Signs - ReaDementia

Wandering and Dementia (Comprehensive Guide)

Petra Boh Blog, Causes, Signs March 13, 2021September 6, 2023dementia, wandering

Many people with dementia may at one time have to deal with wandering and dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that 6 in 10 people who have dementia will wander. This normally happens in the early stages of the illness.

Studies also show that the risk of wandering is usually higher for men than women.

Read on to find out more details about wandering including symptoms, causes, management & prevention strategies, caregiver goals, and planning for emergencies.

Warning Signs for Wandering in Dementia

There are several symptoms loved ones or caregivers can look out for to know if a person with dementia is at risk of wandering and some of them include:

Forgetting how to get to familiar places
Taking longer periods to get back home from regular drives or walks
Wanting or trying to “go home” even when a person is at home already
Talking about fulfilling former obligations like going to the office
Pacing, making repetitive movements, or being restless often
Asking about the whereabouts of past relatives or friends
Having a hard time accessing familiar places in the house like the dining room, bathroom, or bedroom
Acting anxious or nervous in public places with crowds such as restaurants or malls
Acting as if a person is engaging in a chore or hobby but they are not getting anything done. For instance, a person may be in the kitchen with a pot but they are not cooking anything

Reasons People with Dementia May Wander

The exact causes of wandering are not yet fully understood.

However, there are certain triggers associated with wandering and dementia and some of them include but are not limited to:

Fear or Stress

Individuals with dementia may start to wander as a reaction to feeling nervous in their current environment.

New Environments

People with dementia may feel disoriented or uncertain when they have to adapt to a changed environment like a new home or care center.

Many people may also want to escape from busy or noisy spaces. Wandering may stop once a person gets used to the chances.

Unmet Basic Needs

A person may wander off as they go looking for water, food, or the bathroom. Some people may also want to explore the outdoors and forget the way back home.

Loss of Short-Term Memory

Wandering may be caused by loss of memory. An individual may set off to go visit a friend or go to the shops and then forget where they are going or why.

A person may also forget that their loved one was going out and set off to look for them.

Searching

Affected individuals may get lost while looking for something or someone like a long-lost friend.

Excessive Energy

An individual may also start wandering as a way of using excess energy, which is one of the reasons why patients with dementia walk so much. It may be an indication that the individual needs to exercise more.

Visual-Spatial Issues

Individuals with dementia may get lost even in familiar places because the illness affects the areas of the brain that are responsible for navigation and guidance, even vision.

Expressing Boredom and Loneliness

People with dementia find it more challenging to concentrate on one thing as the illness progresses. Wandering can be one of the ways they keep occupied.

Following Past Routines

Some people will wander off as they try to go back to their former workplaces or grocery stores.

Devices to assist caregivers with monitoring wandering

	Product	Features
	Bed Alarm for Elderly Dementia Patients	Motion sensor Portable pager Fall prevention Easy to install Wireless
	Caregiver Pager, Wireless Panic Buttons Elderly Monitoring Assistance	Intercom Waterproof Durable 58 loud chimes Easy to install 500ft wireless
	4pc Security Home Camera	24/7 full HD recording Enhanced night vision Video alarm system AI identification Home app for family
	Smart Caregiver Corporation Cordless Bed Exit Monitoring System Alarm with Bed Pressure Sensing Pad	Prevent falls & wandering Wireless portable (300ft) Pressure pad and monitor
	Elderly Cellular Medical Alert Device\| Wearable Panic Button Necklace \| Medical Alert Systems for Seniors	Fall detection 2-way communication Waterproof 5 emergency contacts Lifetime warranty
	Elderly Cellular Medical Alert Device \| Medical Alert Smartwatch	Fall detector 2-way communication Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen monitor Lifetime warranty

Strategies for Preventing and Managing Wandering

While chances of wandering are pretty high, there are various prevention and management tips that caregivers can use to help reduce the chances such as:

Visiting a Doctor

When a person with dementia starts to wander, it is advisable to consult a doctor who will conduct a physical check-up.

This helps to identify whether discomfort, pain, or an existing illness is triggering wandering. It may help to discuss any side-effects of medication that the person is taking.

It is best to avoid medication that increases confusion or causes drowsiness and incontinence

Creating Daily Routines

When looking after a person who is battling both wandering and dementia, it is advisable to create a routine the person with the illness follows every day.

This helps to offer structure so that the affected individual is “busy” all day lowering the chances of wandering. Where possible, identify the times of the day or night where the individual is most likely to wander.

This is the best time to plan fun activities or appropriate exercise for the person. It can help reduce agitation, restlessness, and anxiety.

Offer Reassurance

If a person with dementia is feeling abandoned, disoriented, or lost; caregivers should communicate in a reassuring manner.

Focus mostly on validation and exploration. For example, if a person insists that they need to go “home” or to “work” caregivers can tell them something like “It is okay, we will be staying here tonight where we will be safe and can go home or to work in the morning.”

Do not try and correct the person because it can lead to more confusion and agitation.

Meet Basic Needs

Some people with dementia will wander because their basic needs have not been fulfilled. It is; therefore, the responsibility of carers to ensure they meet all their basic needs on time.

This includes making sure they eat well, hydrate, and go to the bathroom when need be.

Avoid Busy Places

This can be anywhere from grocery stores, shopping malls, and other busy avenues. These places can be confusing causing disorientation.

Remove Access to Car Keys

If the person is no longer driving; ensure that car keys are not in sight. This is because persons with dementia do not only wander on foot.

It is easy for individuals to forget that they can no longer drive. If a person can safely drive, it may be best to use a GPS device so that if they get lost, they can be found easily.

Additionally, it is also advisable to keep shoes, hats, coats, and other items that are associated with leaving home out of sight.

Offer Supervision

When taking care of a person with dementia, keep an eye on them especially when visiting new environments so that they do not get lost.

Do not lock the affected individual in a car or house alone.

Beef up Security

There are several options to explore when it comes to this.

For instance, installing door locks that are either high or low so that they are out of the line of sight and not easily accessible by individuals with the illness.

Camouflaging doors by placing removable curtains over doors or painting them a color that matches the surrounding walls can also help.

Investing in devices that signal when windows or doors open can also be helpful. This can be a sophisticated electronic home alarm system or a simple bell placed above the door and window.

This alerts caregivers when people with dementia are attempting to leave the house.

Identification Card

It is also important for the person with dementia to have an identification card on them at all times.

Additionally, they can also wear medical bracelets, or put on clothes that have labels with their information.

Planning For Emergencies

When it comes to looking after a person experiencing wandering and dementia, it is important to have a plan in place for emergency situations.

