Dementia is a group of diseases that occur due to changes in the brain. Now, these changes can happen due to multiple factors, which we will discuss in our article.
Knowing what causes dementia doesn’t just help you understand the condition — it also helps you plan better care for your loved ones. It can guide you in avoiding certain triggers, managing health risks early, and creating a home environment that supports healthy aging.
How Dementia Is Caused?
This is the general mechanism behind the cause of dementia.
Dementia is commonly linked to abnormal buildups of proteins in the brain. These proteins interfere with the normal function of brain cells, slowly causing them to die. Over time, this leads to shrinkage in different parts of the brain.
As the damage spreads, it results in cognitive decline, memory problems, and other issues with thinking and understanding.
Common Risk Factors for Dementia:
Here are several factors that can trigger or worsen dementia symptoms in your loved one. Many of these are linked to a balanced lifestyle. By creating a healthy, supportive environment, you may not only reduce their risk of developing dementia but also help slow down its progression if it has already begun.
1. Aging:
The body naturally goes through changes as part of the aging process, and so does the brain. Some brain cells begin to die, and certain areas of the brain start to shrink. These changes can lead to memory and cognitive problems, as the parts of the brain that control these functions are affected.
2. Visual Impairment:
Reduced eyesight means the brain gets less input from the eyes, which may lead to less stimulation and, over time, can impact memory and thinking.
New studies are also revealing that people with vision problems, if left untreated, have a higher chance of developing dementia or memory issues. One observational study in the U.S. found that people who had their cataracts removed were at lower risk of developing dementia.
3. Social Isolation:
Social isolation is a root cause of many health problems, including dementia, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and depression, all of which contribute to the risk of developing dementia.
We also have a study that supports this claim, showing a clear link between poor social connections and higher chances of cognitive decline.
The research looked at 19 different long-term studies that followed people over several years.
1. Loneliness and less social interaction were more likely to develop dementia.
2. People who were unhappy with their social life didn’t show a strong link to dementia in this study.
4. Obesity:
According to the WHO, 58.1% of Pakistanis are overweight and 43.9% are classified as obese. Obesity is linked to increased brain shrinkage, which can age the brain by up to 10 years. Moreover, it can reduce blood flow to the brain, another factor that increases the risk of developing dementia.
5. Chronic Conditions:
Specifically, type 2 diabetes mellitus has been shown to potentially increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Conditions like hypertension and coronary artery disease also raise the risk of developing dementia. The main causes are usually linked to inflammation, damage to brain cells, and reduced blood flow to the brain, all of which can affect how the brain functions over time.
6. Smoking:
Smoking can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by around 14%. Quitting smoking is believed to reduce the risk of dementia to a level similar to that of non-smokers. Moreover, smoking during midlife is thought to pose a greater risk of developing dementia compared to smoking in later life.
7. Traumatic Brain Injury:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often happens due to falls and road accidents. Unfortunately, many people here do not receive proper follow-up care or rehabilitation after a head injury, which increases the long-term risk of brain damage and dementia.
Studies from other countries show that even mild TBIs (like concussions) can raise the risk of dementia later in life, especially if a person has had more than one injury.
8. Hearing loss:
Increased cognitive strain, reduced social interaction, and potential brain changes are the main reasons behind this link. The brain spends extra energy identifying and processing sounds, which can eventually wear out other functions.
9. Education:
Many children in Pakistan don’t get the chance to attend school. While this may seem like a problem only in early life, research shows it can increase the chances of developing dementia later on.
One reason associated with this is “cognitive reserve.” Cognitive reserve means the brain becomes stronger and more flexible through learning. If your loved one didn’t get enough mental stimulation early in life, their brain may have less reserve to protect against memory loss or cognitive decline later.
That’s why it’s recommended to stay active in later years. Solve puzzles, learn new skills to reduce dementia risk.
How ConsidraCare Supports Your Loved One Living With Dementia?
Caring for a loved one with dementia is not easy. It takes time, patience, and emotional strength. That’s where ConsidraCare can help.
We offer compassionate caregivers trained in Gentle Persuasive Approaches, making them ideal for handling behaviors, communication challenges, and other complications of the disease. From help with meals and medicine to companionship and safety, we make sure your loved one is comfortable every day.
If you’re looking for in-home dementia care in Lahore, reach out to us.
Let us help you support your loved one with dignity and kindness.
Final Thoughts:
Dementia can be a difficult journey — not just for the person experiencing it, but also for the family around them. It doesn’t happen overnight. It slowly builds up over time due to changes in the brain, often caused by factors like abnormal protein buildup, poor blood flow, or injuries.
By understanding what really causes dementia, you can take better steps early on — whether it’s getting a medical check-up, or choosing the right kind of care. Awareness makes it easier to manage the condition and support your loved one with patience and dignity.
FAQ’s
1. Is dementia the same as memory loss?
No. Memory loss is just one symptom. Dementia also affects thinking, mood, and behavior.
2. Can young people get dementia?
Yes, although it’s rare, people in their 40s, 50s, or even 30s can develop dementia. This is known as young-onset or early-onset dementia.
Dementia in younger people often shows different symptoms compared to dementia in older adults. It may affect mood, behavior, or language skills more than memory in the beginning, which can make it harder to recognize at first.
3. When does dementia start showing?
Dementia usually starts slowly, and the early signs can be easy to miss. Most people begin to notice changes in their mid-60s or later, but in some cases, symptoms can appear earlier, even in a person’s 40s or 50s.
The first signs are often small, like forgetting recent conversations, getting confused in familiar places, or struggling to find the right words.
4. Can dementia come on suddenly?
In most cases, dementia develops slowly over time. But in some types — especially vascular dementia — symptoms can appear more suddenly, for example, after a stroke or brain injury.
Even when symptoms seem to come on quickly, they are usually the result of damage that has been building up silently for a while.
5. Can stress or anxiety cause dementia?
Stress and anxiety don’t directly cause dementia, but it is linked to an increased risk of developing the condition later in life.
Fakiha is an experienced writer at ConsidraCare with an optimistic interest in life. She has a proactive approach to improving health and wellness for seniors. She offers well-researched and thoughtful information to help individuals make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
