This type of dementia is caused by damage to the vessels that supply blood to the brain. It's thought that these clumps damage healthy brain cells and the fibers connecting them. Tangles are fibrous masses made up of tau protein. Plaques are clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid. People with Alzheimer's disease have plaques and tangles in their brains. While several genes are probably involved in Alzheimer's disease, one important gene that increases risk is apolipoprotein E4 (APOE).
These gene changes can be passed down from parent to child. This is the most common cause of dementia.Īlthough not all causes of Alzheimer's disease are known, experts do know that a small percentage are related to changes in three genes. Types of dementias that worsen and aren't reversible include:Īlzheimer's disease. Progressive dementiasĭementias that are progressive get worse over time. When this occurs, dementia symptoms may improve with treatment. Not getting enough of certain vitamins or minerals also can cause dementia symptoms. And some medicines can cause a reaction that includes dementia symptoms.
Also, some diseases have symptoms like those of dementia. They may be grouped by the protein or proteins deposited in the brain or by the part of the brain that's affected. Dementia can affect people differently.ĭementias are often grouped by what they have in common. The symptoms depend on the area of the brain that's damaged. Dementia is caused by damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain.
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