This is because wandering can pose various safety issues particularly in very cold or hot temperatures. Some of the plans that can be put in place include:

Having a list of people to contact for help- Store phone numbers where they are easily accessible.
Request neighbors, family, and friends to call if they see the person with dementia staying alone.
Take close-up photos of affected individuals regularly and have updated medical information that can be given to the police.
Create a List of Places an Individual may Wander- These can include places such as former homes, past job locations, former schools, favorite restaurants, and places of worship.
Study the Neighbourhood Well- this helps to note down potentially dangerous spots near the house such as open stairwells, water bodies, tunnels, dense foliage, bus stops, and roads with heavy traffic.
To be on the safe side, it is best to consider enrolling an individual with a wandering response service.

If a person happens to wander try and stay calm as you begin the start the search and rescue efforts as soon as possible.

In most cases, persons who wander are usually found within one and a half miles of where they disappeared. If the person is not found within the fifteen minutes, file a missing person’s report by immediately calling 911.

Do not forget to let the authorities know that the individual has dementia.

Wandering and Dementia Caregiver Goals

When responding to wandering from persons who have dementia, care goals can be categorized into:

1. Encouraging, maintaining, and supporting choice and mobility enabling the person to move around independently and safely.

2. Assessing and managing the causes of wandering paying close attention to meeting basic needs.

3. Prevent unsafe wandering.

There is still limited research when it comes to wandering and dementia.

However, caregivers can still respond to the new development appropriately to ensure the person with dementia remains safe and happy.

Sundowning And Dementia – A Pattern Of Deterioration?

Rok Krivec Blog, Signs, Types March 12, 2021August 6, 2023dementia, sundowning, sundowning and dementia

There can be a pattern of deterioration when it comes to sundowning and dementia.

Some people with dementia normally go through challenging times during the late afternoons or early evenings. This is a condition that is known as sundowning.

It is also known as sundown syndrome or late-day confusion.

This is where a person with dementia may experience big changes like irritability, agitation, confusion, and restlessness that can either start or become worse as the day begins to end.

Everything to Know About Sundowning And Dementia

These usually get better by daybreak. At times, this might continue into the night, affecting how a person sleeps and eventually how they function during the day.

In most cases, sundown syndrome happens to persons who have advanced or mid-stage dementia.

Almost 20% of people who have dementia experience the syndrome.

Sundowning itself is not a disease, but it is a group of symptoms that tend to occur at a specific time of the day affecting persons with dementia.

Even though sundown syndrome is real, it is one of the most misunderstood dementia behaviors. Below we get into more details about sundowning and dementia – a pattern of deterioration?

Possible Causes of Sundowning

It is still not clear what the exact causes of sundowning are. Studies, however, suggest a few theories that explain what some of the possible causes might be.

One of the most prominent is the changes that happen in the brain, which in turn affect an individual’s “biological clock,” making them confused about the wake and sleep cycles.

It is where a person cannot tell when it is daytime or when it is nighttime.

The problem becomes worse when the clock changes, i.e. when the daylight becomes extended or suddenly gets lost. This often leads to irritability and other sundowning behaviors.

Other factors that may cause this condition include:

Pain and discomfort
Being overly tired
Boredom
Depression
Thirst, hunger, or other unmet needs
More shadows and less light in the house
Reactions to frustration cues that exhausted caregivers may showcase at the end of a long day
Overstimulation by noisy children, a loud TV or when their caregiver is doing chores around their living space.
Changes in the environment: Most people with dementia are attuned to their environment to the extent that they can become distressed when slight or big changes occur. For instance, if a person lives in a nursing home, agitation may come about when there is a shift change. At home, it is easy for the persons with dementia to pick up bad moods from their relatives which often leads to a reaction.
Disorientation because of not telling the difference between reality and dreams while sleeping
Existence of infections like UTI (urinary tract infection), etc.

Signs of Sundown Syndrome

When discussing sundowning and dementia, It is important to pinpoint some of the signs to look out for if you suspect that a person with dementia has late-day confusion.

Some of the most common ones are:

Yelling
Pacing
Mood swings
Seeing or hearing non-existent things
Arguing
Wandering
Restlessness
Confusion
A compelling sense that someone is in the wrong place
Rummaging through rooms, or drawers, etc.

When a person is going through some of the above behavioral changes, it is not the time to get into an arguing contest with them.

Some of the tips you can work with to help make the situation a little better include:

Approaching the person in a calm way
Asking if there is anything the person needs
Offering gentle reassurance that everything is under control
Reminding what time of the day it is in a kind manner

How to Deal With Sundowning

If you notice that the person with dementia you are caring for has sundowning signs, there are a few steps you can take to cope with the situation such as:

Creating distractions

If an individual becomes excessively agitated, try to take control of the situation by calmly listening to their frustrations and concerns.

Do your best to reassure the person that everything will be fine. You can also create distractions from upsetting or stressful events.

Develop a routine

Setting regular times for meals, waking up, bathing and retiring to bed can help with the situation.

It is also important to try and schedule outings, appointments, and visits during morning hours when a person is likely to feel their best.

Identify triggers

Another way you can help a person going through sundowning is to look for patterns.

Note down the things that may be triggering the condition and go ahead to limit or avoid them.

Avoid or limit things that affect sleep

Persons with dementia should not drink alcohol or smoke. Additionally, you can encourage them to consume bigger meals during breakfast and lunch and make evening meals simple and small.

If a person loves caffeine and sweets, let them take these in the earlier part of the day. Long naps in the afternoon should also be discouraged.

Keep them active

Another piece of advice when speaking about sundowning and dementia is to keep the persons with dementia active or busy during the day, something that can promote a good night’s sleep.

Daytime inactivity can result in issues with sleep.

Offering familiarity and comfort

People who have dementia appreciate being surrounded by comforting persons, thoughts, and things.

These usually help one to cope with some of the challenging issues that crop up as they are dealing with the illness.

Whether the person is living at home or at an assisted facility, ensure that they have all the items they cherish.

Loved ones should also try and visit them often to keep them company and keep them smiling. This also helps to combat stress a move that can lessen sundowning symptoms.

Reduce demands on the person with dementia

If a person has late-day confusion, try and make their late afternoons and evenings as stress-free as possible.

It should be a time when they just relax. This includes telling the person to do things that you might think are relaxing, such as taking a bath, listening to music or meditating.

It might be helpful because it means that their brain will not be giving in to the pressures of environmental demands.

Change tone

The way you talk to a person who is going through sundowning episodes must be addressed when tackling the issue on sundowning and dementia.

You must always use “inside” tonal voices talking soothingly and slowly.

