind.

The Journey Ahead: Preparing for the Future

Dementia is a progressive condition that makes it difficult to make decisions. As a result, it’s important for older adults to explore their long-term care options as early as possible. It’s also wise to work with an attorney or a financial advisor to determine the best way to pay for care in the future.

If your family member needs high-quality dementia care, Cedar Creek is here to help. Call (301) 384-4017 to speak with one of our experienced, compassionate professionals.