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Over ten risk factors can promote the occurrence of the disease. Certain symptoms and complaints can be apparent years before diagnosis.
With increasing age, the likelihood of developing dementia increases, as age plays a significant role in the development of this disease. In addition to age and genetic predisposition, living conditions and certain risk factors can also have a significant influence on the occurrence of dementia and Alzheimer’s. There are several signs that people and their families should look out for that may indicate dementia, including symptoms that are not initially directly associated with dementia, such as behavioral problems and aggressive reactions.
Prevent dementia: The majority of risk factors are preventable
Around 80 percent of all dementia cases are caused by brain diseases in which nerve cells are gradually lost. Alzheimer’s dementia is the most widespread disease, accounting for 60 to 70 percent of all cases, according to the German Alzheimer Society e. v. There are four other forms that occur frequently.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of the disease – symptoms and early signs of dementia
In addition to Alzheimer’s, people can suffer from vascular (vascular) dementia, Lewy body disease, Parkinson’s dementia or frontotemporal dementia. Possible symptoms and initial signs of the various forms of dementia are:
- Alzheimer’s dementia: typical symptoms of Alzheimer’s are increasing forgetfulness, orientation problems and difficulties in coping with everyday tasks.
- Frontotemporal dementia: In this form, there are fewer memory impairments and more behavioral changes, loss of empathy, general disinterest, restlessness and language problems.
- Lewy body dementia: Signs such as hallucinations, movement disorders, muscle stiffness and urinary incontinence occur.
- Parkinson’s dementia: Evidence of the disease can include difficulty concentrating, orientation problems, gaps in short-term memory, language problems and anxiety.
- Vascular dementia: Well-known symptoms include difficulty paying attention, slowed thinking, speech problems, problems walking and bladder weakness or incontinence.
Detect dementia early
There are different Signs and indications of possible dementia, which both those affected and their relatives should pay attention to. The doctor usually uses specific tests for diagnosis, including the mini-mental status test as well as the simple clock test or the supermarket task. Under the guidance of relatives, those affected can carry out these tests in advance at home.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
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