Listen carefully to the response of the person you are caring for to see if you can arrest the source of distress.

If you feel like the individual is comfortable, sit close to them and reach out holding their hand and softly stroke his or her arm.

Enhance security in the home

This is especially helpful for those people who tend to wander due to sundown syndrome.

You can keep your loved one safe by putting in place measures like using the right type of window and door locks or installing motion detectors and door sensors so that those around can receive alerts when the person with dementia is on the move.

With this in mind, you need to avoid the use of restraints at all costs.

If the individual needs to pace, you can allow them to do so in a safe environment under your supervision instead of pinning them down a move that can make the situation worse.

Follow a chilled evening routine

Routines are not a preserve for daytime when you are dealing with a person with dementia. You can also have one in the evening to help ease the transition process.

Here you can include activities like stroking a pet, reading a book if it is possible, listening to soothing music, etc.

If you are watching TV or listening to the radio, set this to a program that is relatively quiet and calming.

People shouting or loud noises can distress individuals who have dementia.

If the above tips do not generate the results you desire, it may be time to seek help from a professional doctor.

He or she will check out the individual with dementia to offer appropriate solutions.

For instance, the medic might have to change medicines that an individual is taking so that he or she only takes drugs that help in relaxation and do not cause more confusion.

Medicine to Treat Sundowning

When dealing with sundowning and dementia, it is okay to be curious about whether any drugs that make these symptoms better.

This is because caregivers at times go through extremely overwhelming sessions where any interpersonal strategies they try do not seem to work.

Prescriptions are available, but a person with dementia should only use this as a matter of last resort. You must try everything else first before you go down the drug route.

A situation where it may be necessary to use medication is where there is a high degree of agitation that is running out of control and the caregiver cannot manage this effectively.

Medicine can help reduce distress so that the person who has dementia gets fast relief from their upset.

Examples of drugs that the doctor can prescribe include antipsychotic medicine which in as much as they can be effective, they can also carry certain risks.

This is why it is important to be very cautious when administering any type of drug to a person undergoing sundowning.

At What Stage of Dementia Does Incontinence Occur?

Laura Herman Blog, Signs March 6, 2021August 13, 2023dementia, incontinence

It is essential to understand at what stage of dementia does incontinence occur to prepare accordingly (in advance).

Up to 70% of people with dementia develop incontinence (urinating or defecating involuntarily).

What Stage of Dementia is Incontinence?

It’s especially common in later stages of dementia due to an assortment of reasons.

Some are directly related to dementia, while others aren’t. Physical changes that occur with other conditions or with the aging process also can contribute.

Why do People with Dementia Become Incontinent?

People with dementia may become incontinent for a variety of reasons – and often, for several at once.

Stress Incontinence

Many older women experience “stress incontinence.”

When the weakened bladder muscles are “stressed” by a sneeze or a laugh, they may leak small amounts of urine.

Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence is a common condition among elders, characterized by a sudden and intense need to urinate, followed by the loss of a large amount of urine.

Functional Incontinence

Mobility challenges can make it hard to get to the toilet on time.

Difficulty Managing Clothing

Unzipping or unbuttoning pants can become a challenge due to various reasons, including arthritis or cognitive changes.

Communication Deficits

People with dementia may be unable to communicate the need to use the restroom.

Cognitive Changes

A person may forget how to complete the sequence of events needed to successfully remove clothing and use the toilet.

The brain may become less able to recognize the signal from the body that it needs the bathroom.

Difficulty finding the bathroom, recognizing the toilet, or comprehending how to use it can present a major barrier.

Incontinence Products

	Product	Features
	Prevail Air plus Daily Brief	Soft & breathable Ultimate absorbency Pack of 4 (18 count) Night & day Skin smart Omni-odor guard
	Wellness Superio Series BriefsBrand: Unique Wellness	Fully Absorb up to 2.6L Wide absorbent core Resealable landing zone for easy adjustment White with a nylon based crinkle-free plastic Value for money Stays dry for 8+ hours Award winner/ Featured on Discovery Channel
	One Piece Waterproof Snap-on Diaper Cover BriefBrand: Salk	Lightweight Softness of cloth 100% waterproof Polyester/urethane outer Brushed polyester inner Super-absorbent pad 3-ply inner layer Waterproof outer layer Washable
	SOSecure Containment Swim BriefBrand: Discovery Trekking Outfitters	Discreet Swimming Undergarment Durable Polyurethane Fabric Fleece Lining Hook and Loop Closure (Easy) Elastic Waist & Legs Machine Washable Latex Free
	Prevail Overnight Bladder Control PadsBrand: First Quality	For Women Dri-Fit cotton enhanced QUICK WICK Layer and cotton Odor Guard
	Depend Men GuardsBrand: Kimberly Clark	Adhesive strips to hold guard in place Individually wrapped Discreet- pocket-sized pouch Easy carrying and disposal Contoured design Cup-shaped protection for men One size fits most
	Medline Incontinence Bed Pads	Underpads 50 count 36"X36" Heavy absorbancy Polypropylene backing (protects against leakage & resists melting) Ideal for overnight use
	Inspire Washable and Reusable Incontinence Chair or Bed Pads	Washable/reusable Solves incontinence problems Safely absorbs & lock in liquids Soft & comfortable Non-irritating
	Bariatric 2X-Large UnderwearBrand: Attends	Improved side panels (better comfort & fit) Acquisition layer Super absorbent polymer Tear-away sides (easy removal) Looks & feels like regular underwear Bag of 12
	Depend Mens Maximum Absorbency UnderwearBrand: Kimberly Clark	Outstanding protection Improved underwear-like fit Brief-like leg opening Heavy incontinence Soft, quiet, breathable material Conforms to the body
	AIRCUTE Washable Absorbent Urine Incontinence Underwear for Women	6 layers High waist Absorbent & leakproof Washable Breathable Comfortable
	Prevail Adult WashclothBrand: First Quality	Super strong & soft fabric (12" x 8") Stay-open & easy-close lid Press 'N' Pull lid Super strong soft fabric Aloe & lanolin Lid closes tightly

How to Minimize Urinary Incontinence

There are many ways to minimize urinary incontinence. The solution for each individual will depend on the cause, or causes, in their unique case.

A multi-pronged approach, tailor-fit to their situation, will likely be most effective.

Locate the Toilet

Placing signs, or a trail of masking tape on the floor, to help the person find the toilet may help.

Sometimes pictures are easier for the person to understand than written words.

Keep the light on in the bathroom, or place a portable commode, or urinal, at the bedside to help someone who has trouble finding the bathroom during the night.

Replace Troublesome Clothing

Elastic waistbands can make toileting easier for those who have difficulty managing buttons or zippers.

