Did you know that there are a range of different causes of dementia? While we often assume that dementia is simply down to luck, in reality, there are many potential causes of dementia that you should be aware of. In line with this thought, today, we’re looking at some of the potential causes of dementia to help you understand the likelihood of the condition occurring in your family - and if it does, what your options are to help ensure living with dementia is easier (both for the individual and their loved ones).

What Causes Dementia?

Many people assume that dementia is caused by genetics - and while this is not necessarily incorrect, there is a wide range of potential reasons for dementia to appear. This typically depends on the type of dementia you or a loved one is experiencing, as explained by the NHS.

For example, vascular dementia can occur after a stroke or a narrowing of blood vessels within the brain; meanwhile, for those individuals who have Lewy bodies developing within their brain cells, there is a significant risk of the brain’s cells getting damaged. Abnormal protein clumps forming around the frontal and temporal lobes may also be a cause, which may be more likely to run in families.

These are just a handful of causes of dementia, but there are plenty of other, rarer reasons, such as corticobasal degeneration, Huntington’s disease, normal pressure hydrocephalus, and progressive supranuclear palsy. Moreover, a patient may experience several causes of dementia simultaneously, which is known as mixed dementia.

How to Cope With Dementia in the Family

Coping with dementia in the family can be difficult, but some options can help make this difficult time a little easier to manage. Understanding the condition and its progression can help you and your family make plans in advance; joining local support groups can also help with support from others going through the same thing.

And, of course, there is professional support available. Indeed, teams such as ours are proud to offer expert dementia care designed to give you, your family, and the patient the chance to enjoy some much-deserved rest.

Final Thoughts

Dementia is an incredibly distressing condition that can place a huge amount of pressure and stress on many families. However, while it is no doubt distressing, it’s not necessarily impossible to plan for and cope with a dementia diagnosis - and luckily, this is where our friendly team here at New Haven Assisted Living can help. So, get in touch with us today to learn more; we’re here to help make this difficult time a little easier for you and your loved ones with our specialist dementia care near Floresville.