18 Early Signs of Dementia in Men and their Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention

Early Signs of Dementia in Men 

early signs of dementia in men

Do you know what to look for when it comes to early signs of dementia in men? If you don't, we've got your back.

If you are concerned that your father, husband, brother, or another important man in your life is showing the early signs of dementia, then carefully read this article.

In this article, we not only discussed the early signs of dementia in men but also outlined the types, causes, risk factors, and possible preventions of dementia in men.

So, let's get started!!!

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. Introduction
2. What Is Dementia?
3. Why Does Dementia Occur in Men?
4. Can Dementia Affect My Mental Health?
5. Can Dementia Be Prevented?
6. What Are the Causes of Dementia in Men?
7. The Risk Factors of Dementia in Men
8. What Are the Types of Dementia in Men?
9. What Are the Early Warning Signs of Dementia in Men?
10. Conclusion
11. Related Articles
12. FAQs

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a condition that affects the ability to think, remember, and communicate.

In other words, dementia is a mental disorder that can affect memory, thinking, and behaviour.

It can cause people to experience a decline in their ability to carry out their normal activities.

Why Does Dementia Occur in Men?

Dementia can occur in men because the brain cells that control memory might have been destroyed.

This may happen because the body can produce too much of a hormone called testosterone.

It has been proposed that too much testosterone production can destroy the brain cells that store memories.

Also, testosterone is said to make the blood vessels in the brain smaller, as a result, dementia develops.

Here are some of the possible reasons that can cause dementia in men:

1. The brain may shrink due to age
2. The blood vessels may become weak
3. The nerves may be damaged
4. There may be an accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain
5. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to dementia

Can Dementia Affect My Mental Health?

The answer is yes. Dementia can affect your mental health in a number of ways.

For example, as your memories start to fade and your cognitive abilities start to decline, it can be hard to cope with dementia.

Dementia can lead to mental deterioration in men

Dementia can also lead to a deterioration in mental health, as people become confused, agitated, and depressed.

But the good news is that there are many treatment options available that can help to improve your mental health and quality of life.

So, if you or someone you know is struggling with dementia, it’s important to seek help from a professional.

Can Dementia Be Prevented?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to prevent dementia depends on the individual’s unique circumstances and health history.

However, by being proactive and staying aware of the warning signs of dementia, you can put yourself in a better position to respond to them.

Therefore, the early diagnosis and treatment of dementia are essential in preventing dementia before the condition gets out of hand.

What Are the Causes of Dementia in Men?

Here are some of the causes of dementia in men:

1. Traumatic brain injury
2. History of obesity
3. Lack of exercise
4. Lack of vitamin D
5. Lack of omega-3 fatty acids
6. Lack of magnesium
7. Lack of antioxidants
8. Lack of sleep
9. High Blood Pressure
10. Lack of stress relief
11. Heart Disease
12. Lack of proper nutrition
13. Lack of blood flow to the brain
14. Diabetes
15. Hypertension
16. Compromised immune system
17. Genetic predisposition to dementia
18. What Are the Common Risk Factors for Dementia in Men?

The Risk Factors of Dementia in Men

Here are some common risk factors associated with dementia in men:

1. Family history of dementia
2. Age-related cognitive decline
3. Gender
4. Smoking.
5. Alcohol consumption
6. Vascular Issues
7. Race
8. Lack of social engagement
9. Having a mental illness
10. Having a low level of education

What Are the Types of Dementia in Men?

There are so many types of dementias in men today. We outlined them in into two categories which are the common types category and the less common types.

A. The common types of dementia in men include:

1. Alzheimer's disease (AD)

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking skills, behaviour, and physical abilities.

AD can occur at any age but typically occurs after age 65. AD is the most common form of dementia.

2. Vascular dementia (VD)

Vascular dementia (VD) is caused by damage to blood vessels supplying the brain.

This type of dementia usually develops slowly over time.

The symptoms of VD include loss of memory, confusion, difficulty speaking, poor judgment, and changes in mood.

3. Lewy body dementia (LBD)

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a type of dementia that begins with symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s disease.

LBD is characterized by progressive cognitive impairment, hallucinations, delusions, and movement disorders.

4. Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a group of diseases that cause progressive deterioration of language, social interaction, and behaviour.

FTLD is often associated with other neurological problems, including parkinsonism, motor neuron disease, and corticobasal syndrome.

