Dementia is a term used for a group of memory related disorders which primarily affect people aged over 65. However, not every single person over this age would develop dementia. Dementia is a symptom of multiple disorders related to cognition. The cognitive functions such as critical thinking, problem solving and decision making deteriorate as a result of damage to the brain as well as the nerve cells. [1]

Dementia is not a disease, as compared to Alzheimer's disease. Dementia refers to the symptoms that are specifically related to loss of memory and cognition, along with a disturbance and disordinance in their behavior and mood. The most common causes of dementia include Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson's Disease. [2]

Common Types of Dementia

Dementia is not just categorized by simple memory loss. In order for memory loss in an individual to be considered as a disorder, it must follow the “Four D’s” commonly referred to in the ICD-11 as well as the DSM-V-TR. The Four D’s of psychopathology are as follows:

1. Deviance: The display of behaviour which is not following the norms and rules of the society or culture they belong to. 

2. Distress: The extreme pain, stress or negative emotions which are caused by the disorder or by the social consequences of displaying a certain behavior. 

3. Dysfunction: The inability of an individual to function effectively in daily life such as perform basic tasks such as personal hygiene and tasks. 

4. Danger:  This refers to a situation wherein it could pose potential harm to the individual or to others around them, whether it be due to suicidal intention or aggressive behavior. [3] [4] [5]

Hence, if the loss of memory and deterioration of mood, behavior and cognitive skills aligns with the Four D’s, it could be stated as a disorder. However, a professional diagnosis from a neurologist or a neuropsychologist is required to state whether an individual has symptoms of dementia. There are various disorders where dementia is a common symptom. The most common types of disorders of this type are:

1. Alzheimer’s Disease: Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, which causes a progressive decline in various cognitive functions such as thinking, problem solving and decision making. This also includes a severe and gradual loss of memory. This disorder primarily attacks the neurons present in the brain of an individual, which causes the aforementioned symptoms. [7]

2. Vascular Dementia: This specific sort of dementia is caused due to small brain strokes which cause damage to the brain vessels. Due to this damage to the brain vessels, the level of oxygenated blood flow to the brain is significantly reduced, the loss of memory, cognitive functioning as well as improper and inappropriate behavior is observed in individuals with Vascular Dementia. [8]

3. Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB): This is the second most common form of dementia, after Alzheimer’s Disease. DLB, similar to Alzheimer’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. However, DLB also displays various other symptoms apart from cognitive decline and loss of memory, such as hallucinations, motor skill problems and motor uncoordinated movements, mental fluctuations as well as severe issues related to sleep and rest. [9]

4. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): This type of dementia is not characterized by the most common symptom, that is memory loss. Instead, this form of dementia is observed with damage to two of the major lobes of the brain–the frontal lobe and the temporal lobe. Damage to the frontal lobe causes a decline in prosocial behavior, personality traits and characteristics as well as cognitions like thinking, decision making and problem solving. Damage to the temporal lobe causes a decline in language comprehension and production, and physical symptoms such as tremors, difficulty swallowing and muscle weakness. [10]

5. Young Onset Dementia: The common symptoms of dementia are observed in individuals who are above the age of 65. However, when symptoms such as decline in cognitions, thinking, behavior and memory are displayed at a younger age, it is termed as Early Onset Dementia. [11]

Understanding the Impact of Dementia on Daily Life

How Dementia Affects the Brain

At its core, dementia is caused by damage to brain cells, which disrupts communication between different parts of the brain. This damage impacts critical cognitive functions such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving. People may find themselves forgetting recent conversations, struggling to follow a storyline, or feeling disoriented even in familiar settings. Over time, this confusion grows, and the ability to make decisions or exercise good judgment diminishes. The brain, once a reliable compass, begins to falter in its basic functions, making it hard for individuals to trust their own thoughts or actions. [12] [13]

The Challenge of Daily Functioning

As brain functions decline, so does a person’s ability to manage daily tasks. Activities that once felt routine, like getting dressed, preparing a meal, or remembering to take medications, can become sources of anxiety or confusion. Many individuals may forget the steps involved in simple tasks or lose track halfway through. As dementia progresses, people often need help with personal hygiene, mobility, and even feeding themselves. This loss of independence can be distressing, both for the person experiencing it and for their loved ones. [14] [15]

The Social Strain of Dementia

Dementia doesn’t just affect the individual, it changes the way they interact with others. Communication difficulties, such as forgetting words or losing a train of thought, can make conversations frustrating. People with dementia might repeat themselves or struggle to follow group discussions. As a result, many begin to withdraw from social settings, which can lead to loneliness. Friends and family might also feel unsure about how to engage, especially if they don’t understand the condition. Sadly, this often leads to isolation at a time when connection and compassion are most needed. [15] 

The Broader Consequences

Without proper support, the combined effects of cognitive decline, loss of independence, and social withdrawal can have serious consequences. People living with dementia are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and poor physical health. Caregivers, often family members, may experience emotional burnout from the demands of providing constant assistance. In advanced stages, professional care in a facility may become necessary, adding emotional and financial strain to the situation. Overall, the journey through dementia can be deeply challenging but with awareness, empathy, and community support, it doesn’t have to be faced alone.

References:

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia 

2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9170-dementia 

3. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-abnormalpsych/chapter/what-are-mental-disorders/ 

4. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/375767/9789240077263-eng.pdf 

5. https://www.mredscircleoftrust.com/storage/app/media/DSM%205%20TR.pdf 

6. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia 

7. https://www.alzheimers.gov/alzheimers-dementias/alzheimers-disease 

8. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vascular-dementia/vascular-dementia-causes-symptoms-and-treatments 

9. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17815-lewy-body-dementia 

10. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dementia/frontotemporal-dementia 

11. https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/younger-onset-dementia 

12. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia 

13. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease 

14. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia

15.  https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/what-is-dementia/impact-of-dementia