, Author at ReaDementia

Difference Between Cortical and Subcortical Dementia

An in-depth look at the differences and similarities between cortical and subcortical dementia and what you should do about it.

Also known as a major neurocognitive disorder, dementia is a group of symptoms that causes problems with memory, reasoning, and thinking.

It occurs when parts of the brain responsible for memory, decision-making, language, and learning are diseased or damaged.

The illness mostly affects elderly persons who are above the age of 65.

Some persons will, however, receive dementia diagnosis when they are younger.

There are over fifty causes of dementia the most common ones being:

Degenerative neurological diseases: these include different sclerosis type, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
Traumatic brain injuries
Nervous system infections
Vascular disorders
Long-term abuse of drugs or alcohol
The build-up of brain fluid, etc.

Cortical vs Subcortical Dementia

Depending on the part of the brain that has been affected, a majority of dementias are either considered to exhibit cortical or subcortical patterns.

Initially, subcortical dementia was described in 1912. However, the term was not used until 1970.

Cortical dementia, on the other hand, accounts for the highest number of dementia cases (between 60-80%).

Various studies indicate that there are some prominent differences between cortical and subcortical dementia.

Both qualitative and quantitative differences exist across several cognitive domains like memory, visuospatial abilities, executive functions, attention, and semantic knowledge.

Let’s look at some of the disparities between the two groups of dementias below.

Definition

Cortical dementia describes the types of dementia that develop as a result of disorders that affect the cerebral cortex in the brain.

This is the outermost layer of the brain responsible for several essential functions like language, memory, creativity, abstraction, emotion, attention and judgment.

The illnesses that are progressive in nature starts to cause changes in the brain before the symptoms start showing up.

Experts believe that the illness brings about an increase in the number of lesions in the brain, which then leads to complications like personality changes and loss of memory.

Subcortical dementias represent the types of dementias that showcase themselves without any language or memory problems in individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease.

Disorders that affect the section of the brain that is below the cerebral cortex cause this dementia.

The regions of the brain that this type of dementia affects include the midbrain, striatum, thalamus, and striatofrontal projections.

In most cases, persons who get subcortical dementia display challenges with concentration, attention, and motor function.

Causes Cortical and Subcortical Dementia

Cortical dementia as aforementioned, occurs where there are problems with the cerebral cortex.

Additionally, it is primarily associated with the gray matter in the brain, which mainly consists of nerve cells.

Persons who develop this type of dementia experience serious memory loss issues where they cannot understand language or remember words.

Examples of cortical dementia include Creutzfeldt-Jakob and Alzheimer’s disease.

Subcortical dementia, on the other hand, is brought about when there are problems in the part of the brain located under the cortex.

This is mostly associated with the white matter of the brain that predominantly consists of axons that are in charge of transmitting signals.

Individuals who have this type of dementia typically show changes in their ability to start activities and speed of thinking. HIV, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease are possible causes of this dementia type.

Some studies also suggest that prolonged alcohol abuse may be the cause of subcortical dementia.

This is because persons who are diagnosed with alcohol dependence have a significant reduction in the brain’s white matter and the weight of the brain also becomes lighter.

Features of Cortical and Subcortical Dementia

Both dementias showcase different features that further explain their main differences like:

Basic function deficit

With cortical dementia, you can expect specific deficits like aphasia, which is an impairment of language that affects comprehension or production of speech and the ability to write and read.

Apraxia affects motor function and agnosia, which affects the ability to process sensory information.

Subcortical dementia presents progressive supra-nuclear palsy, a syndrome that can lead to severe problems with eye movement, balance, swallowing, mood and walking, etc.

Memory impairment

Persons with cortical dementia will often experience learning deficits and poor recognition. Individuals with subcortical dementia do not go through severe memory loss issues.

Caregivers and loved ones can use cues to help the affected individuals recall information without too much difficulty.

Motor Symptoms

Cortical dementia does not showcase any motor symptoms, especially in the early stages of the illness. Motor speed also remains relatively healthy, but it might change at a later course.

Problems with motor symptoms are common with subcortical dementia that presents extrapyramidal symptoms that can include continuous muscle contractions and spasms also known as dystonia, motor restlessness, rigidity, slowness of movement, and tremor amongst others.

Speech

Individuals with subcortical dementia, for the most part, will have normal speech while it may be slow or abnormal in cortical dementia cases.

Symptom Profile

Cortical and subcortical dementia have different sets of symptoms.

Clinically, cortical dementia exhibits symptoms that are suggestive of abnormalities with various cortical functions like amnesia and language issues.

With subcortical dementia, the symptoms will manifest mainly as poor abstraction, issues in recall, mood disorders, and problems with strategy formation. Other symptoms to look into include:

Memory

Memory dysfunctions tend to occur in both groups of dementia.

Studies, however, propose that the nature of memory impairment is different in subcortical and cortical dementia.

Cortical dementia showcases more severe memory loss, which is depicted by difficulties in recalling information and learning new details.

When it comes to subcortical dementia, things are not black and white.

While there is evidence of challenges with procedural learning, the impairment is not uniform in regards to all kinds of perceptomotor learning.

For example, a person who has Parkinson’s disease might have issues with skill or habit learning but have no problem in intact learning tasks such as artificial grammar and dot pattern prototype.

Memory loss patterns also come into play when differentiating these two forms of dementia.

With cortical dementia, recent literature indicates that memory impairment evolution happens in a temporal gradient, which results in progressive or extensive remote memory loss.

This is especially true for autobiographical memory.

On the contrary, the memory loss pattern in subcortical dementia is considered to be a lot more diverse. The specific type of dementia will determine the memory loss pattern.

For instance, persons who have Parkinson’s disease normally have challenges when dating events in the past.

Note that memory decline is faster in Parkinson’s dementia than in AD as reported by Selective Reminding Test and Boston naming test.

It is also important to point out that with subcortical dementias, learning impairments are subject to correction with the use of more prominent aid recognition cues.

Executive Functions

Executive functions usually involve the frontal lobes and other subcortical structures. This means that it is only natural for executive function problems to be present in both subcortical and cortical dementia.

This, however, happens at a different rate.

AD is normally characterized by the impairment of various executive functions like problem-solving and concept formation.

Persons who have cortical dementia will experience impaired elementary calculation skills earlier than those who have subcortical dementia.

Persons with cortical dementia also remain alert for more extended periods than those with subcortical dementia.

Language

Several studies indicate that the language problem is often seen in cortical dementia.