Watch for Non-Verbal Clues

Pay attention to the person’s non-verbal communication. Even if they can’t always articulate that they need the bathroom, people often show outward behavioral signs.

Common signs of needing the restroom include:

Fidgeting with or removing clothing
Pacing, wandering or going in and out of different rooms
Peering around frantically

Toileting Plan

One of the best ways to minimize incontinence is to develop a personalized toileting plan based on the person’s needs.

Initially, the “plan” may be as simple and informal as reminding the person to use the bathroom before leaving the house.

Over time, the frequency and amount of oversight or assistance may increase.

Pay attention to when the person usually needs the restroom and try to anticipate it.

Remind or assist them regularly just before they are likely to need it.

Example:

Larry is a senior with middle-stage Alzheimer’s Disease. He has difficulty recognizing when he needs to urinate, and usually doesn’t get to the toilet on time. He wears incontinent briefs, which used to be wet almost every time he went to the bathroom.

His wife, Roberta, used to ask him if he needed the bathroom, but he would always tell her “no”. Now, however, she doesn’t ask him. Instead, she walks with him to the restroom regularly – when he wakes up, before each meal, after dinner and before bed.

She also wakes him up around midnight and again around 5:00 a.m. If she doesn’t wake him up he will usually wake up on his own around 1:00 and 6:00 in a rush to find the bathroom. Not only is this upsetting to him, it is unsafe because he won’t slow down enough to use his walker.

With this plan, Larry’s brief has rarely been wet at all over the past several months. However, last week he started taking a new diuretic medication to reduce the swelling in his legs, and he immediately started to have accidents again. When Larry went to the toilet before lunch his incontinent brief was soaked.

After a few days, Roberta was able to adjust the plan to the new needs. She started walking Larry to use the toilet after breakfast, and again around 10:30. Larry is back to enjoying accident-free days at this time.

The Importance of Sleep

It’s worth thinking twice about waking up someone with dementia to prevent overnight incontinence. Sleep deprivation can seriously impact both physical and mental health.

It can also worsen the symptoms of dementia.

Depending on the situation, it may be worth considering a quality night brief instead.

These special briefs are designed for extended wear and can absorb large amounts of urine, keeping it away from the person’s skin.

Regular briefs should not be worn if they are wet. Extremely damaging to skin, it also increases the risk of urinary tract infections and pressure ulcers.

Keep Drinking

Some elders avoid drinking fluids because they are afraid of having to urinate more or having an accident.

However, dehydration is a serious concern for elders. It can worsen confusion, contribute to falls, or lead to a medical emergency.

Elders with dementia tend to be at especially high risk for dehydration.

Caffeine and certain medications can cause an increase in urination, which can contribute to both incontinence and dehydration. In general, it’s a good idea to avoid caffeine and to take the diuretic medication in the early waking hours.

Always discuss medications, including what time they are taken, with the person’s doctor.

Talk to the Doctor

There are medications for “overactive bladder”, but beware: this is not the cause of most incontinence in dementia.

Furthermore, some of these medications can worsen dementia symptoms significantly.

There are also other potential treatments for incontinence depending on its cause. Discuss all medications and any concerns about incontinence with the person’s doctor.

Watch for Urinary Tract Infections

Sudden onset or increase in incontinence can be a sign of a medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection.

UTI’s can greatly impact the health and behavior of a person with dementia. Other signs that may indicate an infection could include:

Fever
Increased confusion
Changes in behavior
Dark or odorous urine
Discomfort with urination
Low back pain

If incontinence is new or sudden, talk with the person’s doctor.

What is the Average Age for Alzheimer’s Disease?

Petra Boh Blog, Signs March 4, 2021October 16, 2021age, alzheimer's, alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common causes of dementia among seniors which leads to the question of what is the average age for Alzheimer’s.

What is the typical age for Alzheimer’s?

There are two categories of Alzheimer’s disease, which we further investigate below.

Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

Late-onset AD normally affects people who are 60 years and above when Alzheimer’s symptoms become more apparent.

National Institute on Aging reports that the number of individuals who have AD doubles after 5 years for persons who are above 65 years.

Around 3% of women and men who are between the ages of 65-74 have the illness.

Almost half of those who are 85 years and older are diagnosed with AD.

A study performed in East Boston, Massachusetts observing 32,000 non-institutionalized persons aged 65 and above revealed that the prevalence of AD was 10% for seniors who were 65 years and over and 47% for those who are older than 85.

Pharmaceutical Technology reports that the prevalence of AD increases as a person grows older.

However, the greatest burden of the progressive disease exists in persons between the ages of 80-89 years.

Keep in mind that although increasing age is one of the risk factors for AD, old age does not make a person develop Alzheimer’s.

Many people live well into their 90s without developing AD.

Researchers have not pin-pointed the exact gene that causes late-onset Alzheimer’s.

Nonetheless, there is a single genetic risk factor that involves having one allele or form of APOE (apolipoprotein E) gene on chromosome 19 which is known to increase an individual’s risk.

Early-Onset Alzheimer’s

Although Alzheimer’s is common in older adults, this is not always the case.

It is important to note that the average age for Alzheimer’s is not limited to people who are above 60.

It can also affect younger individuals who are in their 30s and 40s.

This, however, is a rare occurrence that accounts for about 5% of people who have Alzheimer’s disease.

When this happens, we call it younger-onset or early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Research shows that an inherited change in one of the three genes causes some of the cases.

Still, other generic components can cause the rest of the cases. Experts are working to identify other genetic risk variants for young-onset AD.

Experts believe that the age a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s usually has a huge impact on their life expectancy.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health revealed that a person can live longer after an earlier diagnosis.

They discovered that the average survival rate for individuals who get AD diagnosis at the age of 65 is about 8 years.

This is different for people who get their diagnosis at 90 years because their average life expectancy is around 3 years.

Reasons Rate of Alzheimer’s Disease Increases with Age

When talking about the average age for Alzheimer’s, it is important to discuss the reasons the illness increases with age.

Healthy brains clear out amyloid-beta (proteins that cause AD) regularly. This ability tends to slow down as people grow older.

A study from The Washington University School of Medicine shows that for people in their 30’s a healthy brain will clear amyloid-beta every 4 hours.

When a person is 80 the brain may take at least 10 hours to complete the job. This may explain the relationship between Alzheimer’s and age.

Is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Reversible?

Petra Boh Blog, Prevention, Signs March 2, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, normal pressure hydrocephalus, nph

One of the questions that often comes up when looking into the reversible causes of dementia has got to be “is normal pressure hydrocephalus reversible?”

