What systems are affected by dementia?
Neurological system:
- Brain shrinkage: The brain, specifically certain regions such as the hippocampus and temporal cortex, shrinks in size as neurons are lost.
- Neurotransmitter disruption: The production or function of neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers that allow neurons to communicate, is affected. In dementia, there is a deficiency of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine.
Cognitive functions:
- Memory impairment: Difficulty recalling recent as well as remote information, short-term memory loss, and difficulty learning new information are common early symptoms of dementia.
- Language problems: Speech may become hesitant or slurred, word-finding difficulties, difficulty understanding spoken or written language.
- Visual-spatial impairment: Problems with depth perception, and poor judgment of distance, as well as difficulty reading, writing and drawing.
- Executive function decline: Challenges in planning, organizing, decision-making, problem-solving, and abstract thinking.
Psychiatric symptoms:
- Depression: Low mood, loss of interest in activities, sleep disruption, changes in appetite or weight, fatigue, and feelings of hopelessness.
- Anxiety: Increased feelings of nervousness, worry, or fear, accompanied by physical symptoms such as racing heart, sweating, or muscle tension.
- Agitation: restlessness, wandering aimlessly, or repetitive actions, often caused by underlying anxiety.
- Psychosis: Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) and delusions (strong, fixed false beliefs that are not supported by reality).
- Personality and behavior changes: Increased irritability, social withdrawal, lack of empathy, reduced inhibitions, and compulsive or aggressive behaviors.
Physical functions:
- Difficulty with motor coordination: Problems with balance, walking, and coordination can occur as the condition progresses, leading to an increased risk of falls.
- Increased susceptibility to infections: People with dementia may experience reduced immune function, making them more susceptible to infections such as pneumonia.
- Incontinence: Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing.
- Weight loss: Decreased appetite, reduced sense of taste and smell, or difficulty chewing and swallowing can lead to weight loss.
- Sleep disturbances: Disrupted sleep patterns, including insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and nighttime wandering.