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease exhibit several progressive language issues. These normally start with an inability to recall names of familiar objects before it deteriorates to terminal language syndrome.

Prognosis of Cortical and Subcortical Dementia

The prognosis of cortical and subcortical dementia also significantly varies. Because different types of dementias fall under these two categories, multiple factors commonly affect prognosis.

Among these include general health, age of onset, and other illnesses that the person suffers from. These can affect not only prognosis but life expectancy as well.

Treatment

Currently, there is no specific cure for both cortical and subcortical dementia.

However, a majority of the disorders that are listed for the two groups of dementia will respond to appropriate treatment.

These can include different types of medication and other alternative therapies that can help to slow down the progression of the illness.

Lifestyle changes can also help to improve the life quality of people who are experiencing different types of dementia.

Closing Thoughts

Understanding the differences between the two main groups of dementias is essential because it helps to create a better understanding of how the brain behaves regarding neurodegenerative illnesses.

This can also help medics improve the ability to differentiate multiple dementia disorders clinically.

There is also a need for more clinical studies that will examine the differences between subcortical dementia and cortical dementia. These are bound to give a clearer picture of the factors that distinguish the two forms of dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association indicates that about 90% of the information available about dementia has been discovered in under twenty years.

Experts in the industry continue to do more research, tests, and studies on this disease that affects millions of people in different parts of the globe.

Fresh information may continue to roll out detailing the differences or similarities of cortical and subcortical dementia so that people can get a better understanding of these illnesses.

How do Dementia Patients Die?

Rok Krivec Blog February 9, 2021October 16, 2021dementia

Because dementia is an incurable disease, there is one pertinent question that many ask and that is how do dementia patients die?

Before answering this question it is important to note that in many countries Alzheimer’s disease and other kinds of dementia have been documented as the leading cause of death in the country, especially for the older generation.

According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, deaths due to dementia doubled from 40,253 in 2007 to 87, 199 in 2017 and the trend does not appear to change anytime soon.

In America, dementia is the 6th leading cause of death and currently, millions of people are living with the disease.

World Health Organization estimates that the number of dementia deaths across the globe will increase by more than 40% from 2015 to 2030.

How Does Dementia Lead to Death?

Before a person dies from dementia, there are a couple of warning signs they may showcase as discussed below.

End-Stage Dementia Signs and Symptoms

Several signs may be an indication that a person with dementia is living their final days on earth.

These can differ from one affected person to another because different individuals have varying reactions to the illness.

Examples of some common end-of-life warning signs include:

An increase in hospital admissions or visits
Diagnosis of other medical conditions like congestive heart failure or different cancer types
Loss of the ability to communicate
Immobility which can make a person bedridden
Inconsistence
Challenges when eating and drinking
Terminal restlessness or agitation because a person becomes extremely disoriented and confused
Difficulties in breathing
Legs, arms, feet, and hands become cold to touch

To get back to answering the query do dementia patients die, many experts agree that the actual death of an individual who has dementia may be due to another medical condition.

During the later stages of dementia, the affected person is likely to be in a trailer.

This implies that their immunity is compromised, hence they cannot effectively cope with physical problems or infections.

Several factors can lead to the death of a person who has dementia such as

Lack of Proper Nutrition

Food acts as fuel for the human body. When the body is not getting proper nutrition, there is a likelihood that an array of problems will start developing.

This is what happens during the later dementia stages.

Persons with the illness will struggle to eat well, hydrate, and stay healthy.

Many may not be in a position to prepare or eat food without assistance. This may cause them to go off food which can make them dangerously lose weight.

Some individuals will also lose muscle control towards the end of the disease where they cannot chew properly or even swallow food.

When the individual is not getting adequate nourishment, they become weaker and are more susceptible to the risk of infections, fractures, and falls which may lead to their demise.

There are also chances that a person with dementia may end up inhaling fluids or foods. It mostly happens because they lose the skill to coordinate breathing and swallowing because of the damage that happens in the brain which controls these activities.

When this happens, it can lead to life-threatening chest infections and choking.

Existing Diseases

When you ask how do dementia patients die, the answer might be because of other co-existing diseases.

A huge percentage of people with dementia also suffer from other chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, and hypertension amongst others.

It can become challenging to try and manage dementia with other illnesses so it becomes easy for a person to experience the complications associated with these conditions which can lead them to their last breath.

Several studies reveal that people within the last stage of dementia become vulnerable to all sorts of medical conditions.

Autopsies often reveal that the main cause of death for persons with dementia are pneumonia, dehydration, cardiovascular diseases, cachexia, and pulmonary embolism.

Other facts that may contribute to dementia deaths include increased falls, advanced age, and delirium.

Closing Thoughts

Sadly dementia does not only make a person forgetful and weak. It is a serious progressive condition that is terminal.

Reading the text above will reveal answers to the question on how do dementia patients die.

Importance of Vitamin B12 and Dementia

Rok Krivec Blog February 8, 2021September 6, 2023dementia, vitamin b12, vitamin b12 and dementia

For years, experts have been trying to figure out the link between vitamin B12 and dementia.

Several studies report that the elderly who have low vitamin B12 levels are at high risk of dementia.

One of the studies with 121 participants uncovered the fact that those with lower vitamin B12 levels had smaller brain volumes according to MRI’s and they also performed poorly on cognitive tests.

Can Vitamin B12 Supplementation Help with Dementia?

A clinical nutritionist, Christine Tangney, at Rush University, concluded that low brain volume co-relates to low Vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 is naturally present in a majority of foods that come from animals, including poultry, meat, and fish.

Manufacturers also fortify many breakfast bowls of cereal with vitamin B12.

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Importance of Vitamin B12

Before getting deeper into the connection between vitamin B12 and dementia, it is prudent to learn the importance of the vitamin in the human body.

In the brain, vitamin B12 enables a process known as memory formation where brain cells make new connections.

The vitamin is also an essential part of myelin, a coating that protects a majority of the brain cells. Other important roles that the vitamin plays in the body include:

Formation of red blood cells
DNA synthesis
Production of energy
The normal function of the nervous system and the brain (promotes nerve tissue health)

Learning these roles of the vitamin explains why a deficiency can lead to memory loss or dementia.

With this in mind, check out some of the reasons why low vitamin B12 mostly affects older persons.

Note: another name for vitamin B12 is Cobalamin.

Lower Absorption Rates

As people grow older, their guts’ ability to absorb vitamin B12 changes.

For a majority, this happens because their bodies can no longer produce adequate amounts of stomach acid.

The acid is an essential component for breaking down proteins and vitamin B.

