What are the causes of Dementia ?
Most types of dementia are nonreversible (degenerative). Nonreversible means the changes in the brain that are causing the dementia cannot be stopped or turned back. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia.
Lewy body disease is a leading cause of dementia in elderly adults. People with this condition have abnormal protein structures in certain areas of the brain.
Dementia also can be due to many small strokes. This is called vascular dementia.
The following medical conditions also can lead to dementia:
Parkinson's disease Multiple sclerosis Huntington's disease Pick's disease Progressive supranuclear palsy Infections that can affect the brain, such as HIV / AIDS and Lyme disease
Some causes of dementia may be stopped or reversed if they are found soon enough, including:
Brain tumors Changes in blood glucose, sodium, and calcium levels Low vitamin B12 levels Normal pressure hydrocephalus Use of certain medications, including cimetadine and some cholesterol-lowering medications Chronic alcohol abuse
Dementia usually occurs in older age. It is rare in people under age 60. The risk for dementia increases as a person gets older. </s>