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• More than 60 percent of all dementias are caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD) and are characterized by a gradual antegrade memory loss, preservation of gait, subtle personality change, and a steady general deterioration over time. About 20 percent of dementias are called vascular dementia and are caused by small or large strokes. These generally happen quite abruptly, affect gait, preserve personality, and may or may not progress over time.
• Some other causes of dementia include Lewy body dementia, which acts like or is associated with Parkinson's disease; Frontotemporal dementia, which can cause huge personality changes; and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which follows repeated severe head trauma in boxers, football players, and soldiers. The differential diagnosis also includes memory loss from thyroid and B12 deficiency, brain tumors, and depression.
• It is my sincere hope that you the listener (the reader) can continue to learn a new thing.
Dr. Rick Holm wrote this Prairie Doc Perspective for "On Call®," a weekly program where medical professionals discuss health concerns for the general public. "On Call®" is produced by the Healing Words Foundation in association with the South Dakota State University Journalism Department. "On Call®" airs Thursdays on South Dakota Public Broadcasting-Television at 7 p.m. Central, 6 p.m. Mountain. Visit us at OnCallTelevision.com.
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