This implies that seniors require more vitamin B12 as they grow older, but their bodies do not keep up.

Diet

Vitamin B12 mostly comes from animal sources; this means that seniors who are on a vegetarian diet may not get adequate vitamins.

We cover the best foods for the dementia diet in this article.

Medications and surgeries

Some medicines like metformin interfere with the absorption of the vitamin.

Surgeries that remove parts or all of the small intestines or stomach can also lead to vitamin deficiency.

Alcoholism

Needless to say, alcohol may irritate the stomach and this is most of the time linked to poor diet.

Can Vitamin B12 Improve Memory?

While discussing B12 and dementia, it is important to answer the question of whether the vitamin can help improve memory in persons who have dementia.

While vitamin B12 supplements help to treat the deficiency of the vitamin, there is still no clear evidence on whether it helps to enhance memory in individuals with neurological disease.

Contrary to this statement, The Daily Telegraph reported that vitamin B tablets could halt or slow down dementia.

According to the published article, large vitamin B doses can half brain shrinkage rate, a process that precedes dementia.

The article was based on a study that happened over two years, where vitamin B pills were compared to inactive placebo pills in 271 seniors with mild memory issues.

Participants in the study were persons who were 70 years and over and experience various memory issues. They received high-dose vitamin B tablets or placebo pills.

Vitamin B treatment has effects on the levels of tHcy in an individual’s blood, reducing this by 22.5%.

With the placebo group, there was a 7.7% increase in tHcy levels.

Overall, the study uncovered the fact that those who were on vitamin B experienced atrophy (brain shrinkage) 30% lower than those elderly persons who were not given the inactive tablets.

Based on the age of the persons in the study, the shrinkage rate in persons who were on the vitamins was 30% less than the ones in the placebo.

The effect was generally higher in the participants who were more compliant when taking the medication as well as those who had high levels of tHCy when they started the study.

However, worth noting is that slower brain shrinkage may not result in improving the symptoms.

The research did not indicate the fact that vitamin B can prevent dementia.

This is because there is no evidence that when the brain shrinks at a slower rate, it will benefit persons who have early symptoms of dementia.

This said, it is evident that the results are quite promising and this demands more in-depth research about B12 and dementia.

The researchers also mentioned that vitamin B is safe for consumption with no adverse effects on the people consuming it.

This leads to the conclusion that vitamin B is a safe and simple treatment that can slow down the quick rate of brain atrophy in individuals who have mild cognitive impairment.

Final Thoughts – Vitamin B12 and Dementia

There is still a long way to go regarding vitamin B12 and dementia.

There is still no proof that vitamin B12 deficiency causes dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Studies, however, suggest that increasing the intake of the vitamin can help to slow cognitive decline.

Professionals need to conduct more research, studies, and clinical trials to ascertain whether vitamin B12 supplements can prevent, slow progression, or even treat some dementia types.

Vascular Dementia Stages and Progression

Rok Krivec Blog, Stages, Types February 8, 2021February 1, 2024dementia, dementia stages, vascular dementia, vascular dementia stages

Vascular dementia is one of the most common types of dementia, and people who have this illness often have to go through several vascular dementia stages.

It is a disease that develops when the brain cells die because they are not getting enough nutrients and oxygen.

It can happen when there are impaired tiny blood vessels in the brain or after a person has gone through a major stroke or even a series of smaller strokes.

Because the condition does not have a cure yet, it progresses from a mild case to a severe one. Note that these stages will differ from one person to the next.

This is simply because this type of dementia is typically brought about by different conditions.

One person may experience vascular dementia following a stroke.

However, another may get it after the inner parts of the brain get damaged for one reason or another. Just like other forms of dementia, vascular dementia also tends to progress in gradual stages. This, however, happens in a more step-like manner.

Check out how the illness may affect an individual over time describing what happens during the three major vascular dementia stages below.

Vascular Dementia Stages

1st Stage

At the onset of vascular dementia, things are usually not too serious. Many individuals during this first stage can go about their daily lives without any interference.

This is because the symptoms are still somewhat stable; thus, manageable.

Most of the time, it is difficult to tell whether a person has vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Some people may even have what is known as mixed dementia, where one has both Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Some people may experience things like impaired memory (general forgetfulness), challenges finding the right words, and difficulty with planning, organizing, and carrying out several tasks in an efficient manner during the first stages of this illness.

A small percentage of individuals with vascular dementia will also go through a slight decline in walking and balance. The condition at this point may also affect thinking and decision making.

At this stage, a majority of people can live alone, but it is recommended that their loved ones always check on them often.

This helps to make sure that everything is in place and that the individuals are not a danger to themselves or any other people around them.

At times, small home modifications may also come in handy to create a more supportive and comfortable environment for individuals with vascular dementia.

2nd Stage

After a person has gone through the initial vascular dementia stages, it may reach a point where the symptoms are no longer stable.

Things become worse where you might find that the affected person now has a different personality.

Depending on the cause of this dementia, many people will start going through anxiety, depression and have mood swings.

This usually occurs because a person is more aware of the changes that are happening to their bodies. Some people will become overly emotional and a majority are prone to apathy.

Other behavioral changes may include increased agitation and irritability.

Increased agitation and irritability

There may also be sessions where they are certain outbursts where a person can either cry or laugh inappropriately.

Hallucinations and delusions may also be part of the equation.

In severe cases, a percentage of individuals who have vascular dementia will also experience epilepsy episodes. Loss of social skills is also common at this stage.

You may find that a person who has the disease no longer wants to be a part of the social circles they were in before. They may not want to talk to the people they love.

You may notice that they want to spend more time indoors as a means of shutting out the world.

Most of the time, this usually comes about because a person is embarrassed about what they are going through seeing that they are no longer in complete control of their lives.

Several physical signs may also be prevalent during the middle stages of vascular dementia.

This is where a person may experience loss of bowel or bladder control. Some may also experience dizziness and tremors often.

Caregivers may also notice that the persons under their care are experiencing arm and leg weakness and maybe moving around with shuffling rapid steps.

Language and speech problems

If a person was speaking well in the past, slurred speech and other language problems might also start to show up.

Individuals with this illness should also get close monitoring when they are on the move. That’s because they tend to get lost even when they are in familiar surroundings.

Doing things like paying bills handling money or engaging in their favorite hobby becomes challenging, which can prove to be quite frustrating to the ill individual.

It’s not uncommon for a person with the illness to have difficulties sleeping during this phase.

Some individuals also display repetitive, obsessive or even impulsive behavior.