Before answering this query, it is important to discuss what normal pressure hydrocephalus (NHP) is.

What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

The brain has chambers that are known as ventricles. These ventricles usually contain a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which protects and cushions the spinal cord and the brain.

It is also responsible for supplying them with nutrients and eliminating some waste products. The body typically makes enough CSF that it absorbs daily.

However, there are times when too much of the fluid builds up in the ventricles leading to NPH.

This can result in brain damage because the extra fluid can cause expansion of the ventricles which puts pressure on the brain tissues.

NPH mostly affects the parts of the brain that control the bladder, legs, and mental cognitive processes like reasoning, memory, speaking, and problem-solving.

Even though NPH can affect anyone, it is common among seniors who are in their 60s and 70s.

Appropriately 700,000 Americans are living with NPH according to Hydrocephalus Association. It is also known as “treatable dementia.”

This is because it is one of the dementia causes that can be reversed or controlled with treatment.

Causes of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Several factors contribute to excess fluid build-up in the brain ventricles and these may include:

Brain surgery
Infection
Head injuries
Bleeding around the brain
Brain tumors
Stroke
Worth noting is that some people will develop NPH even in the absence of the factors above

Symptoms of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Examples of NPH warning signs include:

Confusion
Mood Changes
Apathy
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Difficulties thinking
Depression
Challenges with responding to questions
Speech problems
Nausea
Headache
Problems with vision
Mild dementia that may involve loss in interest in day to day activities, challenges completing routine tasks as well as short-term memory loss and forgetfulness
Having trouble walking, falling, changes in the way a person walks, poor balance, and getting stuck or freezing when a person wants to walk

Diagnosing NPH

It is usually challenging to diagnose normal pressure hydrocephalus because its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Many cases go unnoticed because the disorder is usually misdiagnosed.

This means that it often goes untreated. Doctors may use several tests to rule out other conditions and diagnose NPH such as:

Brain scans (MRI or CT)
Cisternography: this is a test that highlights the absorption of CSF
Intracranial pressure monitoring: this is a diagnostic test that helps medics determine if there is low or high CSF pressure causing symptoms.
A Lumbar catheter or spinal tap: this is a procedure that measures CSF pressure. Doctors also use this to remove some of the fluid located close to the spinal cord for analysis to help them spot any abnormalities that may direct them to the problem
Medical interviews where doctors ask a person about the symptoms they are experiencing, past and current mental and medical problems, medications a person is taking, family medical problems, habits and lifestyle as well as travel and work experiences.
Detailed physical exams that may include testing mental status, neuropsychological tests, and lab tests that help to rule out other medical conditions with similar symptoms.

Treating NPH

You will be happy to learn that normal pressure hydrocephalus is reversible.

In most cases persons will NPH will go through surgery so that medics can place a shunt or tube in the brain to drain off any surplus fluid.

Medics will insert the shunt into a ventricle and then pass it under the skin from a person’s head to their abdomen through the neck and chest.

This way, the excess fluid will flow from the brain into the abdomen where the body will absorb it.

At this point, the ventricles in the brain can go back to their original size.

The shunt can remain in position as long as the brain has too much CSF.

Regular follow-ups by a professional physician are essential because it helps to identify if there are any subtle changes that can show if there is a problem with the shunt.

When implanted properly, the shunt is usually not obvious to other persons and it remains in place for an indefinite period.

Most people will enjoy full recovery after treatment and continue to enjoy a good, quality life.

However, not everyone will benefit from implanting a shunt because the method does not work for a small percentage of individuals.

Although normal pressure hydrocephalus is reversible, its symptoms will become worse when it is left untreated.

It is advisable to get an early diagnosis and prompt treatment because this may increase the chances of good results.

Currently, no other medical treatment or drug has been known to help reverse normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Why Do Dementia Patients Eat So Much?

Dr. Muhammad Usman Blog, Signs February 24, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, dementia and eating, food

A comprehensive answer to the frequently asked question, Why do dementia patients eat so much, is here, written by a doctor and nutritionist.

The differences in appetite between dementia patients vary. Some eat too little, yet others overeat. Some dementia patients may consume too much food in one sitting or eat too many meals in a day.

But why does that occur?

Patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia generally tend to overeat more.

Also, such patients develop a liking for food with a strong smell or taste and tend to eat the same food repeatedly (1).

For instance, very spicy, salty or sugary foods.

It’s also common to observe excessive eating and other related eating behavioral changes in dementia patients as their dietary preferences change.

Some even develop a seemingly inexplicable obsession with certain foods.

Managing Overeating and Dementia

Diagnosed dementia patients will experience a decline in their memory, problem-solving, and other thinking-related skills.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and patients’ appetites usually change as a result of this.

What Causes A Dementia Patient To Eat More? – Four Possible Factors

Globally the dementia statistics continue to rise. A predicted 75 million people are expected to be diagnosed with the disease by 2030.

One in three elderly people dies from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia in the US alone.

Dementia affects each aspect of living and poses hurdles that are rather unusual and challenging. Research indicates three of the main reasons dementia patients eat so much include:

1: Diminishing Taste Buds

As people age, their taste buds diminish. As their disease worsens and their taste buds weaken, the insulin levels in their brains can decrease.

Some dementia patients, therefore, experience intense cravings for foods containing high calories. They may prefer heavy or flavor-filled foods such as sugary sweets.

2: Changing Appetite

Also, dementia patients’ appetites change which results in craving unhealthy foods. If a patient overeats, they may eat inappropriate foods. They may even try to consume things that aren’t food, such as a napkin or bar of soap.

This is because they might not recognize the item or understand its use, and therefore they confuse it for food.

3: Forgetting Recent Meals

Due to their declining memory, dementia patients may forget that they’ve recently eaten.

They may frequently ask or search for food. Also, they may be concerned about when their next meal will be. This leads them to eat more.

4: Changes in Mood Might Affect Food and Eating Preferences

It is not uncommon for people with dementia to suffer from co-existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.

One way they find comfort is by eating more or indulging in foods that give them a sense of comfort, which are often sweet and over-indulging (2).

How to Help a Dementia Patient Eat Less?

It can become problematic if a dementia patient eats too much.

It’s important to ensure they’re consuming nutritious food to stay healthy and avoid becoming overweight.

Some patients may refuse help when eating, and they also might not be able to adequately express this.

It’s better not to pressurize a dementia patient to eat or drink when they’re anxious.

Some ways to cater to changing eating habits in dementia patients are as follows:

1. Accept unusual food combinations: Strange mixing of food isn’t likely to cause patient harm, especially if the food is healthy and in appropriate portions. It’s better to acknowledge rather than challenge this.

