Neurologist explains: dementia develops gradually, early signs often go unnoticed
Neurologist Anita Balcerbula explains that dementia is not a sudden illness but the outcome of a long process, whose early stage is known as cognitive impairment. Lifestyle changes may help prevent or delay its onset.
Dementia is often perceived as a condition that appears suddenly, but it is actually the final stage of a long-developing process, explains Anita Balcerbula, a neurologist at the Jaunķemeri resort rehabilitation centre, in an interview with the magazine "100 Labi Padomi". Doctors only diagnose dementia once symptoms have become serious — the earlier stage of development is medically referred to as cognitive impairment.
What causes dementia
Dementia is not a single disease but an umbrella term covering several conditions. The most common cause, accounting for 70–80% of cases, is Alzheimer's disease. Around 15% of cases result from disorders affecting blood circulation in the brain, such as stroke. Dementia can also be triggered by Parkinson's disease, use of certain substances or medications, head injuries, HIV infection, or prolonged excessive alcohol consumption. These causes can also combine with one another.
How the disease affects life
As the condition progresses, patients experience serious difficulties with thinking, understanding language, and forming logical connections. Behaviour also changes and can become socially inappropriate. Alongside memory problems, movement difficulties emerge, along with trouble managing finances, maintaining personal hygiene, taking prescribed medication regularly, and even eating independently. These impairments become more pronounced and persistent over time.
Age and prevention
Dementia mainly affects older people, but around 5% of patients are diagnosed before the age of 65. Such early-onset dementia is more common among those with a family history of the disease, though this is not always the case. The neurologist stresses that the risk of dementia can be reduced or its onset delayed through lifestyle changes — quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnoea, and depression.