If a person is staying alone at this point, it would be best to make different housing arrangements.

They can move in with relatives who will act as caregivers and also keep an eye on the persons with the illness to prevent avoidable accidents.

If this is not possible, the family might have to look into senior care facilities where persons with vascular dementia will get professional care.

This is simply because a person at this point may need support with multiple day-to-day activities.

These may include showering, walking, dressing, eating, cooking, and using the restroom, among others.

3rd Stage

You can consider this one of the final vascular dementia stages. The symptoms that persons experience at this stage are normally severe.

These can be distressing to the weak person.

If one gets vascular dementia after suffering a stroke, the aftermath can bring out physical symptoms.

They can experience problems with speech, vision, and weakness of the limbs. These symptoms will surface if the stroke caused damage to certain parts of the brain.

Individuals who have vascular dementia may also experience similar symptoms to the people who are in their last stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

It is where issues with communication, reasoning, confusion, memory loss, and disorientation become worse.

Motor challenges

A majority of people with vascular dementia also experience motor symptoms that may include unsteady or slow gait disturbance and clumsiness.

Handling daily activities becomes increasingly difficult, too.

Delusions or hallucinations that would come and go during the previous stage worsen.

At times, persons with vascular dementia may also become violent, suspicious, and demanding of people who are around them.

Many persons have a difficult time eating and swallowing. This often leads to rapid unhealthy weight loss. Some may even experience loss of speech.

Almost everyone at this point will have significant problems with both long-term and short-term memory.

As the condition becomes worse, it may affect/damage all the functions of the brain. This is also the stage where the illness deteriorates and can end up being fatal.

Some people at this stage can also go through heart attacks or a major stroke that can end their lives.

During this stage, it might be difficult for the family to render the appropriate care. Especially if they are not around their loved ones 24/7.

This calls for other measures such as hiring a professional who will move in to look after the person who has vascular dementia.

Alternatively, the individual might have to move into a senior care community.

A place that looks after people with dementia to get the kind of assistance and care they need without compromising their health.

Closing Remarks

Anyone who has vascular dementia should not think of it as a death sentence. It is still possible to live a full life even when going through the various vascular dementia stages.

Always remember that different people will experience vascular dementia differently.

While some may go through gradual changes, others will experience a decline in cognitive abilities, which is followed closely by stability periods.

This does not last because there are other step downs in abilities and then stability for a while, and so forth. This is what is called “stepwise” or “step-like progression.”

When your grandparent manages to catch vascular dementia in its early stage, he or she can come up with an effective treatment plan.

This will slow down the illness, preventing it from becoming worse at a fast rate.

Professional doctors have the know-how to identify the underlying cause of the illness.

The expert will come up with a healthy program you can use to reduce the risk of complications that may crop up in the future.

This might include a total change in lifestyle that will slow down the progression of the disease.

Most professionals will recommend that you get moving to increase your physical fitness and blood flow. Additionally, eat a balanced diet, get on a routine, and quit smoking and drinking alcohol.

On average, reports indicate that persons with vascular dementia will live for about five years after they detect the symptoms.

There are, however, many people who have lived for more than five years.

Dementia And Eating Issues In Patients

Rok Krivec Blog, Causes, Signs February 8, 2021October 16, 2021dealing with dementia, dementia, dementia and eating, effects of dementia

For a person with dementia, the topic of dementia and eating is important to discuss.

This is because individuals with dementia usually go through several changes; one of them being how they eat.

Below you will explore some of the common eating challenges persons with dementia face.

It is important to understand each to act accordingly.

Common Eating Challenges for Persons with Dementia

Poor Appetite

A high percentage of individuals who have dementia experience lack of appetite at some point.

There are several explanations of why individuals can lose their appetite, including:

1. Depression

It is common for people with dementia to go through depression, which can be the cause of loss of appetite.

If you notice that a loved one or person under your care has depression, talk to your doctor right away.

He or she will prescribe the ideal medication or other therapies to help treat depression.

2. Constipation

This is another problem that can make one feel nauseous and bloated; thus, feel less likely to eat.

Try and avoid constipation by making sure the person with dementia takes lots of fluid and foods that are rich in fiber. If this condition becomes worse, consult your GP.

3. Communication

An individual who has the illness may have a tough time communicating well that they are hungry or do not like the food in front of them.

Take cue of how such people try and pass the message. For instance, closing the mouth for refusing to swallow can be an indication that they do not like the food that is on the table.

You can offer food choices using pictures and prompts so that a person can enjoy what they are eating.

Other factors that can trigger loss of appetite include when a person is experiencing pain, tiredness, changes in medication, or lack of physical exercises that make one not feel hungry.

Mouth Infections

There are times when dementia and eating issues come about because a person simply cannot eat the food even when they want to.

They can have bad teeth, redness, or sores in the mouth. If this is the case, visit a dentist to get a practical solution.

Caregivers can also help by taking care of their loved ones’ dental hygiene. This includes ensuring that they brush and floss their teeth at least two times a day.

It is also advisable to serve foods that are easy to chew. Solid foods can be cut into small pieces to make them more manageable.

You may also have to seek the services of an occupational therapist if a person is having challenges moving their muscles to open the mouth.

The professionals will come up with ways to help them eat.

Insatiable Appetite

While some people with dementia will experience loss of appetite, others will want to eat non-stop.

It may be possible that they may have forgotten when they had the last meal or be afraid of where the next one will come from.

Naturally, this is not healthy as overeating also comes with its fair share of negative health issues.

To try and tackle such a situation, you can serve five-to-six small meals throughout the day.

You can also avail of low-calorie snacks like carrots and apples that the person will munch on when they feel hungry.

Remember to cut down on processed foods, refined sugars, and foods with high sodium levels.

Engaging the individuals in physical exercises or other enjoyable activities can also help to take their mind off food.

Sweet Cravings

Some individuals with dementia will all over sudden develop a sweet tooth where they are always craving something sweet to eat.

Although you can give in to their demands a couple of times, it is not right to always give them sweet foods that are not good for their health.

To manage the cravings, you can opt to try food items like egg nogs, milkshakes and low-calorie ice cream that can help satisfy the cravings without causing too much damage.

Fruit can come in handy during such times. You should also check some of the side effects that the medicine the person with dementia is on.

Some antidepressant medications can make someone crave sweets. It is also advisable to share meals with your loved ones as this might increase their chances of eating the healthy meal you provide.

Decreased Judgment

Another factor that may contribute to dementia and eating problems in an individual is decreased judgment.

