Lifestyle has a profound impact on brain health. Our eating and drinking habits, how much we exercise, how well we sleep, the way we socialize, and how we manage stress are all critically important to our brain health. Good brain health is a state in which individuals function well in daily life and work. This includes making wise decisions, paying attention, solving problems, interacting successfully with others, and enjoying an emotional balance.
Changes to the body and brain are normal with age. However, dementia is not a normal part of aging. Scientists have identified many different types of brain changes that lead to memory loss. Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities. As it progresses, it can be severe enough to interfere with daily life. There are several different forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia and Vascular dementia. A person’s symptoms can vary depending on the type.
Signs and Symptoms
Because dementia is a general term, its symptoms can vary widely from person to person. People with dementia have problems with:
- Memory
- Attention
- Communication
- Reasoning, judgment, and problem solving
- Visual perception beyond typical age-related changes in vision
Signs that may point to dementia include:
- Getting lost in a familiar neighborhood
- Using unusual words to refer to familiar objects
- Forgetting the name of a close family member or friend
- Forgetting old memories
- Not being able to complete tasks independently
Additional Resources
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias