Rapid Deterioration of Dementia Symptoms: 5 Potential Culprits
Dementia, a progressive and unpredictable group of diseases, often manifests gradually over time. However, there are instances when dementia symptoms may suddenly worsen, and it is crucial to identify the causes promptly.
One of the common culprits behind sudden deterioration is delirium, a state of confusion that comes on suddenly, often due to an underlying physical cause. Delirium can be caused by a variety of factors, including acute illnesses, metabolic disturbances, or medication side effects, accounting for approximately one-third of delirium cases.
Infections, particularly urinary tract infections, are a common cause of delirium in people with dementia. Other causes include pain, vitamin deficiencies, notably vitamin D, and metabolic imbalances like low blood oxygen or mineral levels.
Vascular events related to vascular dementia, such as strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), can also cause sudden cognitive and physical symptom worsening. Poor blood flow to the brain is a key factor in vascular dementia, leading to rapid symptom declination.
Conditions like Lewy body dementia may also have fluctuations in symptoms, including hallucinations and altered cognition, that can appear sudden but relate to the disease pathology.
In addition to these, rapid progressing dementia can be caused by underlying illnesses such as prion disease, autoimmune disease, infection, or cancer. A stroke or brain injury may cause symptoms that seem similar to dementia, and people can develop new or worsened dementia symptoms after a head injury.
Anesthesia or the physical demands of undergoing a medical procedure may result in delirium. People with advanced dementia may develop delirium in response to more minor conditions, such as constipation, dehydration, or lack of sleep.
It is essential to note that dementia progresses through different stages, with Alzheimer's disease typically progressing through early, middle, and late stages. In the late stage of Alzheimer's disease, the body begins to shut down, and a person may not recognize others or speak, become incontinent, and stop responding to their environment.
In the early stage of Alzheimer's disease, a person may experience mild cognitive issues like difficulty remembering words, getting lost, or problems with short-term memory. In the middle stage of Alzheimer's disease, a person develops more significant cognitive problems that may affect their ability to perform daily self-care or live alone.
Sundowner's syndrome, a condition that causes symptoms to worsen in the evening, such as agitation, confusion, and hallucinations, is more common in people with dementia. Exposure to natural light, a consistent routine, and compassionate support can help ease symptoms of Sundowner's syndrome.
In summary, sudden changes in awareness, thinking, mobility, or personality could be due to delirium, stroke, or a change in routine that has caused distress. Keeping a log of new symptoms, telling a doctor about any recent changes, and noting any bruises or other signs of injury can help with diagnosis. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial to identify and treat these potentially reversible contributors to sudden symptom deterioration.
References:
[1] National Institute on Aging. (2021). Dementia: What to do if someone has sudden changes in memory, thinking, or behaviour. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/dementia-what-do-if-someone-has-sudden-changes-memory-thinking-or-behavior
[2] Alzheimer's Society. (2021). Vascular dementia. Retrieved from https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/dementias/vascular-dementia
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lewy body dementia. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lewy-body-dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20350727
[4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Sundown syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/sundown-syndrome/art-20048042
[5] National Institute on Aging. (2021). Vascular dementia. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vascular-dementia
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- A comprehensive medical history, including existing medical-conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, or sleep apnea, could help identify potential triggers for delirium in individuals with dementia.
- Keeping track of a person's daily routine, ensuring proper nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation, and maintaining a healthy environment can help mitigate the signs and symptoms of dementia, promoting overall health and wellness.
