Understanding Dementia and Its Impact on People and Their Loved Ones

Dementia is more than just memory loss. It’s a complex, progressive condition that affects millions of people and their families around the world. While often associated with aging, dementia encompasses a wide range of cognitive impairments that can disrupt daily life, relationships, and a person’s sense of identity.

Understanding what dementia is, how it progresses, and the emotional and practical toll it takes is essential for fostering empathy, providing effective care, and supporting those navigating this challenging journey. Here, Dr. Abraham Thomas, internal medicine physician with Silver Cross Medical Group, offers important information for families and caregivers.

What Are the Different Types of Dementia

Dementia is a broad term that describes a decline in cognitive functions—such as thinking, reasoning, and analyzing—that interferes with daily life. While dementia affects millions globally, it’s not a normal part of aging. Many older adults remain mentally sharp well into their 80s and 90s.

The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which is linked to the buildup of protein plaques in the brain. Alzheimer's is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. Other common types include vascular dementia, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain; Lewy body dementia, often tied to Parkinson’s disease and marked by hallucinations and vivid dreams; and frontotemporal dementia, which primarily affects personality and behavior.

In some cases, individuals may experience mixed forms of dementia involving multiple causes. “So, in other words, you could have Alzheimer's and you could also have vascular dementia,” explains Dr. Thomas.

Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For

Some of the earliest signs of dementia can be subtle, such as losing interest in once-enjoyed activities, like reading or managing personal finances. Tasks that were once routine—like paying bills or balancing a checkbook—may become difficult. Other warning signs include impulsive behavior and increased irritability. While it’s easy to dismiss these changes as having a bad day, they may actually signal the onset of a more serious cognitive decline.

“Paranoid behavior is a big one. I've had family members who’ve had issues, where all of a sudden they think the neighbor is spying on them or they think there is someone driving by their house all the time,” explains Dr. Thomas.

He also stresses how important it is to stay aware of potential signs of dementia and not ignore ongoing personality changes. Regular checkups with a primary care provider are essential, as they can help determine whether further evaluation is needed. While there’s no single blood or imaging test to diagnose dementia, neuropsychological testing by a trained specialist can assess various brain functions and help confirm a diagnosis.

Can Dementia Be Treated?

While there’s currently no cure for dementia, certain medications can help slow memory loss and manage symptoms like depression and agitation. But lifestyle factors often play an even bigger role. A healthy diet, regular exercise, social interaction, mental stimulation (like puzzles), and good sleep habits can all support brain health. It’s also important to avoid substances that may worsen symptoms, such as alcohol, sedatives, and certain over-the-counter medications like antihistamines.

Additionally, vision and hearing loss are common but often overlooked issues in people with dementia. They may have conditions like cataracts or hearing impairment but be unable to recognize or communicate these problems. This can deepen their sense of isolation and lead to frustration or anger—both for them and their caregivers—creating a cycle of misunderstanding and emotional strain.

“So, simple things like this really do need attention. Get their eyes checked, get their hearing checked, avoid select medications, try to make sure they socialize,” urges Dr. Thomas. “I think those are all important lifestyle changes that can help.”

Caregivers Need Attention, Too

Caring for someone with dementia can be emotionally challenging, especially because people with the condition may say hurtful things because they’ve lost their social filter. This can be hard not to take personally, particularly for loved ones.

Caregivers often struggle with feelings of guilt, anxiety, and inadequacy, along with financial stress. It's important for caregivers to develop healthy coping strategies—such as setting aside time for self-care—and to do so without guilt, recognizing that their well-being is essential too.

“I have caregivers who will say, ‘I really wanted to go to the mall, but I'm scared to leave mom by herself. I encourage caregivers to figure out a way to get some help, perhaps from a sibling, maybe hire temporary help, and still try to do activities that will allow you to have some time to yourself,” Dr. Thomas advises. “There are a lot of support groups out there. The Alzheimer's organization has a great website that will put you in touch with support groups in your area, and that's always a good resource to be aware of.”

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Thomas, call 815-300-SCMG (7264) or visit silvercrossmedicalgroup.org