2. Satisfy sweet cravings for healthier alternatives: If a patient likes sweet foods, try incorporating fruit or naturally sweet vegetables such as carrots or sweet potato into their meals.

How to monitor what patients with dementia eat?

Solutions to monitoring what a dementia patient eats include:

Cutting food into bite-sized pieces: This assists the patient and makes eating easier, especially if they aren’t able to use utensils by themselves.
Eating in company: By enjoying a meal together with a loved one, a patient is more likely to eat the healthy meal you’ve served them.
Fortifying the prefrontal cortex: This controls a patient’s dietary self-restraint. Help by ensuring they avoid alcoholic beverages, sleep sufficiently, and exercise if they’re able to.
Including plenty of protein: As far as possible, incorporate eggs, milk-based pudding, or protein powder in the patient’s meal.
Puréeing their vegetables: Patients are more likely to consume softer vegetables.

If a dementia patient is overeating and you’d like to help them to eat less, try the following approaches:

Generously serve salad and vegetables: Carbohydrates and starch should take up less than half of a plate.
Halve the original portion: Start by halving the patient’s original portion. Only offer them the second half should the patient request more food.
Keep them occupied: A patient will feel less bored or lonely if they have something to do and keep busy.
Offer healthy snacks: Make bite-sized cut pieces of fruit or other healthy nibbles easily accessible.
Replace a second helping with a drink: Rather than offering the patient more food, give them a “treat” drink such as hot chocolate or a milkshake.

Guidance for Good Nutrition

To ensure a dementia patient is eating correctly, a balanced diet including various foods is key.

Meals should contain fruit, lean protein foods, low-fat dairy products, vegetables, and whole grains.

It is recommended to serve small portions of high saturated fat and cholesterol in a meal.

While some fats are healthy, it’s best to use butter, fatty meat cutes, lard, and solid shortening sparingly.

Also, high-sodium foods should be restricted. Replace salt with herbs or spices instead to flavor meals.

To reduce refined sugars, avoid serving processed foods. Baked goods made with fruit or sweetened with fruit juice are better alternatives.

Honey is also an optional sweetener.

Conclusion

Although some dementia patients tend to overeat, it is possible to better monitor what they consume and how often they do so.

If a patient has a particularly strong preference for foods that aren’t healthy which leads to insufficient consumption of other food groups, it is advised to consult with a dietitian.

Professional assistance with an eating plan will ensure good health with nutritious food and avoid excess weight gain.

References:
1. Kyoko Kai, et al. Relationship between Eating Disturbance and Dementia Severity in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease. PLoS One. 2015; 10(8): e0133666.
2. Chia-Chi Chang, et al. Prevalence and factors associated with food intake difficulties among residents with dementia. PLoS One. 2017; 12(2): e0171770.

Dementia And Spicy Foods: Are They Related?

Dr. Muhammad Usman Blog, Signs February 23, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, dementia and eating, food, spicy foods

With the progression of dementia, taste buds weaken, making patients develop strange food cravings, even for extremely spicy foods. But is dementia and spicy foods linked increasing dementia risk?

Are Dementia And Spicy Foods Linked?

The prevalence of dementia is on the rise and numbers are expected to double every 20 years.

It appears when your brain suffers from neurological problems leading to loss of memory and poor judgment.

The decline in memory deteriorates the quality of life in the elderly and, in the long term, reduces cognitive function.

The effects of dementia, and problems happening concurrently with it, are extensive. Moreover, they do not affect the brain only.

Scientists have observed significant alterations in dietary behaviors of people suffering from dementia.

These range from the changes in appetite to unusual food cravings.

How Does Dementia Affect Eating Habits?

Dementia leads to various metabolic and psychological changes in the body. These, coupled with the weakened taste buds, change dietary preferences.

During a research study conducted by the Medical research council, the caregivers of dementia sufferers pointed out a preference for foods that are strong and savory in flavor.

Some of the eating patterns in people with dementia are:

Over-eating
Binge-eating
Decreased appetite
Changes in food choices
Pica (craving for inappropriate foods)
Pica (craving for non-food items e.g. mud)
High consumption of sugary and spicy foods

Do People With Dementia Crave Spicy Foods?

The unusual food cravings vary from person to person. Some people crave sweet foods while others incline towards spicy or salty foods.

The reason why the elderly with dementia crave spicy foods are as follows:

1. Dementia Weakens The Taste Buds

The craving is due to the disappearance of taste buds with the progression of the disease.

Humans can identify salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and umami taste.

However, dementia sufferers lose this ability with time. Dementia makes them unable to identify a particular taste as well as differentiate between two different flavors.

This is due to the loss of nerve endings in the tongue.

Since dementia appears with morbid brain conditions, it diminishes the neurological sense responsible for taste.

The elderly cannot feel the tanginess of food so, they ask for a stronger flavor. The same is true for salty foods.

2. Capsaicin Releases Endorphins

Ever wonder why spicy food burns tongue? It is due to the active ingredient present in chili, called capsaicin.

Capsaicin instigates pain receptors in the mouth and tongue, causing a burning sensation.

Due to the activation of these receptors, the brain translates it as a painful experience and floods the body with endorphins.

These are responsible for elevating mood and reducing the painful sensation.

Additionally, dopamine is released which is involved in the reward system of the brain. The result is a euphoric state called “runner’s high”.

Since such neurotransmitters are low in quantity in dementia patients, the body creates a compensatory mechanism.

It generates cravings for foods that cause endorphins to rush.

Is There Any Cultural Relation To Cravings of Spicy Foods?

Food choices vary immensely throughout the world.

This is also true for the condiments used to prepare local cuisine.

Predictably, the taste buds of natives of each region are adapted to the flavors of their local food seasonings.

Asians consume far more chili and spicy herbs in their meals as compared to westerns.

Therefore, experts think dementia sufferers from the Asian region are more likely to indulge in binge-eating spicy foods.

In such regions, the population develops a habit of using strong spices.

So, they misunderstand their lack of sense of taste in dementia as a bland and flavorless meal.

This results in an excessive intake of chili among the old age population.

Although it is more prominent in areas where spicy cuisine is widespread, westerns are also prone to such cravings.

Their chili usage is minimal but hot sauces and other herbs are still popular in Caucasians and western ethnicities. The proportion may be far lesser but they often enjoy pickles and jalapenos.

A study done in the UK showed that 15% of participants reported a likeness for spicy foods frequently after the onset of dementia.

Do Spicy Foods Increase The Incidence Of Dementia?

High spicy food intake may not be as harmful as excessive use of sweets, but it has a deeper relationship with the cause.

Scientists think that chili consumption is linked with an increased risk of dementia.