5. Cortical cerebellar atrophy (CCA)

Cortical cerebellar atrophy (CCA) is a rare condition that causes a gradual decline in mental function.

CCA is sometimes confused with Alzheimer’s disease but has different symptoms.

B. The less common types of dementia in men include:

1. Senile dementia
2. Dementia pugilistica
3. multiple system atrophy
4. Dementia praecox
5. Parkinsonism-dementia
6. Huntington’s chorea
7. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
8. Dementia with Pick's disease
9. Korsakoff’s psychosis
10. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
11. Dementia with primary progressive aphasia
12. Argyrophilic Grain Disease
13. Dementia with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

What Are the Early Warning Signs of Dementia in Men?

There are a lot of early signs of dementia in men, but we can only cover a few of them here.

1. Memory Loss

Memory loss is often one of the initial symptoms that something is wrong with our brain.

Dementia in men can cause memory loss

As we age, the natural process of brain decay and dementia begins, and our memories start to fade.

Eventually, memory loss can become so severe that we may no longer be able to recount important events from our past or remember the names of people we know.

If you’re noticing any signs of memory loss, don’t wait to see a doctor.

By getting checked out early, you can start treatment and prevent full-blown dementia from taking over your life.

2. Difficulty Performing Some Certain Usual Tasks

Are you finding it increasingly difficult to remember certain tasks or carry out your usual routine?

If so, it may be time to get checked for dementia.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, the difficulty in performing certain usual tasks, such as dressing yourself, bathing yourself, or managing your finances, can be one of the early signs of dementia in men.

This change in behaviour can be a sign that you're developing memory problems.

Therefore, if you notice any of these changes in yourself or someone you know, it's important to get medical help as soon as possible.

By getting diagnosed early, you can begin the process of managing your symptoms and living a healthy life.

3. Difficulty Following Storylines

When it comes to watching TV shows or movies, most of us have a preference for following the storyline from beginning to end. However, for people with dementia, this is often difficult or impossible to do.

So, if you find it hard to keep up with the storylines in your favourite TV show or movie or have difficulty following a conversation, it might not be too farfetched to think that this difficulty might be an early sign of dementia.

Therefore, if you or your loved one is having a harder time following the storylines of a TV show or movie, be sure to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

4. Disorientation

According to the Alzheimer's Association, one of the earliest signs of dementia in men is disorientation.

This can manifest as changes in behaviour, thinking, mood, or ability to function.

Therefore, if you notice any significant changes in your loved one's behaviour, it is important to call their attention to seek out professional help as soon as possible.

By doing so, you can diagnose the condition early and start treatment right away to safeguard his or her memory and cognitive abilities.

5. Poor Judgement

Poor judgment is one of the early signs of dementia in men, and it’s a sign that you should take action to protect yourself and your loved ones.

So, if you notice that your loved one is exhibiting signs of poor judgment, be it in financial or social matters, it is best to get them assessed as soon as possible.

This is because dementia is a progressive disease that can lead to serious consequences if left unchecked.

In fact, by the time a person exhibits signs of dementia, it’s sometimes too late to do anything about it.

Therefore, early detection and treatment are the keys to a successful outcome, so don't delay in getting your loved one screened!

6. Loss of focus

As the world becomes more digitalized, it is not surprising to see an increase in cases of dementia.

One of the earliest signs that you may be experiencing a loss of focus is when you find it difficult to stay on task for a sustained period of time.

This can manifest as difficulty following through with your plans, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty staying on task.

If you notice any of these signs in yourself, your husband, or your son, please do not hesitate to seek help from a health professional.

7. Confusion

As early as age 50, men are twice as likely as women to develop dementia.

And, even earlier signs of this disease can be difficult to detect.

However, one of the early signs of dementia in men that can be easily noticeable is confusion.

This is because, as dementia advances, it can cause confusion and memory problems.

So, if you or anyone you know starts experiencing unnecessary forms of confusion, please do well to seek help.

9. Changes in personality

Just as we pointed out earlier, "there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to dementia,"

But changes in personality are one of the earliest signs that someone may be developing the disease.

In some studies, people with dementia may experience changes in mood and thinking.

In fact, these behaviours are some of the most reliable indicators that a person is on the road to dementia.

