Causes
Dementia may be caused by a number of factors, such as:
- alcoholism
- brain injury
- drug abuse
- side effects to certain medications
- thyroid function abnormalities
- vitamin B12 deficiency
In some cases of dementia, it may be reversible or improved once the underlying
cause has been treated.
Unfortunately, when dementia is caused by conditions such as Alzheimer's disease,
brain injury, or simply aging (senile dementia), the changes that occur are
irreversible.
Research into the cause and treatment of Alzheimer's disease is shedding
new light and more hope every day. Several possible causes have been identified,
including genetic factors, exposure to toxins, abnormal protein production,
viruses, and difficulties in blood flow to the brain. Aging and heredity (genetic
factors) are considered the greatest factors involved in the development of
Alzheimer's disease.
Vascular dementia is caused by a series of strokes that leave areas of dead
cells in the brain. This disorder may result in sudden, step-wise decline
or a more gradual loss of mental ability. Short-term memory is usually affected
first.