Can Dementia Be Reversed?
Dec 17, 2024
Dementia is one of the scariest words you can hear from your doctor. It means you have one of several neurological conditions that affect your memory, thinking, and behavior. In short, it robs you of your self-control and connections with your life.
The good news is there’s hope in treatments and the comprehensive dementia care we offer at Rios Healthcare Associates in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tomas Rios and Dr. Nicolin Neal understand how painful and confusing dementia can be for you and your loved ones. You’re searching for a cure that doesn’t yet exist and hoping for a way to reverse the condition.
Here’s what you need to know about dementia.
Dementia isn’t a typical or inevitable part of aging.
Also, it isn’t a single disorder — it’s a collection of symptoms caused by cognitive decline. It means your brain cells are damaged, wrecking the communication between your neurons.
Unfortunately, damaged brain cells affect memory, speech, and decision-making abilities.
If you or a loved one has dementia, you already know the signs. They vary from person to person, but the common ones include difficulty remembering recent events, trouble with conversations, and challenges with daily activities.
These can progress from mild to severe over time. The sooner you and we identify dementia, the better your chance of treating it.
Each type of dementia has a distinct cause.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia — up to 80% of all dementia cases stem from Alzheimer’s, which involves abnormal protein buildup in the brain. These proteins disrupt brain function and impair neuron connections.
Another type, vascular dementia, results from impaired blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes or other cardiovascular issues.
Lewy body dementia also results from a buildup of proteins and looks a lot like Alzheimer’s at first, then progresses into sleep problems, involuntary body movements, and hallucinations.
Researchers aren’t sure why some people get dementia and others don’t, but they identified several factors that put you at a higher risk, including:
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can mitigate some of these risks.
Currently, most dementia cases aren’t reversible.
Brain damage is typically permanent. Although treatment can slow progression, it can’t reverse the condition.
Medications like Leqembi® (lecanemab) may reduce Alzheimer’s disease progression by targeting protein buildups, but their effectiveness is still being studied.
However, it’s worth noting that some conditions mimic dementia symptoms, known as pseudodementia. Because it’s often linked to psychiatric disorders like depression, treating the underlying condition can sometimes reverse these symptoms.
Although there’s no cure for dementia, several treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. We can prescribe medications that address your symptoms and explain how to find relief in nonpharmaceutical approaches like music, art, or pet therapy.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and cognitive training can boost brain health.
Of course, Rios Healthcare Associates is with you every step of your journey. Whether you need medication, occupational therapy, or someone to listen and give you solid medical advice, we always provide personalized and compassionate care that meets you where you are.
Dementia research continues to evolve, offering hope for future breakthroughs. Scientists are exploring various approaches, from new medications targeting specific proteins to genetic studies aiming to better understand risk factors.
Emerging technologies, like AI, assist in early detection and monitoring, potentially transforming dementia management.
While a cure remains a distant goal, there’s hope at hand. Call Rios Healthcare Associates or request an appointment online to talk to our experts about our comprehensive dementia care services.