Lesser Known Causes of Dementia

Dementia refers to the overall decline in brain functioning. It affects memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking skills. There are various types of dementia depending on the cause. It can take on multiple form. Scientists are currently working on finding the cause of dementia but cannot pin-point a single reason. There are ways in which dementia symptoms, such as reduced concentration, withdrawal or depression, memory problems and increasing confusion, can be managed. Progressive dementia refers to types of dementia that cannot be reversed with any medication or nutrient. Dementia caused by protein deposits or certain vitamin deficiencies can be reversed with treatment. Other than bleeding and sweating on the football ground, there are other various other complex reasons that can cause progressive dementia in an individual.

Alzheimer's disease: One of the causes of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Patients of Alzheimer’s have plaques and tangles in their brains. These plagues and tangles are made up of proteins called tau and beta-amyloid, respectively. They can damage healthy neurons and fibres in the brain. Apart from protein, Alzheimer’s also contains a genetic factor, which could also lead to dementia in Alzheimer’s patients.

Damage to blood vessels: Other than stroke and heart attack, damaged blood vessels that supply oxygen to the brain can also damage fibres in the white matter of the brain. This condition is called vascular dementia. Stroke can also damage your brain causing difficulties in problem-solving, slowed thinking and trouble focusing. 

Huntington's disease: This inherited condition can cause the breakdown (degeneration) of certain nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Huntington’s usually affects people in the mid-30s. Signs and symptoms, include an intense decline in thinking and cognitive skills.

Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries like falling down and hitting your head at home or hitting your head in a car accident can cause major impact on the skull. This impact can lead to abnormal functioning of brain proteins. This could potentially harm your brain and cause dementia.

Heavy metal poisoning: According to a study, constant exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, can damage the brain causing dementia. According to the study, heavy metals can tinker with the person’s genes and stunt children's growth and damage their brain. 

 

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What are the signs of early-onset Alzheimer's? Diagnosis, treatment

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia typically associated with older adults. However, early-onset Alzheimer's disease occurs before the age of 65.

Alzheimer's causes memory problems and a variety of related symptoms. It is a degenerative disease, which means the symptoms will get worse over time.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all known dementia cases.
Though there is no cure, there are some treatments available to ease symptoms and slow the disease's progression.

Signs and symptoms
There are several distinct signs and symptoms of memory loss that may indicate Alzheimer's. If a person experiences one or more of the following signs or symptoms, they should speak to their doctor.
1. Memory loss that impedes daily activities
The most common symptom of Alzheimer's is memory loss. A person experiencing memory loss may:
    forget recently learned information
    ask for same information repeatedly
    have a higher reliance on memory aids, such as calendars and notes
    forget important events or dates
As a person ages, it is not uncommon to forget things from time to time. Typical, non-Alzheimer's memory loss may include forgetting an acquaintance's name but remembering it later on.
A person with early-onset Alzheimer's will have more noticeable memory loss and may repeatedly forget the same information.
2. Trouble completing everyday tasks
Another common early sign of Alzheimer's is when a person has difficulty completing an otherwise familiar task.
A person with early-onset Alzheimer's may:
    forget how to get to a grocery store, restaurant, or place of employment
    have problems balancing a home or work budget
    forget the rules of a familiar game
Sometimes, natural aging may cause a person to need help with new or unfamiliar things. For example, helping an older loved one figure out the settings on their new phone is not uncommon and does not necessarily indicate a problem.
By contrast, if a person has used the same phone for years and suddenly cannot remember how to make a phone call, they may be experiencing Alzheimer's-related memory loss.
3. Problem-solving or planning difficulties
Some people with early-onset Alzheimer's find they have trouble following directions, solving problems, and focusing.
It may be hard for a person to follow a recipe or directions written on a product. They may also have trouble keeping track of monthly bills or expenses.
4. Problems with vision and spatial awareness
Alzheimer's can sometimes cause vision problems, which may make it difficult for a person to judge distances between objects.

It may also cause a person to have difficulty distinguishing contrast and colors. These vision problems combined can make it difficult or impossible to drive.

Normal aging also affects eyesight, so it is essential to have regular checkups with an eye doctor.
5. Confusion about location and time
Another common sign of early-onset Alzheimer's is getting confused about places or time. A person may have trouble keeping track of seasons, months, or time of day.
A person may occasionally be unable to recognize where they are or have no memory of how they got there.
6. Frequently misplacing items and not being able to retrace steps
Most people will lose items at some time but are usually able to locate them again by searching in logical locations and retracing their steps.
A person with Alzheimer's may forget where they placed an item, especially if they put it in an unusual place.
Alzheimer's also makes it difficult for a person to retrace their steps to find the missing item. This can be distressing and may cause the person to believe someone is stealing from them.
7. Problems writing or speaking
A person may have trouble keeping up in a conversation or may repeat themselves. A person may also have trouble writing down their thoughts.
The person may stop in the middle of a conversation, unable to figure out what to say next. They may struggle to find the right word or label things incorrectly.
It is not uncommon for a person to occasionally struggle to find the right word. Typically, they eventually remember it and do not experience the problem frequently.
8. Showing signs of poor judgment
Everyone makes bad decisions at times. People with early-onset Alzheimer's, however, may display a marked change in their ability to make good decisions.
Signs of poor judgment include:
    spending too much on unnecessary items
    showing inattention to personal grooming
    not showering or cleaning themselves regularly
9. Mood or personality changes
A person with Alzheimer's may start to become confused, anxious, suspicious, or depressed. They may show these signs in a variety of settings, including at work, at home, and in unfamiliar places.
They may become frustrated with their symptoms or feel unable to understand the changes taking place. This may present as aggression or irritability towards others.
10. Stepping away from social or work activities
As Alzheimer's develops, a person may stop participating in the social or work activities they used to enjoy.