10. Changes in thinking

We did say that, as you age, your brains start to shrink. This is just a fact of life, and there’s really nothing you can do to stop it.

However, the good news is that it doesn’t mean that your thinking skills will decline along with your brain size.

But changes in thinking can be one of the early signs of dementia in men, and it is important to get them evaluated as soon as possible.

If left unchecked, these changes can lead to more severe symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, and even hallucinations.

11. Changes in speech

People with dementia will have difficulty understanding complex speech and language.

Some of the changes that dementia can cause in your ability to speak include stuttering and stammering (uncontrolled repetitive movements of the muscles around your lips).

Dementia will also affect your ability to understand what people say.

People with dementia may lose the ability to answer simple questions, repeat words or sentences accurately, or follow instructions.

12. Changes in walking

One common change in people with dementia is an increased tendency to walk slowly.

This may be due to decreased mobility, cognitive impairment, or a combination of these factors.

Other walking changes include shuffling, unsteadiness, tremors, and falling (your risk of falling increases)

Dementia can also affect your balance because of the way Lewy Bodies work on your brain stem.

This affects how well you control the muscles that keep you stable when standing or walking in a new place.

13. Changes in coordination

When you have dementia, coordination problems such as unsteadiness, muscle weakness, or spasticity may increase the risk of falls.

14. Misplacing Things

Dementia may cause you to misplace things more often, especially in short-term memory.

Misplacing objects such as keys or even cell phones can be a nuisance and disturb others who must continually remind you where something is.

15. Changes in the ability to make decisions

One common symptom of dementia is that people with the disease may no longer be in control of their daily lives.

Dementia can cause a change from being able to make up your own personal plans or follow an independent plan and self-care, to having difficulty making decisions about what needs to happen at certain times.

16. Changes in the ability to concentrate

Men are more susceptible to changes in the ability to concentrate, which is often a symptom of dementia.

According to Alzheimer's Association, men's brains are more vulnerable to the degenerative effects of Alzheimer's disease.

In fact, the ability to concentrate is a complex cognitive function that involves several brain regions including the frontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and cerebellum.

These areas work together to help us focus our attention and remember information.

However, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), these areas become damaged and lose their ability to communicate effectively. This leads to problems with memory and concentration.

17. Changes in the ability to recognize people

Yes, changes in the ability to recognize people are a common symptom of dementia in men.

This is due to damage to the hippocampus, which is a part of the brain responsible for forming memories.

As memories decline, the person may become less able to recognize familiar faces, names, and other personal information.

18. Changes in the ability to read and write

Dementia can cause changes in the ability to write and read

There is currently no definitive information on this point, as there is limited research available on the topic.

However, experts believe that the language centre of the brain starts to decline as dementia progresses. This leads to changes in the ability to read and write.

Although, changes in the ability to read and write can often be indicative of other cognitive problems, such as memory loss and confusion.

As such, it may be useful for those who are concerned about their loved one's cognitive health to monitor their ability to read and write.

If changes are noticed, it may be worth consulting a doctor to determine the best course of action.

Conclusion

The elderly population is on the rise, and so is the incidence of dementia.

In this blog post, we discussed some of the most common signs and symptoms of dementia in men, as well as the ways in which you can protect yourself from developing this debilitating brain problem.

We have also outlined the causes, common risk factors and types of dementia in men.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to leave a comment below!

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FAQs

Why Don't Dementia Patients Sleep?

This is a difficult question to answer, as the answer may depend on the individual's dementia diagnosis and the specific symptoms that they are associated with.

However, here are some of the reasons why dementia patients might not be able to sleep:

They are too tired: Dementia patients are often unable to sleep due to their exhaustion from dealing with the symptoms of dementia.

They don’t know how to fall asleep: Many people who suffer from dementia do not understand that they should go to bed at night. Instead, they may stay awake until morning.

They are afraid of sleeping: Some dementia patients are afraid of sleeping because they believe that they will dream about their memories. Others fear nightmares.

Restlessness: Many dementia patients become restless and agitated during the night, which can make it difficult to fall asleep.

Anxiety: Dementia patients may experience anxiety or fear of being alone, which can lead to difficulty sleeping.

Can Dementia Occur at Any Age?

Yes, dementia can occur at any age. However, it is more common in older adults due to the cumulative damage that has been done to the brain.

As the brain ages, it becomes less resilient to damage, and dementia is the result.

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