In Asia, chili is the most frequently used spice. In some regions of China, one in every three adults consumes chili daily.

It has many beneficial impacts on obesity and hypertension due to the presence of capsaicin in it. But there is more to the story.

Considering these properties, capsaicin should reduce the oxidative burden of the brain and enhance cognitive function but evidence proves the opposite.

People who consume more than 50g of chili per day experience a reduction in cognitive function.

The findings also suggested:

Twice the risk of self-reported poor memory
56% increase in the incidence of memory decline
The low global cognitive score for cognitive function
A decline in memory co-efficient with each 10g increase in chili intake
Both males and females are equally vulnerable
Less marked in overweight individuals
Those with normal or low BMI are more prone to dementia due to chili

Apart from these, spicy foods can upset the stomach and lead to long-term gastrointestinal problems.

Considering these findings, it is essential to cut back spicy food consumption in seniors in order to slow the progression of dementia.

How to Manage Spicy Food Cravings in Dementia?

1. Salty foods can replace spicy foods but they should be used with care as they increase the risk of hypertension in the elderly.

2. The senses of smell and taste are intertwined. So, preparing food with seasoning that can create a delicious aroma helps in managing cravings of spicy food without actually having a spicy meal.

3. Spices, other than chili, and herbs should be incorporated to increase the flavor of the meal.

4. Some naturally occurring spicy foods like jalapenos and pickles used as a seasoning.

Conclusion

The sense of taste diminishes and endorphin production reduces with the progression of dementia.

To overcome these troubles, the elderly often crave spicy foods. They can cause an upset stomach and even worsen dementia with time.

The decline in memory function due to chili is higher in the underweight population. To reduce this possibility, chili should be replaced with better spices and herbs.

Salty meals can be used in a controlled amount but some naturally occurring spicy products like jalapenos and pickles are better substitutes.

Coping with Alzheimer’s and Diarrhea [6 Tips]

Petra Boh Blog, Signs February 22, 2021November 19, 2023alzheimer's, dementia, diarrhea

Many elderly persons at some point in their lives may have to deal with Alzheimer’s and diarrhea.

Diarrhea happens when an individual gets three or more watery or unformed stools in 24 hours.

It can be a very tiring time for the affected individual as well as the caregivers.

Can Alzheimer’s cause diarrhea?

There are several reasons a person with Alzheimer’s may experience diarrhea and toilet problems, such as:

1. Medication side effect: Some Alzheimer’s drugs and other medications that a person may be taking could be the cause of diarrhea.
2. Viruses or bacteria: These infections can result in diarrhea.
3. Abdominal Surgery: At times recent surgery especially in the belly area around the gallbladder or intestines can cause diarrhea.
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Most people who have cramps and diarrhea for no apparent reason may have IBS. This can be caused by stress, lack of exercise, and some food.
5. Malabsorption syndromes: This usually occurs when the body is not getting enough nutrients from the intestines. Examples of these include celiac disease and lactose intolerance.

After knowing some of the reasons persons with Alzheimer’s may get diarrhea, let’s look into some of the symptoms to be on the lookout for when someone has diarrhea.

Symptoms of Diarrhea

Several warning signs may showcase a person has diarrhea, such as:

Urgent need to have a bowel movement
Bloating
Abdominal Cramps or pain
Nausea
Mucus in stool
Bloody stool, chills, or fever are symptoms that can show up if it is bacteria or virus causing the unformed stool

With this in mind, it is time to jump into some of the coping mechanisms that can help deal with a person who has Alzheimer’s and diarrhea.

Increase Fluid Uptake

A person who is going through diarrhea ends up losing a lot of fluids in their body and they are at risk of dehydration.

Caregivers should make sure the person with Alzheimer’s and diarrhea gets plenty to drink.

If an individual can keep liquids down, try and give them water, juice, sports drink, and soda but steer clear from anything that has caffeine or alcohol.

They should drink the fluids even though they are not feeling thirsty.

Apart from water, the other drinks help to put back potassium and sodium that diarrhea deprives the body.

If someone is vomiting, they may not be able to keep the liquids down. This calls for improvising where you feed them small amounts of liquids say one or two tablespoons after every 15 minutes.

If this is not sustainable, you may need to head to the doctors so that the suffering individual can be put on IV fluids.

Offer Easy-to-Digest and Low-Fiber Foods

A person who has diarrhea needs to eat foods that are high in fiber and are easy to digest.

Examples of these include eggs, toast, saltine crackers, rice, chicken, or yogurt.

When giving cooked food make sure they are well-cleaned and cooked so that the foods do not end up making the problem worse.

It is advisable to stay away from heavily seasoned foods, spicy meals, and foods that have high-fat content. Cabbage, beans, raw vegetables, and fruits can also make diarrhea worse.

Avoid Medication

Where necessary, it is usually best to avoid medication when dealing with Alzheimer’s and diarrhea.

This is because diarrhea helps to eliminate viral or bacterial infections.

If a person takes the drugs, the infection may end up staying longer in the body causing more problems. In most cases, diarrhea episodes will last for two days and clear up on their own.

However, if a person must take medication, it is best to seek advice from an expert medic to get a proper prescription.

Keep in mind that the affected individual should stay away from medication if they have a high fever, have been constipated recently, has a swollen belly, or still has diarrhea even after two days.

It is also not advisable for the person to take medication if they have black, tarry stool, blood in the stool, or stool that has a cranberry color.

Use of Supplements

Some supplements can help deal with diarrhea for persons who have dementia.

However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking anything so that the professional can give you the green light or offer some solid recommendations.

The most common supplements include probiotics that feature normal intestinal bacteria that can help successfully stop the watery stools.

Ensure the Person is as Comfortable as Possible

Diarrhea comes with a lot of discomforts; thus, it is important to make sure that the affected individuals end up feeling as comfortable as possible.

If possible, the person should stay near the washroom so that they can dash in anytime they need to use the toilet.

When mobility is an issue, caregivers may want to consider the use of adult diapers, pads.

Approach this topic with caution because it can be embarrassing for a person who has never used them before.

Change the “briefs” often so that they are not the cause of additional discomfort during the diarrhea period.

Consult a Doctor

If you try most home remedies and they do not seem to work for Alzheimer’s and diarrhea, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

The professional will run the necessary tests and offer proper medication.

Other circumstances where it is important to call the doctor include:

When a person has had over six watery or unformed stools within two hours
If diarrhea happens right after constipation
Pale, greasy, and foul-smelling stools
Diarrhea that goes on for more than 7 days
Diarrhea that is accompanied by a low-grade fever of about 99-101 F (37.2-38.3 °C) that lasts for over 48 hours
When there is blood in the stool
If vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea

Naturally, a person who has diarrhea may not want to walk into the doctor’s office.