Risk factors
According to the Alzheimer's Association, age is the primary risk factor for developing Alzheimer's.
From the age of 65, the risk of developing Alzheimer's doubles every 5 years. By age 85, a person has a 50 percent chance of developing Alzheimer's.
Another risk factor is family history or genetics. A person is more likely to develop Alzheimer's if they have an immediate family member with the disease. If more than one person in the family has had Alzheimer's, the genetic risk increases.
Researchers are still unsure why Alzheimer's develops at an early age in some people. However, they have identified rare genes in some people who experience Alzheimer's in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.

Diagnosis
If a person experiences one or more of the symptoms listed above, they should speak to their doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis might help slow the progression of the disease.
There is no standard test to diagnose Alzheimer's, so a doctor will make a diagnosis based on several factors.
A doctor will ask a person about the symptoms and concerns. The doctor will also review a person's family history, specifically looking for a history of Alzheimer's and dementia. It may help to bring a loved one to the doctor's office for support.
After an initial review of the person's symptoms and family history, a doctor may order medical tests, including a neurological exam and brain imaging.

Treatment
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, as there is still no cure for Alzheimer's disease.
There are some medications available that may help with memory loss. These are most effective if started early on in the disease's progression.
Doctors can also provide recommendations and medications to help a person who is experiencing related health issues, such as insomnia, which may be contributing to memory problems.
A person may also benefit from talking to a counselor about any behavioral changes they experience. Also, some medications are available to help with symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Researchers are still looking for better treatment options.

Supporting a loved one
A person can support a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's in many different ways. Some recommendations include:
    Learning about Alzheimer's disease to understand the symptoms better.
    Participating in activities with the person as often as possible.
    Discussing the changing relationship with a counselor or other trusted person.
    Talking to the person about concrete ways to help, such as by preparing meals or driving them to appointments.
    Connecting with other people through support networks.

Outlook
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but treatment can help in some ways.

Early detection may help slow the progression of the disease but will not prevent it.

A person is most at risk of developing Alzheimer's as they age, especially if they have a family history of the disease.

If a person suspects they or a loved one is developing Alzheimer's, they should speak to a doctor.

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5 Ways In Which Learning a New Language Benefits Your Brain

If you’re thinking about taking up a new hobby, try learning a new language, as it turns out that knowing more than one language can seriously boost your brain power. And if you already speak more than one language, know that you’re in luck, as bilingualism (or multilingualism) comes with quite a few fascinating cognitive benefits. For instance, research shows that speaking two or more languages improves your concentration, makes you better at problem-solving, and can even protect you from cognitive decline.

There are 5 main cognitive benefits of knowing more than one language:

1. Prevents Cognitive Decline

One of the most outstanding benefits of speaking more than one language is the ability to retain a young brain and delay cognitive decline. More specifically, research shows that bilinguals are less likely to suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s, and they have a better chance of recovering after a stroke.

A study showed that, on average, bilinguals are diagnosed with dementia 3-4 years later than monolinguals, and a study found that Alzheimer’s patients who are bilingual are, on average, 5 years older than their monolingual counterparts.

So, much like engaging in other cognitively-challenging activities like solving crossword puzzles or practicing musical instruments, knowing a second language can train your brain to be more resilient to adverse age-related changes.

2. Bilinguals Can Maintain Focus Better

If maintaining focus and concentrating deeply on an important task can sometimes prove to be problematic, learning a new language could be helpful at training that skill. This is because people who know two and more languages have a more highly developed executive functioning, which involves the ability to focus on the important bits and ignore the unimportant ones.

Brain imaging studies have shown that bilinguals have a more active and highly-developed dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, which is one of the areas in the front part of the brain responsible both for organizing language and executive function. So, by exercising your language skills, you’re actually improving your ability to concentrate because these two abilities share the same brain area.

3. Learning an Extra Language Improves Your Judgment

If you ever doubt your decisions and fear you might be biased against or towards a certain issue, try talking, reading or thinking about it in a different language to perceive it from a more rational and objective perspective. This exercise is useful, as there is research suggesting that people tend to think about a specific moral issue more objectively and less emotionally if they do so in a foreign language rather than their native one.

The authors theorize that this may be the case because some words have certain emotional connotations that trigger an emotional reaction, but if we think about the same issue in a foreign language, we lose this extra emotional layer and can judge the same issue more objectively.

4. Bilinguals are Better at Multitasking

To manage more than one task at the same time, it’s necessary for a person to switch easily from one task to another and to be able to ignore everything irrelevant to the tasks at hand. Now, it turns out that when speaking, bilinguals multitask constantly, as they always have to choose a word or phrase in the language they’re speaking in at the time of speech and not the other one they know.

By constantly juggling between languages, bilinguals actually train their multitasking abilities without even knowing it, and so they are, on average, much better than their monolingual counterparts at multitasking.

5. Speaking Two or More Languages Improves Your Problem Solving Skills

Getting the hang of a challenging task and finding new and creative ways to solve it requires immense mental strength, and it’s a skill that requires constant practice. Experiments have shown time and time that bilinguals are better at solving different types of challenging tasks because they are better at analyzing and have a superior working memory (a skill that allows you to take several things into account simultaneously when solving a problem).

Brain imaging studies also support this finding, pointing out that bilinguals aren’t simply better at different problem-solving tasks, but their brains work more efficiently when solving these tasks as well. And while we don't really know why learning a new language helps us think more clearly and organize our thoughts better, it's certain that knowing a second language is more useful to us than we might think.

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