What are the causes of dementia?

There are two major categories of dementia: reversible and irreversible. Irreversible dementia progresses gradually and results from damage to the brain, which can be caused by:

• Diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or Pick’s disease
• Mini strokes (also known as vascular dementia)
• Excessive alcoholism

Reversible dementia is quick-onset and can be caused by:

• Acute infections such as a UTIs (urinary tract infections)
• Adverse reaction to medication
• Thyroid issues
• Malnutrition

When these causes are treated successfully, the dementia goes away.