Dementia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Dementia?
A neurologist, a doctor who treats brain and nerve problems, often diagnoses dementia. Seeing a primary care doctor is often the first step. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a loss of mental functions. It is severe enough to affect your daily life and activities. Memory, language skills, problem solving, and focus can all be affected.
Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It is normal to become a bit more forgetful as you age. Many people live into their 90s and beyond without any signs of dementia.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia among older people. In Alzheimer's disease, abnormal buildups of proteins form plaques and tangles in the brain. Vascular dementia is another type. It involves changes to the brain's blood supply.
Symptoms
The symptoms of dementia vary, depending on which parts of the brain are affected. Often, forgetfulness is the first symptom. People with dementia may:
- Get lost in a familiar neighborhood.
- Use unusual words to refer to familiar objects.
- Forget the name of a close family member or friend.
- Need help doing tasks that they used to do by themselves.
Some people with dementia cannot control their emotions. Their personalities may change. They may lose interest in normal daily activities. Some types also cause balance and movement problems.
The stages of dementia range from mild to severe. In the most severe stage, the person is completely dependent on others for care.
Causes and who gets it
Dementia happens when healthy nerve cells in the brain stop working, lose connections, and die. Vascular dementia is often caused by a stroke or atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in the brain.
Aging is the biggest risk factor for dementia. Other factors that raise the risk include:
- Smoking.
- Uncontrolled diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Drinking too much alcohol.
- Having close family members who have dementia.
About one-third of all people age 85 or older may have some form of dementia.
Some other problems can cause memory trouble that looks like dementia. Examples are low vitamin levels, medicine side effects, and kidney or liver problems. Some of these causes can be halted or even reversed with treatment.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors first check for a condition that may be treatable. Your provider may then use many tools to make a diagnosis:
- A medical history, which includes asking about your symptoms.
- A physical exam.
- Tests of your thinking, memory, and language abilities.
- Blood tests, genetic tests, and brain scans.
- A check to see whether a mental disorder is adding to your symptoms.
Brain scans can identify strokes, tumors, and other problems that can cause dementia.
An early diagnosis can help with managing the condition and planning ahead.
Treatment
There is no cure for most types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia. Treatments may help keep mental function longer, manage behavior symptoms, and slow down symptoms.
Medicines may briefly improve memory and thinking or slow their decline. They only work in some people. Some medicines can cause strong side effects in people with dementia. Talk to your health care provider about which medicines will be safe for you.
For early Alzheimer's disease, lecanemab and donanemab are FDA-approved drugs. Studies showed that the drugs slowed the loss of thinking skills in some people. Possible side effects include fluid buildup or bleeding in the brain. In rare cases, the side effects may be serious or life-threatening. Doctors should watch for side effects with MRI scans.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you notice changes in thinking, movement, or behavior. Finding it early is important, because some causes can be treated.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if a person has a sudden change in mental status, such as unusual behavior or trouble waking up.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. It can be a good place to start when you notice memory or thinking changes. Such a doctor can do a first check of memory and thinking changes, order basic tests, and help coordinate care with specialists.
Common questions
Is dementia a normal part of aging?
No, dementia is not a normal part of aging. It is a serious disorder that interferes with your daily life.
Is dementia the same as Alzheimer's disease?
No, Alzheimer's disease is one type of dementia. It is the most common type among older people.
Can dementia be prevented?
Researchers have not found a proven way to prevent dementia. Living a healthy lifestyle might influence some of your risk factors.
Who can diagnose dementia?
Neurologists, doctors for the brain and nerves, are often asked to diagnose dementia. Visiting a primary care doctor is often the first step.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Dementia
- National Institute on Aging - What Is Dementia? Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis
- National Institute on Aging - How Is Alzheimer's Disease Treated?
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
