Editor’s Note: This story is Part 2 of a 2-part series on memory. Part 1 covers memory basics and how to strengthen memory.

Memory is an important part of daily life, so when something goes wrong, it can have far-reaching impacts.

A host of issues can impact memory, including sleep deprivation, chronic stress, use of substances or certain medications, and medical conditions such as stroke or a brain tumor.

One common cause of memory loss is dementia, a long-term condition in which communication breaks down between nerve cells in the brain, impacting memory, cognition, reasoning, behavior and social abilities.

“Memory problems alone don’t necessarily interfere with life, but dementia interferes with life and becomes disabling,” said Dr. Brian Harrington, a family medicine physician in Steamboat Springs and a member of the medical staff at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center. “Dementia involves the disordering of memory, as well as cognition and social interaction.”r

There are more than 100 different types of dementia. The majority of cases are due to Alzheimer’s disease, in which protein plaques build up in the brain. Other common types include vascular dementia, in which damaged arteries result in decreased oxygen and blood flow to the brain, and Lewy body dementia, which is associated with Parkinson’s patients.

Often, someone suffering with dementia won’t realize they have an issue.

“It’s often brought up by family members,” Harrington said. “Many people with dementia do not realize they have memory problems.”

The risk of dementia increases with age, especially after age 65. One study suggested the risk of dementia was nearly 20% by age 85. Women and people who are African American or Hispanic have a higher risk for developing the disease, but it’s unclear whether that is due to differences in access to care, different modified disease risk factors, or even cultural differences. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, may also increase risk.

Signs of dementia include memory loss, poor judgment, confusion, difficulty with communication, wandering or getting lost, repeating questions, mixing up words, losing interest in activities and taking more time to complete tasks. In more advanced cases, symptoms may include hallucinations, paranoia and balance issues.

“Different issues are more predominant at different stages,” Harrington said. “They don’t necessarily all come at the beginning.”

Current medications for Alzheimer’s disease may slow the development of symptoms, but do not slow damage to brain cells and can come with significant side effects. New medications approved in the past year may be an option, but Harrington emphasized that their benefits and risks have been debated.

“There’s no pill yet that cures the disease,” Harrington said.

To diagnose dementia, your provider will review medical and family history, assess hearing and vision, screen for issues such as B-12 deficiency and thyroid disorder, and conduct tests to assess memory and cognition. For instance, someone may be asked to draw a clock or subtract from 100 by a series of seven, tasks that involve more complex thinking. Brain radiographic imaging is often ordered to rule out issues such as a tumor or chronic bleed.

A thorough work-up is important, as sometimes issues that seem like dementia may have a simpler explanation.

“Some families bring dad in worried that he has a memory issue, but it’s just that he doesn’t hear well,” Harrington said.

While there is no cure for dementia, cultivating a healthy lifestyle may help prevent the disease. Harrington encourages patients to quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, treat depression, stay engaged socially, protect the head from injury and treat contributing diseases, such as high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes.

Once a diagnosis is received, families can take steps to prepare for the patient’s future.

“It’s critical for families to start preparing,” Harrington said. “They can confirm if the patient has a will, consider long-term care insurance policies, and make plans for handling finances and future care. They can determine how best to support the patient and to take care of themselves in this process.

“Dementia is an experience of the patient’s family and friends almost as much as it is of the patient. It’s a long-haul thing and often becomes a full-time job. Caregiver stress is a big deal.”

Susan Cunningham writes for UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center. She can be reached at cunninghamsbc@gmail.com.