This is where a person with dementia may not be able to know what food items are on their plate or what to do with the cutlery before them.

You may notice that a person tries to eat from a cup rather than a plate.

Some may even use knives to try and pick up food instead of a spoon or fork.

To help with such, you can cue the person with actions or words so that they can mimic the effects of eating like putting food on a spoon and taking it to the mouth.

If the person is still struggling, be respectful and ask if they need assistance and go-ahead to offer a hand in a way that does not make them feel less of a person.

You can also serve finger foods that do not require utensils to consume like sandwiches and miniature quiches.

Swallowing Difficulties

Some patients with dementia will experience Dysphagia, where they have difficulties swallowing food.

This can come about as a result of the changes that occur in the brain.

Environmental changes like noisy dining rooms can also make one experience difficulties while swallowing.

You must be very careful with this because it can cause further problems like choking, poor nutrition, aspiration where food goes down the wrong way in the lungs, and reduced life quality.

To give assistance, it is vital to create a comfortable and relaxed eating environment where a person will be at ease.

You can also use contrasting colored cutlery and plates so that the individual can easily see the food.

It may also help to offer small food amounts so that they can swallow without too much difficulty.

Softer textured food might also be an option as it is easy to chew and swallow.

A speech and language therapist can help when you feel like the swallowing issue is getting out of hand.

Agitation and Irritability

During mealtimes, a person with dementia may experience behavior changes where one becomes angry, agitates, or irritable.

These can manifest in different ways like spitting out food, throwing away the food, or simply refusing to eat.

Before you dismiss the individual, try and find out why they are acting this way.

Some possible reasons for this behavior changes may include:

The food is too hot
A person does not like what is on the table
They are frustrated by the eating difficulties they are facing
Rushed eating
They do not like the eating area or the people around
They want assistance eating, etc.

When faced with such a scenario, remember to be as calm as possible so that it does not escalate and become worse. Never put pressure or rush a person as they eat.

You can also take the food away and wait for them to cool down before offering something to eat or drink.

It is also important to try and read body language to pick up clues on what the person wants.

You should also note that this is not the time for criticism and nagging. Offer plenty of support keeping in mind that the individual may not be in control of how they react.

They act the way they do because of the changes that happen in their brain because of the memory-loss disease.

Declining Motor and Visual Abilities

In regards to dementia and eating problems, the individual with the illness may experience a decline in motor and visual abilities as the disease progresses.

He or she may have a difficult time trying to comprehend where some objects concerning each other.

This often affects co-ordination and movement, which can cause problems when a person is eating.

Some helpful tips that can make things a lot easier for the person with dementia include offering colorful foods that are easily distinguishable.

You may also want to avoid the use of paper napkins or Styrofoam cups that a person might eat by mistake.

Store away the fragile China porcelain and do not place sharp knives on the table. It is also recommended to offer one food at a time to avoid overwhelming the person with dementia.

Closing Thought

Eating well is essential for anyone who has dementia if they want to stay healthy. A balanced diet is key to enhancing the quality of life. Not eating enough makes you prone to unhealthy weight loss, lower muscle strength, higher risk of infection, and a myriad of other health problems.

For people with dementia, it is vital to work closely with a dietician who will advise on the best foods to consume at every stage of the illness.

You should also note that each person’s dementia and eating journey is unique. For this reason, it also helps to take into account an individual’s culture, history, beliefs, and preference when coming up with diet plans.

This will help you to tailor appropriate eating solutions that will meet their preferences and nutritional needs.

How Can the Peanut Butter Test Detect Alzheimer’s

Rok Krivec Blog, Signs February 7, 2021October 16, 2021alzheimer's disease, peanut butter test

One study indicates that it is possible to use a peanut butter test to diagnose if a person has Alzheimer’s disease.

The study that was published in 2013 in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences states that the diagnostic test involves measuring an individual’s ability to smell peanut butter through each nostril to determine whether or not they have Alzheimer’s.

How does peanut butter detect Alzheimer’s?

The researchers that conducted the study believe that persons who have dementia cannot smell peanut butter through their nostrils.

Even when the peanut butter is placed close to their noses.

Why Was the Research Conducted?

Jennifer J. Stamps who was the leader of the study opted to use the peanut butter test because from her research after she concluded that smell is dependent on olfactory nerve.

She noted that this was among the first thing that cognitive decline affects.

Additionally, the temporal lobe’s front part is one of the first regions in the brain to degenerate because of the illness.

She thought of the idea when working with Dr, Kenneth Heilman a distinguished neurology and health psychology professor.

This is after observing that they were not testing patients in the clinic for their sense of smell. She chose the peanut butter because according to her, the butter is a pure odorant that is easy to access and the olfactory nerve can detect it.

While conducting the study, the experts thought that there would be a difference in the left nostril because the neurodegenerative disease affects the left side of the brain.

However, they found out that people with Alzheimer’s were not able to smell peanut butter through their left and right nostrils as well.

How was the Study Conducted?

Jennifer Stamps led a team of researchers from The University of Florida.

They requested more than 90 participants to smell a spoonful of peanut butter (about 14 grams) that was placed a short distance from their noses on a metric ruler.

All the subjects had to close their mouths, eyes, and one nostril and have the peanut butter moved closer until they could smell it. The process was repeated after 90 seconds with the other nostril.

Among the participants, some had no neurological or cognitive problems, others had various dementia types, while the rest had confirmed Alzheimer’s diagnosis in the early stages.

After everyone was through smelling the peanut butter, the team found out that the only people who had difficulties in smelling the peanut butter test were the ones that had first-stage Alzheimer’s.

The researchers also recorded that these groups of participants had more trouble using their left nostrils to smell the peanut butter.

The individuals were able to use their right nostrils to smell the peanut butter ten centimeters farther away than the left one.

The difference in smell between the two nostrils is unique to Alzheimer’s disease.

Reactions to the Study

The results of the study were not readily accepted in the medical field. Many neurologists like Dr, David Knopman said that there were doubting about such a simple study being used for a complex disease.

Other professionals also recorded their concerns stating that other kinds of dementia record greater smell impairments; thus, the peanut butter test cannot distinguish different forms of dementia.

Some experts, however, commended the efforts of the research saying that it may lead to more affordable and non-invasive ways of detecting Alzheimer’s.

Closing Remarks

The results of using the peanut butter test as an Alzheimer’s diagnostic test remain inconclusive. This is because the study was only done on a small sample size which included 94 participants only.

A follow-up study that was done at the University of Pennsylvania could not replicate the results of the initial study.

