Dementia is a group of brain disorders that affect memory, language, behavior and judgment. MedlinePlus notes that the risk of dementia increases with age and that it is rarely diagnosed in people younger than age 60. Many cases of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, are irreversible, although some forms of dementia can be stopped or reversed if caught soon enough. The symptoms of dementia grow progressively worse, to the point where a patient can no longer take care of himself.
Irreversible Causes
Certain diseases can progress into dementia. MedlinePlus notes that in these cases, dementia cannot be reversed. Neurological conditions, such as progressive supranuclear palsy, Parkinson's disease, Pick's disease, multiple sclerosis and Huntington's disease, can lead to dementia. Some brain infections, such as HIV/AIDS and Lyme disease, can also cause dementia. Patients with vascular dementia develop the disorder after multiple small strokes. Lewy body disease, which MedlinePlus states is the leading cause of dementia in elderly adults, is caused by abnormal proteins in a patient's brain.
Reversible Causes
According to MedlinePlus, if certain causes of dementia are identified early, it is possible to stop or reverse the dementia. Possible reversible causes of dementia include low vitamin B12 levels and abnormal levels of blood sugar, sodium and calcium. Some brain tumors can also cause dementia. Medications, such as cimetadine and some cholesterol-lowering drugs, and chronic alcohol abuse are additional dementia causes.
Common Symptoms
The symptoms of dementia can greatly affect a patient's life, according to the Mayo Clinic. Memory loss is a prevalent symptom and grows increasingly worse as the disease progresses. When a patient reaches the last stages of dementia, she is unable to recognize her family. A patient may be unable to learn new information. Language is affected by dementia, where patients have difficulty communicating and understanding spoken language. Reasoning, planning and organization problems are also common with dementia. Some patients may have problems with coordination and movement. Behavioral changes can occur, such as becoming aggressive, paranoid, agitated or hallucinating. Patients with severe dementia lose the ability to care for themselves and require round-the-clock care.
