Dementia

Dementia is a syndrome of persistent decline in memory, thinking, orientation, language or behavior that interferes with daily life. It is not a normal part of aging and not one diagnosis: causes may be neurodegenerative, vascular, metabolic, medication-related or deficiency-related.

Some conditions mimic dementia and are partly reversible: B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism, depression, sleep disorders, medication effects, alcohol and infections.

What To Assess

History of change, medications, home safety, ability to manage finances and transport, lab tests, cognitive testing and imaging when indicated matter.

Diet And Keto

Keto is studied in some neurological conditions, but dementia should not be treated with diet without diagnosis. Blood pressure and glucose control, sleep, protein, Omega-3, correcting deficiencies and physical activity are useful.

When It Is Urgent

Sudden confusion, rapid worsening, one-sided weakness, speech problems, high fever or dehydration require urgent evaluation; stroke, infection or delirium may be present.

Why Safety Matters

With dementia, medication use, cooking, finances, driving, eating and fall risk may gradually become unsafe. Home safety, trusted contacts, a clear routine and caregiver support are often as important as medications.

Rapid worsening over days or weeks is more suggestive of delirium, infection, medication effect or vascular event than ordinary gradual dementia progression.