This research team said that their study showed no difference in the ability to smell peanut butter in their right and left nostrils.

More research needs to be done to identify more cost-effective, accessible, and accurate testing measures not only for Alzheimer’s disease but other dementia types as well.

Is Dementia Neurological or Psychological

Rok Krivec Blog February 7, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, neurological disorder, psychological disorder

There is a huge ongoing debate on the question is dementia neurological or psychological. Some experts claim that it is both neurological and psychological.

Others state that the disease is psychological while others vehemently say that dementia is neurological.

According to the American Psychological Association, researchers are learning new details of the underlying processes that cause various types of dementia thanks to advancements in neuroimaging; hence, it may be clear in the future whether dementia is psychological or neurological.

WHO (World Health Organization) also proposed that dementia diagnoses should now be classified as “disease of the nervous system instead of a behavioral or mental disorder.

These changes might imply that some health care experts will be exempt from offering dementia diagnostic assessment as well as an intervention that may lead to reduced access and quality care for persons who have dementia.

Is Dementia a Neurological Disorder?

Experts who state that dementia is a neurological illness when answering the query is dementia neurological or psychological say so because they believe that the illness involves damage or malfunction to the nervous systems which is made up of the nerves, spinal cord, and brain.

ARC (Advance Rehab Centre) explains that dementia is a progressive neurological condition.

For this reason, it is advisable for persons who think they have dementia to visit a neurologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders that affect the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.

They carry out neurological exams in a bid to look at reflexes, sensory function, balance, and other functions.

Dementia neurological signs

The professionals are also helpful when it comes to detecting some of the dementia signs like:

Memory issues
Reduced concentration
Problems completing familiar day to day tasks
Personality changes
Increased disorientation
Communication problems
Poor decision-making amongst others

Is Dementia a Psychological Disease?

Professionals who claim that dementia is psychological also make a strong argument.

Dementia psychological symptoms

The disease presents various psychological and behavioral symptoms that include:

Mood disturbances like depression
Repetitive behavior
Wandering
Agitation
Social inappropriateness
Sleep disturbance
Physical aggression
Psychosis which may include hallucinations and delusions

Psychologists play a major role when it comes to dementia.

They can help assess dementia in persons who are suspected to have the illness.

They can also offer counseling and education for the persons with the illness as well as their loved ones on how to best cope with the neurodegenerative illness.

Psychologists can offer their professional services to persons with dementia in multiple settings including hospitals, clinics, homes, and residential care facilities.

It is, however, important to note that dementia is not necessarily a mental illness because it is a persistent or chronic disorder of the mental process that is a result of brain injury or disease.

This said dementia is known to affect the mental health of a person who has the illness.

Closing Remarks

At this point, it is not easy to answer the question is dementia neurological or psychological.

This is mostly because the disease has some neurological aspects as well as psychological dimensions.

More research needs to be done to ascertain the category of the disease in regards to whether it is psychological or neurological.

5 Types of Vascular Dementia And Symptoms

Rok Krivec Blog, Signs, Types February 5, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, types of dementia, types of vascular dementia, vascular dementia

At the time of writing this, there are several different types of vascular dementia you should be aware of.

If you are ready to learn about all different varieties of the disease, this article covers all the necessary and then some.

Note, vascular dementia occurs when one starts to experience damaging blood vessels in the brain.

This can happen for an assortment of different reasons from poor oxygen flow and lack of nutrition to infarct and other brain diseases and injuries.

Have in mind, strokes are one of the most common reasons for the development of destructive vascular dementia.

While some of the types of vascular dementia are pretty similar, they still have particular details that are exclusive to the condition.

In other words, some are more common than others and the same goes for their symptoms.

Also, each type progresses uniquely if not treated early enough.

Of course, we all need to know that so far there is still no cure for dementia. However, if we act quickly enough, we can lighten the progress of the disease and ensure a more comfortable life.

With that in mind, let’s further investigate the different variations of vascular dementia and some of the causes.

By having the right knowledge, you can seek help from a doctor or a practitioner early enough for the older adult to get appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

Different Types of Vascular Dementia

1. Multi-Infarct Dementia (MID)

Vascular Dementia is a broad name that describes an umbrella of signs and symptoms related to brain damage caused by cerebrovascular disease.

The condition is marked by the impairment of blood flow to the brain owing to injured or damaged cells. In turn, it also hampers oxygen flow to the brain.

The impaired blood flow affects several functions initiated by the brain including memory, reasoning, judgment, and planning.

Vascular dementia presents itself in several ways depending on the specific cause and it also affects each individual person in different ways. Multi-infarct dementia (MID) is one of the types of vascular dementia.

What Causes MID

MID comes about when the brain suffers from several minor strokes causing injuries to several areas of the brain referred to as infarcts.

The strokes also cause extensive lesions in the brain’s nerve fibers. Physicians also explain that most of these “silent strokes” go unnoticed without any clinical symptoms.

That is how they manage to cause the severe and often irreparable damage to the brain cells resulting in the MID symptoms.

Since the infarcts affect secluded brain areas, the symptoms often have an adverse effect on specific functions like language or it can attack only one side of the body.

2. Subcortical Vascular Dementia

One of the other types of vascular dementia is Binswanger’s disease. For your information, many as well call this particular one subcortical vascular dementia.

It is marked by extensive damage to multiple tiny areas of the brain.

The result is an impairment in the arteries that supply blood to the brain’s subcortical regions which, in turn, diminishes blood circulation within the brain.

The more narrow the arteries get, the lesser the amount of blood that goes to the brain’s tissues, and the ultimate result is the inevitable death of the brain.

The condition could come about as a result of untreated diabetes or high blood pressure.

Symptoms of Subcortical Vascular Dementia

Notably, Binswanger’s disease is stroke-related and it presents even more impairments to the brain’s white substance as a result of the hardened arteries and several lunar infarctions.

Often, a person with this condition experiences memory difficulties and their reasoning skills deteriorate.

The condition also presents itself at the tail end of the fourth decade in life and its severity increases with age.

One of the symptoms characteristic of this type of vascular dementia is psychomotor slowness.

It presents itself with an increased length of time that a person takes to perform the simplest of tasks like writing the shape of a letter on a piece of paper.

Other symptoms include changes in speech, personality/ mood shifts, unsteady gait/clumsiness, or frequent falls.

3. Strategic Infarct Dementia

A single stroke can at times lead to vascular dementia depending on stroke’s size and its origin within the body.

