Vaishnavi Kuchimanchi
September 10th, 2025
Edited by the YNPS Publications team.
Abstract
Dementia, though not a specific disease, describes a specific combination of symptoms that indicate the impairment of brain functions. Oftentimes, those affected are older populations. It defines the loss of memory, language, and problem-solving skills. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a common form of dementia, and accounts for 60-80% of most cases.
Introduction
The diseases grouped under the umbrella term “dementia” are often caused by abnormal changes in the brain. These changes can affect behavior, feelings, and relationships. Vascular dementia, the blood vessel blockage and microscopic bleeding in the brain, is the second biggest cause of dementia. If the brain goes through multiple forms of dementia, it can be labeled as mixed dementia. While cognitive impairment is a major factor of dementia, sometimes it can be due to other reversible diseases (i.e, thyroid issues, vitamin deficiency). The term “dementia” can also be commonly referred to as “senility”, which gives many people the incorrect impression that mental decline is a normal part of aging.
Methodology
To truly understand dementia and its effects, I tried to find articles that would describe the symptoms properly, and decided to find a case study. Through this, I began to search for research articles, and found one from the “National Institute of Aging” and the “National Library of Medicine,” which were both able to describe the clinical side and the symptomatic side of dementia. Through this process, I’ve been searching for articles that are reputable and provide detailed explanations to show why dementia happens, and the demographic it affects. By finding this, I was able to understand more about dementia’s impact not only on the patient, but also on their family as well. This analysis was what led me to see the physical and social effects of dementia.
According to a case study by Galvin (2024), which specifically focused on a phase-1 clinical trial regarding Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). The term “Lewy bodies” is another word for neuronal cell bodies. The development of LBD is due to the aggregation or buildup of aSyn, a presynaptic protein. A possible form of treatment is immunotherapy, which is the clinical trial of a new form of medication.
Another case study performed by the National Library of Medicine followed a 58-year-old with suspected Alzheimer’s dementia. Many symptoms showed up: positive CSF AD biomarkers, temporal atrophy, and APOE in e4. These progressive symptoms have been noted for almost 4 years, leading to issues in cognitive skills (i.e,. recalling events, remembering information). Overall, these symptoms led to neuropsychiatric problems as well. The patient became more withdrawn and showed signs of depression and anxiety. It was observed that the patient often went into a “trance-like” state and was drowsy during the day, accompanied by “acting out night terrors”. The patient’s mental status examination indicated psychomotor slowing, with a score of 24/30. After being given the Hooper Visual Organization Test, she scored 7/13, which suggested visuospatial impairment. The patient was started on transdermal rivastigmine, and while early signs of improvement were seen, the clinical status quickly deteriorated over time. The patient’s brain weighed 1,160 g, which was on the lower end of the range for adult females. Atrophy was found in the superior and anterior temporal lobes, while no change was detected in the frontal, parietal, or occipital lobes.
Note. By Maneval et al. (2022), MRI scan of the patient, approx. 3 years after onset of symptoms Copyright NIH.gov
Results
Dementia is an issue that largely affects a single demographic, though doctors have been searching for a solution to combat it. Dementia is a group of symptoms that has been mistakenly thought to affect all older people. Though there is no set method for prevention, one can take steps to lessen the risk. Lifestyle modifications, cognitive stimulation, and medical management can all help aid a healthy lifestyle. Stress management and genetic testing, in case there is a history of dementia in the family, are also viable methods. Early detection and intervention are crucial to combating these symptoms.
Short-term symptoms
- Memory loss
- Problem-solving issues
- Poor judgement
- Personality changes (apathy)
- Mood swings
Long-term symptoms
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Sleep disturbances
- Impaired Judgement
Discussion
Oftentimes, the best “solution” to dementia is different forms of medications. These can be inhibitors, antagonists, or even antipsychotics. Each of these allows for cognition improvement, stabilized brain cells, and helps with behavioral issues. Recently, new medications for Alzheimer’s, anti-amyloid antibodies that target amyloid plaques (a trademark of Alzheimer’s), have been discovered to slow cognitive decline. It is important to consult a physician to find a curated method, as treatment differs from patient to patient.
The movie “The Father” is a psychological drama film that follows Anthony, an older man who struggles with dementia. Throughout the movie, the audience only knows what Anthony knows, and they truly understand the confusion and change Anthony feels regarding his daughters, Anne and Lucy. Anthony believes that he lives on his own, but it is revealed that he has been living with Anne and her husband, a man Anthony calls both “Paul” and “James”. While talking to his carer, Laura, it is explained that his daughter Lucy had been in an accident, though Anthony has no recollection of this incident. Later, Anthony wakes up and finds himself in a hospital hallway, and remembers Lucy’s accident. He later wakes up again in a nursing home, and sees a woman he previously identified as Anne and Laura, but is actually Catherine, a nurse. He then breaks down due to his sheer confusion, and begins to say he is “losing his leaves, the branches, the wind, and the rain”. The movie ends with Catherine promising Anthony she will take him out to the park.
Conclusion
Through this emotional and mental journey, it is important to seek help and connection. Inform family and friends what has occurred, join support groups, and understand what is happening with your body and your mind. It is important to plan for the future and understand long-term needs (medical treatments and end-of-life care). Finally, keep a healthy diet and engage in some form of exercise when possible. It’s important to stay positive and hopeful through this life-changing disease. There are ways to manage dementia while also living a fulfilled life. Additionally, one can explore forms of alternative therapy (musical or art). Increase awareness regarding this umbrella of symptoms, and spend time with the people you love. Spend time doing things you enjoy, whether it’s a phone call from an old friend or going for a hike.
References
Alzheimer’s Association [AA]. (2025). What is Dementia? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | alz.org. Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
Galvin J. E. (2024). Lewy Body Dementia. Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), 30(6), 1673–1698. https://doi.org/10.1212/CON.0000000000001496
Maneval, J., Woods, J. K., Feany, M. B., Miller, M. B., Silbersweig, D. A., Gale, S. A., Daffner, K. R., & McGinnis, S. M. (2022, January 7th). Case Study 3: A 58-Year-Old Woman Referred for Evaluation of Suspected Alzheimer Dementia. The Journal of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences, 34(4), 307–315. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.neuropsych.20220113
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2025, June 7). Dementia. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019
Wu, J. (2022). Seeing Through the Eyes of Another: A Brief Review of the 2020 Film “The Father”. American Journal of Psychiatry Residents’ Journal, 18(1), 18–18. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2022.180109
Youth Neuropsychology Society 
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