Diseases Causing Dementia

Question 1

What are the two main causes?

Answer 1

Alzheimer’s disease (60-80%) and cardiovascular disease/stroke (second most common)

Question 2

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Answer 2

Build up of fibrous patches called plaques and proteins called tangles in the brain
Plaques - impair synapses, block neurological signals
Tangles - prevent normal flow of oxygen and nutrients to cells; death
Reduction in neurotransmitter; acetylcholine

Question 3

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?

Answer 3

Depends on where plaques and tangles occur
Damage is typically severe in the hippocampus - poor formation of memories
Reduced neurotransmitters impair concentration and memory processes

Question 4

What is a stroke?

Answer 4

Cerebral secular event leading to vascular dementia
Burst blood vessel or thrombosis interrupts blood flow to an area of the brain
Inadequate blood flow starves brain of oxygen causing damage and cell death

Question 5

How does stroke lead to dementia?

Answer 5

20% of strokers will get post-stroke dementia within 6 months of stroke
Also at higher risk of having another stroke, increasing risk of dementia in future
Specific symptoms depend on area where stroke occurred