The type of vascular dementia that comes about from these types of strokes is known as Strategic Infarct Dementia.

It occurs after the destruction of a significant cognitive process by an infarct in a specific area of the brain.

It is associated with the sudden onset of behavioral changes that take place after the stroke. Its symptoms depend on the function of the brain that the stroke damages.

If there are no subsequent series of strokes symptoms like impaired memory and decreased attention can often go unnoticed. Otherwise, the chances of the symptoms becoming worse are quite high.

Symptoms Associated With Strategic Infarct Dementia

Someone with Strategic Infarct Dementia often starts by presenting acute symptoms including fluctuating alertness and attentiveness.

Memory loss, psychomotor retardation and apathy are also some of the primary symptoms which suggest frontal lobe dysfunction.

When the stroke damages the left-sided infarcts it results in verbal memory loss while damages to the right-sided infarcts cause problems with visuospatial memory.

A state of altered consciousness also results in a lack of motivation as well as severe personality changes.

People who experience thalamic infarcts and hemorrhages might also experience motor aphasia and transcortical sensory issues.

4. Stroke-related Dementia

Note, many also use Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) when talking about this type of vascular dementia.

It affects the blood vessels within the brain as well as those in close proximity to it. This condition comes about when an artery feeding the brain with blood raptures.

It also comes about when part of the brain is deprived of enough blood affecting its normal functioning (termed ischemia) leading to the death of the cells (infarction).

Ischemia, which is also known as atherosclerosis, occurs when arteries supplying blood to the brain are narrow as a result of plaque, a fatty deposit.

These fatty deposits can rupture forming a blood clot that together can travel to arteries in the brain and block the vessels causing a stroke.

Symptoms Of Stroke-related Dementia

The symptoms that come about after a stroke leading to dementia vary based on the part of the brain that is affected.

The most common symptoms of stroke-related dementia include paralysis or weakness experienced on either side of the body. It can lead to the complete or partial loss of sensations or voluntary movements related to the arms or legs.

Also, it can cause speech problems owing to weakened face muscles, and drooling is often a symptom too.

When a stroke hits the base of the brain it affects functions like balance, consciousness, swallowing, and even breathing.

Strokes are a medical emergency and it’s important to seek medical assistance when you suspect someone is having a stroke.

5. Post-Stroke Dementia

Another common vascular dementia type is Post-stroke Dementia (PSD) that often occurs after suffering from a stroke. It uniquely comprises of the symptoms associated with other types of dementia collectively.

It could be degenerative dementia Alzheimer’s disease or a mix of both. At this point, cognitive abilities usually deteriorate, unlike the temporary physical disability symptoms experience post strokes.

Since the vascular system in the brain is damaged due to an insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients, a person with vascular dementia often exhibits depression with rapid mood fluctuations.

Post-stroke cognitive damage may also affect a large number of stroke survivors. People with pre-stroke cognitive decline have a high risk of also developing PSD.

Middle Stage Alzheimer’s Disease – What to Expect

Rok Krivec Blog, Stages February 4, 2021October 16, 2021alzheimer's disease, middle stage alzheimer's disease, signs of alzheimer's

In this article, we cover all the possible symptoms, challenges and what to do during the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease.

This comprehensive “guide” will help you as a caregiver or someone who is concerned about their situation.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder, one of the most common dementia types. It causes numerous changes in the lives of persons who have the illness.

This includes confusion, memory loss, gradual loss of independence, and changes in personality among many others.

The disease progresses through four main stages.

4 Alzheimer’s Disease Stages

Pre-clinical stage

This is where a person experiences changes in the brain before any symptoms of the disease start showing up.

Early/mild stage

It is the onset of the disease that makes a person mildly experience various symptoms. Examples of such include mild forgetfulness and problems managing money, etc.

Middle/moderate stage

At this stage, the symptoms of the illness become more pronounced where persons with the disease start to face new challenges like difficulties learning new information and problems with communication amidst others.

Late/severe stage

This is the last leg of the disease where an individual becomes less independent as they have to tackle worsening symptoms before their demise.

Each of these stages of Alzheimer’s is unique in terms of the level of independence a person has and the symptoms they go through.

Today we will focus on middle stage Alzheimer’s disease. This is typically the longest stage of the illness.

Below we will let you in on what to expect during this phase.

Signs of Middle Stage Alzheimer’s disease

Some of the symptoms that you may experience during the middle stage of the illness include:

Communication Problems

Persons with Alzheimer’s gradually lose their ability to express thoughts, find the right words, and keep conversations going.

As time passes by, a considerable percentage will also have a problem understanding what other people are saying.

Communication problems that may crop up during the middle stage include repetitiveness, trouble finding the proper words, reverting to native language, losing train of thought, and relying on non-verbal communication.

Behavioral Changes

Individuals with Alzheimer’s may experience various changes in behaviors. These may include anxiety, depression, irritability, verbal, and physical outbursts.

Loss Of Independence

Most people with Alzheimer’s will start to have difficulties completing daily tasks.

They may need assistance with activities like grooming, eating, choosing the clothes to wear, taking a bath, brushing teeth, and so forth.

Memory Loss

More significant loss of memory is one of the hallmarks of mid-stage Alzheimer’s. Persons at this stage may have a hard time recalling information.

These include personal details like phone numbers, where they live, or important dates like anniversaries and birthdays.

Some people have challenges identifying people who are close to them. They may recognize familiar faces but have no clue what their names are or the relationship they share.

Other symptoms that people experience at his stage include worsening judgment and poorer concentration levels.

People with Alzheimer’s at this point may not be able to tell the time or place they are in.

Knowing the changes to expect is important for the person with the disease and the caregivers as well.

The person suffering will not be too overwhelmed with the changes happening because they already anticipate them.

Caregivers can also come up with the most suitable solutions to deal with these signs so that the person under their care remains as comfortable as possible.

With this in mind, it is also vital to emphasize that Alzheimer’s disease is an individual experience, which means that the warning signs and progression rate can vary widely across individuals.

Safety Concerns During Alzheimer’s Disease Middle Stage

The signs above may lead to the development of a couple of safety concerns for persons who are going through Alzheimer’s middle stage.

One of the main ones has got to be driving.

Because of changes that are happening in a person’s body, it is advisable for people who have Alzheimer’s to stop driving when they get to the middle stages because it is no longer safe.

Persons with the illness may find it hard at first, but the people around them must reassure them it is the right move.

Additionally, friends and relatives should make sure the affected individuals always get rides when need be.

It also becomes dangerous to leave a person who has Alzheimer’s alone during the middle stages. They are bound to wander and get lost or hurt.

