Alzheimer’s Disease Isn't the Only Cause of Dementia

Alzheimer's is just one of many brain disorders behind cognitive decline and memory loss. Scientists are examining the different causes of dementia to find better treatments.

By Megan Schmidt
Sep 9, 2020 8:00 PMAug 9, 2023 2:42 PM
older woman park autumn - shutterstock
(Credit: Ruslan Huzau//Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Growing old is a natural part of life. Our hair will turn gray and our skin will wrinkle. Our bones and muscles will weaken, and our blood vessels will get stiff. But many of us will also lose our minds, and that is something that's not supposed to happen.

There’s still a tendency to lump all dementia patients into what Nelson calls a “grab bag of Alzheimer’s disease.” Some older people who are experiencing impairments to their thinking, memory and judgment might not have Alzheimer's, but another form of dementia.

Most experts believe that dementia is not a normal part of aging and that it can somehow be stopped. For that day to come, a better understanding of the nuances of the dementia subtypes and their underlying pathologies is crucial, says Peter Nelson, a neuropathologist at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging at the University of Kentucky.

How Common Is Dementia?

Half of people age 80 or older have some form of dementia. The older someone is, the more their risk goes up. Significant declines in brain function may seem inevitable because of how common it is.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2023 Kalmbach Media Co.