Predisposing Factors of Dementia

The National Institute of Aging defines dementia as a group of symptoms commonly manifested among the elderly like being forgetful, repeatedly asking the same questions, inability to recall names and places, inability to follow directions, and frequent disorientation as to time, people, and places. This is due to changes in the brain that are caused by predisposing factors such as conditions affecting the vascular system, genetics and degenerative diseases.

Degenerative Disease

• Degeneration of the brain structures is common in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

  According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's disease accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Being a degenerative and progressive disorder of the brain, it may predispose a person to manifest common symptoms of dementia such as memory loss, reduction in mental alertness and decrease in intellectual thinking due to the degeneration of the brain cells.

  The degenerative changes in the brain due to Parkinson's disease are similar to the changes in the brain seen from dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive changes in Parkinson's disease manifest symptoms of dementia.

Genetics

• Inability to recall in Down syndrome is a symptom of dementia.

  The chromosomal anomaly in Down syndrome may attribute to the changes in brain function that eventually lead to the manifestation of dementia symptoms. Signs of dementia in Down syndrome involve cognitive changes such as forgetfulness, disorientation, memory loss and confusion. Affective symptoms include changes in mood, anxiety and irritability. Behavioral, perceptual and neurological symptoms are also common.

  Huntington disease is a genetic disorder involving damage to the brain cells that can be a risk factor for symptoms of dementia to occur in the later stage of the disease. It manifests the emotional, behavioral and cognitive symptoms seen in dementia.

Vascular Injury

• The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke indicate that brain damage caused by cerebrovascular disease or stroke may lead to the development of vascular dementia. Heart attack, sudden onset stroke, high blood pressure and previous stroke can predispose dementia to occur. Multiple lesions occur with damage to the brain's white matter, cells and blood vessels. This damage may cause emotional, behavioral and cognitive changes that are classic symptoms of dementia.

Head Injury

• Injury to the brain structures may result in behavioral, cognitive and emotional changes.

  Brain injuries such as concussion, contusion and violent force applied against the head may cause damage to the brain structures. It may damage the brain tissues and tear the blood vessels, nerves and membranes. Injuries may also cause bleeding, collection of fluids and infection. All of these are predisposing factors that may cause dementia symptoms. Emotional, behavioral and cognitive changes are common after brain injury. The extent of dementia following head injuries depends upon the severity of the injury to the brain.