Is Dementia a Mental Illness?

Is Dementia a Mental Illness?

No, a diagnosis of dementia does not imply that someone’s mental health has been compromised.

Dementia is a brain disease that causes changes to thinking and memory, which can have an impact on emotions, behavior, relationships and daily living skills. The symptoms of dementia vary depending on which part of the brain has been damaged and symptoms vary according to location.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, damaging brain nerve cells and leading to an accumulation of abnormal proteins called plaques and tangles within the cerebral cortex. Other forms of dementia include vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia.

A family history of the condition or genetic links to it can increase your likelihood of developing it. Early detection and treatment are the best ways to manage and minimize its impact on daily life.

Your lifestyle and medical history can also influence the likelihood of developing dementia. Common risk factors include age, poor heart health, depression and diabetes.

Studies suggest that living a healthy lifestyle may reduce your risk for developing dementia. Eating well, exercising regularly and getting regular physical checkups all help keep the body strong while supporting optimal brain health.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk for other illnesses that could be connected to dementia, such as pneumonia or stroke. It also helps you keep your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol under control; high cholesterol, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis – or fat buildup in arteries – all increase dementia risk factors.