Safety precautions also need to be prioritized, especially if the person is still living at home to avoid accidents and enhance safety.

If the person with Alzheimer’s lives alone, it would be a great idea for them to move in with relatives who are willing to offer round the clock care.

If this is not possible, a residential care setting is an excellent alternative.

These are usually built for seniors who have Alzheimer’s; thus, take care of resident’s needs in the proper way.

Coping with Middle Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

Going through mid-stage Alzheimer’s does not mean that life comes to an end. There are plenty of things that ill people can do to remain sane and enjoy life a little bit like:

Engage in Pleasurable Activities

Depending on the level of interest and ability, a person with Alzheimer’s needs to take part in activities they will enjoy.

This can be anything from going for short walks, gardening, crafts, or helping with meal times. These do not need to be anything strenuous and difficult.

The main goal of engaging in various activities is to have fun and forget about the sickness even if it’s just for a little while.

This will not only enhance the quality of life, but it can also help to reduce some behaviors like aggression and wandering.

Remember that the person with Alzheimer’s has to enjoy these activities, or else it will not bring forth the desired results.

Work with a Suitable Daily Care Plan

Daily routines work out well for persons experiencing middle stage Alzheimer’s disease. Planning out the day in advance means that a person knows what they will do.

This is beneficial because the suffering individual does not need to spend a lot of time trying to figure out what they should be doing.

At this stage, a caregiver should assist in planning for the day. They should schedule activities that focus on a person’s strengths, likes, interests, and abilities.

The day must include adequate time for bathing, dressing, meals, and rest time.

For people who experience any type of sleep problem, it would be best if they stick to regular times for going to bed and waking up.

Daily routines also need to be flexible enough so that if need be a person can add some spontaneous, meaningful activities.

Most importantly, the day to day routines should adapt to changes the person with Alzheimer’s is going through.

Incorporate Music and Art

Art and music have a way of enriching the lives of individuals who have Alzheimer’s, particularly at the middle and end stages.

These allow affected people to engage and express themselves better.

Studies show that music might help improve some behavioral issues.

For instance, if a person listens or dances to the tunes, they love, it can help them feel less agitated.

Music is also known to offer a way to connect in cases where verbal communication becomes more difficult.

Art projects, on the other hand, can offer a sense of purpose and achievement. It should be exciting to engage in using materials that are not toxic or sharp.

Persons participating in the art project should also take their time and have a blast with the activity keeping in mind that the project does not have to end in a single sitting.

Join Support Groups

Alzheimer’s disease can be a very alienating illness where most people just want to stay alone. This is not wise because this is what leads to health complications like depression.

It is crucial to find a support group that is close to your location. You can thereby meet other people who are in a similar situation.

This can give you solace, knowing that other people also experience the same challenges.

The support groups can also offer great resources that can help make the Alzheimer’s journey a little bit easier.

Closing Remarks

Experts are currently working tirelessly to come up with a cure for Alzheimer’s because there is none.

For this reason, is important for a person going through middle stage Alzheimer’s to closely work with their doctor to explore treatment options that can help to reduce symptoms that a person experiences.

Do not forget to pay attention to other health issues like dental needs.

Understand that the middle level of the disease requires more effort than the earlier stages.

This implies that persons with Alzheimer’s need all the support they need to live life to the fullest.

As a side note, the person with Alzheimer’s also needs to start planning for the future if the necessary measures are not put in place yet.

This way, there will be no debate when it comes to fulfilling care, legal, and financial wishes when the time comes. Some steps that you can take to secure the future include:

1. Looking into services that are available as your needs change and the illness progresses. These can include care facilities, community programs like Meals on Wheels, respite care, and homecare.

2. Appointing a power of attorney to a trustworthy person. This is the individual who will be responsible for voicing out your decisions when it comes to legal, care, and financial matters where you are not in a position to make a sound judgment.

Can an MRI Detect Dementia?

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention February 4, 2021October 16, 2021brain scan, dementia, mri

People who are suspected to have dementia will often ask can an MRI detect dementia.

This is because doctors often use brain scans to identify tumors, strokes, and other problems that might lead to dementia development.

MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomographic) scans are the most common types of brain scans that doctors use when they want to confirm whether a person has a neurodegenerative illness or not.

Brain Scans and Dementia

Below, however, we will focus on answering the query, “Can an MRI detect dementia?”

Why Doctors Consider MRI to Detect Dementia

Medical experts will advise on the use of MRI when they suspect that a person has dementia.

MRI uses focused radio waves and magnetic fields to detect the presence of hydrogen atoms in tissues in the human body.

MRI scans also reveal the brain’s anatomic structure with 3D imaging allowing doctors to get a clear view of the current state of the organ.

This way, the doctor is able to rule out other health problems like hydrocephalus, hemorrhage, stroke, and tumors that can mimic dementia.

With these scans, physicians can also detect loss of brain mass that relates to different types of dementia.

fMRI (functional MRI) records blood flow changes that are linked to the activities of the brain. This may help physicians differentiate dementia types.

Verywellhealth.com also suggests that MRI scans can at times identify reversible cognitive decline.

In such a case, a doctor will recommend appropriate treatment that will reverse this decline and restore cognitive functioning.

MRI Scans can show dementia

According to researchers from Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the answer to can an MRI detect dementia is to some extent yes.

The scientists explained that doctors have an easier time telling whether a person has dementia through MRI scans.

This gets rid of the need to carry out invasive tests that people find unfriendly like the lumbar puncture where a doctor must stick a needle in the spine.

Additionally, it also helps to speed up the diagnosis process which is important seeing that dementia diagnosis for the longest time has been a struggle for medics often leading to delayed treatment.

In addition to telling whether a person has dementia, MRI scans may in the future help doctors determine whether an individual is at risk of dementia according to new research.

Research from the University of California San Francisco and the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis conducted a small study where MRI brain scans were able to predict with 89% accuracy the people who were going to develop dementia in three years.

The researchers presented their findings in Chicago during a Radiological Society of North America meeting.

It suggested that in a few years, physicians will be able to tell people their risk of developing dementia before they start to showcase any symptoms of the neurodegenerative illness.

Closing Thoughts

To answer the query can an MRI detect dementia it is safe to say that for now, doctors can use MRI scans as well as other diagnostic procedures to tell whether a person has dementia.

With time, however, researchers are hopeful that they will perfect MRI techniques.

These will improve the doctor’s ability to diagnose various forms of dementia with better accuracy using the scans alone.