4 Causes of Early-Onset Dementia in Adults
As we grow older, our bodies undergo a natural process of decline. Regrettably, this deterioration can also extend to our cognitive capabilities. Dementia is a debilitating condition that affects countless seniors across the globe. What is even more distressing is the occurrence of early-onset dementia, which afflicts individuals as early as their 40s and 50s. So, why does this phenomenon occur? In this blog post, we will delve into some of the factors that contribute to early-onset dementia in seniors and provide suggestions on how to reduce your risk.
Common Causes of Early-Onset Dementia in Adults
Alzheimer’s disease
“Alzheimer’s disease” is the most common type of early-onset dementia and may affect approximately one in three younger individuals with dementia. However, up to two in three older people with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease. It is a specific brain disease that accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. This disease can lead to impairment of memory and cognitive function. The first neurons to be lost are in the hippocampus, which is the brain’s center for memory and learning.
Currently, there is no known cure for this disease.
The development of Alzheimer’s disease may be caused by the accumulation of proteins in the brain, forming structures known as ‘plaques’ and ‘tangles’.
Vascular Dementia:
“Vascular dementia” is the second most common form of dementia, following Alzheimer’s disease. It is caused by reduced blood flow that damages brain tissue. Blood flow to the brain tissue can be decreased due to a partial blockage or complete blockage caused by:
- Blood clot
- Bleeding resulting from a ruptured blood vessel
- Damage to a blood vessel caused by atherosclerosis, infection, high blood pressure, or an autoimmune disorder
Distinguishing between dementia and other related diseases and conditions can be challenging because they share similar signs and symptoms. Although vascular dementia is caused by issues with blood flow to the brain, this problem can manifest in various ways. Examples of vascular dementia include:
- Mixed dementia: This type occurs when symptoms of both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s coexist.
- Multi-infarct dementia: This occurs after repeated small blockages, often unnoticed, affect blood flow to a specific part of the brain. The changes resulting from each blockage may not be immediately apparent, but over time, the cumulative effect leads to symptoms of impairment. Multi-infarct dementia is also referred to as vascular cognitive impairment.
Frontotemporal Dementia:
“Frontotemporal dementia is caused by the formation of abnormal protein clumps inside brain cells. These clumps are believed to harm the cells and disrupt their proper functioning. The accumulation of these proteins primarily occurs in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, located at the front and sides. These regions are crucial for controlling language, behavior, and the ability to plan and organize.
Dementia primarily affects individuals over the age of 65, but frontotemporal dementia tends to manifest at a younger age. Most cases are diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 45 and 65, although it can also affect both younger and older people. Similar to other forms of dementia, frontotemporal dementia progresses slowly and worsens gradually over a span of several years.
The exact reasons for this occurrence are not yet fully understood, but there is often a genetic connection. Approximately 1 in 8 individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia have relatives who have also been affected by the condition.”
Lewy body Dementia:
Dementia that occurs as a result of an excessive amount of Lewy bodies protein is referred to as “Lewy body dementia.” It is caused by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies within brain cells. These deposits are also found in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, a condition characterized by progressive brain damage over many years. They tend to build up in the regions of the brain responsible for functions such as memory and muscle movement.
The exact reasons behind the development of these deposits and how they precisely damage the brain are not fully understood. However, it is believed that they disrupt the brain’s normal functions by interfering with the transmission of chemical signals between brain cells.
Lewy body dementia typically affects individuals with no family history of the condition, although there have been reports of rare cases that appear to run in families.
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