By 2060, an estimated 14 million people will suffer from dementia. With this estimation, understanding key facts about the group of symptoms is becoming more and more necessary.
What Is Dementia?
The most common misconception about dementia is that it is a disease in and of itself. This is understandable as many people use the term dementia in reference to a specific disease that affects them or a loved one. However, it is important to know that dementia is simply a group of symptoms. These symptoms may include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and being confused about time and place. They may be caused by a variety of conditions, though, the most well known of these is probably Alzheimer’s disease.
Causes
The many diseases that lead to dementia have different causes but a number of them are caused by a build-up of different proteins in the brain. For example, Alzheimer’s disease is caused by build-up of proteins called amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Amyloid plaques are collections of misfolded proteins that are created between nerves. They occur when a protein referred to as a beta-amyloid is produced more. Tau tangles are collections of a protein called tau within the neurons. They form after chemical changes in the brain cause tau proteins to detach from the structures that support the neurons.
Why Is Dementia So Common?
Conditions that lead to dementia are generally caused by a complex and partially unknown combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, researchers know why dementia cases are so common. Dementia is a condition that primarily affects elderly people. As medical treatments continue to advance and people continue to live longer lives, cases of dementia are expected to rise.