At this point, you may want to consider the services of mobile healthcare professionals.

The experts will travel to the patient and offer home treatment that many persons with Alzheimer’s and diarrhea may prefer.

Migraine and Dementia: Is There a Link?

Petra Boh Blog, Signs February 19, 2021October 16, 2021alzheimer's disease, dementia, migraine

Research looking into the link between migraine and dementia reveals that migraines are among the top dementia risk-factors.

Migraines are a neurological disease that involves repetitive and severe headaches as well as other symptoms.

In some cases, there may be an aura which is a sensory change before the headache occurs. Migraines are not your typical headaches.

They can last for days and can affect an individual’s daily life including their ability to study or work.

The Migraine Research Foundation reports that the disease affects one billion people across the globe.

That makes it the 3rd most widespread disease in the world.

Are Migraines and Dementia Closely Related?

Dementia on the other hand is not a specific disease but a group of conditions that are characterized by impairment of brain functions like judgment and memory loss.

One of the reasons why researchers were interested in studying dementia and migraines is because both are common neurological diseases.

While dementia mostly affects seniors, migraines usually affect people of all ages.

One of the studies that support the idea that there is an association between migraine and dementia was published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

It explains that researchers talked to 679 seniors asking them about their migraine history. More than half of this group were women and none had a history of cognitive problems.

Are migraine sufferers more likely to develop one form of dementia?

The average age of the subjects was 76. The experts pursued elderly individuals for 5 years and discovered that 51 of them had a positive dementia diagnosis.

Considering factors such as age and education, the researchers found that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were over four times more likely to have had migraine attacks.

AD is one of the most common forms of dementia.

Suzanne L. Tyas a senior author of the study said that persons with migraines history were three times more likely to develop a kind of dementia and four times more as likely to develop Alzheimer’s.

The study, however, did not find a link between migraines and vascular dementia.

What affects migraines?

According to Rebecca Edelmaye, director of scientific engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association, the link between migraine and dementia is advanced by the fact that migraines affect the lifestyle decisions of a person.

This includes not eating a healthy diet, poor sleep, reduced social/cognitive stimulation, and not being active.

These factors have very much in common with those known to increase the risk of dementia.

Previous research had found connections between dementia risk and migraines. Scientists have, however, not yet pinpointed the exact link between the two diseases.

Many suspect that it has a lot to do with vascular risk factors like diabetes and hypertension. On record, these are potential dementia risk factors.

Research also reveals that long-term migraines can alter the structure of the brain resulting in some destructive effects.

A study published in Neurology in 2013 examined the contribution of migraines to structural changes in the brain including volumetric changes in white and gray matter, white matter abnormalities, and infract-like lesions.

Experts in this study were looking for solid evidence and a better understanding of the relationship between migraine and dementia.

Implications of the Studies

There are a couple of things that come up after the discovery that there is a link between migraine and dementia.

One of them is the fact that the research can help medics predict better the people who are at risk of this neurodegenerative disease.

This might also lead to early detection of the disease. This is an essential part of treatment according to the professionals.

Early detection is helpful because it means that affected individuals can start treatment as soon as possible. It can, in turn, enhance the effectiveness of the treatment therapies.

This can also empower persons with the illness and their loved ones to make the proper decisions at the right time.

There is also a chance that future research will better explain how migraines affect Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia as well as how to ease the risk.

Stroke and Dementia: Is There A Link?

Petra Boh Blog, Signs February 19, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, stroke

Several studies confirm that there is a link between stroke and dementia.

A stroke occurs when brain cells are damaged or die-off because the flow of blood to the organ is interrupted.

This kind of damage can lead to the development of dementia because it results in problems with thinking and memory.

Dementia is a group of symptoms that result in cognitive decline.

This includes problems with communication, memory, and concentration.

Statistics indicate that having a stroke doubles the risk of developing dementia.

Understanding Stroke and Dementia

The conclusion was made after a large-scale study led by The University of Exeter Medical School. Researchers analyzed data on stroke and dementia risk from over three million people from across the globe.

The experts were building on research that has been previously done but had not quantified the extent that stroke increases the risk of dementia.

The research analyzed 36 studies where 1.9 million subjects had a history of stroke.

They went ahead and also examined twelve more studies where the participants had a recent stroke during the period of the research adding 1.3 million people.

Stroke increases the risk of dementia by 70%

Dr. ILianna Lourida who was part of the study from the university said that they discovered that a history of stroke increases the risk of dementia by about 70%.

Moreover, recent strokes increase the risk by more than double.

The link between dementia and stroke was prevalent even after the experts took into account other dementia risk factors like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and blood pressure.

Findings from this study released strong evidence that having a stroke increases dementia risk significantly.

This was important given how common dementia and stroke are.

World Health Organization reports that 50 million people around the world have dementia and the number will continue to rise significantly.

Meanwhile, 15 million individuals experience strokes yearly.

The study on stroke and dementia is also useful because it can help with the prevention or treatment of dementia.

Dr. David Llewellyn who hails from the University of Exeter Medical School believes that about 1/3rd of the cases of dementia are preventable.

He reckons that protecting the supply of blood to the brain might help to reduce dementia cases.

The research was published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of The Alzheimer’s Association one of the top dementia journals.

What Type of Dementia are People with Stroke Likely to Get?

When talking about stroke and dementia, it is important to note that a majority of people who suffer from stroke will end up developing vascular dementia.

This is one of the most common dementia types.

It is not to say that every person who has a stroke will end up with vascular dementia.

The risk may also depend on sex, age, family history, and severity and location of the stroke.

In addition to damaged brain cells, vascular dementia can also develop after an individual experiences a series of silent strokes.

These usually cause small areas of damage in the brain.

They are known as silent strokes because in most cases, the strokes are usually so small that a person may not even know when they are happening.

Worth mentioning is that it is possible to confuse vascular dementia with the effects of stroke.

Both medical conditions can cause issues with memory, mood, and thinking.

If a person with stroke experiences these problems and they do not improve but seem to get worse, it could be an indication that they have vascular dementia.

If caused by a single stroke, the symptoms of vascular dementia can appear suddenly.

They tend to appear gradually if the symptoms are caused by silent strokes. In the absence of dementia, these symptoms will improve after some time.

Experts also believe that stroke can cause dementia at any age. As people grow older, their risk of stroke and dementia increases.

Nowadays, however, stroke risk factors are increasing even for younger adults.

The same case applies to dementia where individuals can start developing the neurodegenerative disease in their 40’s or younger.