Where is dementia located in the brain

Main Content. Important Phone Numbers. Top of the page. Areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias. Current as of: September 23, Home About MyHealth. These cells, which come in various forms—such as microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes—surround and support the function and healthy of neurons.

For example, microglia protect neurons from physical and chemical damage and are responsible for clearing foreign substances and cellular debris from the brain. To carry out these functions, glial cells often collaborate with blood vessels in the brain. Together, glial and blood vessel cells regulate the delicate balance within the brain to ensure that it functions at its best.

The brain typically shrinks to some degree in healthy aging but, surprisingly, does not lose neurons in large numbers. It later affects areas in the cerebral cortex responsible for language, reasoning, and social behavior.

Eventually, many other areas of the brain are damaged. Ultimately, the disease is fatal. These changes can be observed in brain tissue under the microscope after death. It is formed from the breakdown of a larger protein, called amyloid precursor protein.

One form, beta-amyloid 42, is thought to be especially toxic. Neurofibrillary tangles are abnormal accumulations of a protein called tau that collect inside neurons. Healthy neurons, in part, are supported internally by structures called microtubules, which help guide nutrients and molecules from the cell body to the axon and dendrites.

What causes dementia? Can dementia be prevented? How is dementia treated? Can dementia be cured? Sign up for dementia emails. What are the symptoms of dementia? How to get a dementia diagnosis? Tests for diagnosing dementia What to do if you've just been diagnosed with dementia. Are you looking after someone with dementia? Living well with dementia Staying independent Dementia activities Dementia and the home environment Looking after someone with dementia Dementia and your relationships Communicating with someone with dementia Coping with behaviour changes Dementia and end of life planning.

Do you know the signs of dementia? Sign up for dementia emails Join a dementia research project. Sources of help and support Organising care at home Care homes What to expect from the NHS and social services Money matters Managing legal affairs Sign up for dementia emails.

Have you just been diagnosed with dementia? Spot the signs of dementia. Causes of Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Read more about treatments for dementia. Unusual forms of Alzheimer's disease can start with problems with vision or with language. Read more about Alzheimer's disease.

In most cases, the patient will eventually lose their ability to safely live independently. This process is referred to as widespread brain atrophy, resulting in a significant loss of nerve tissue and severely impaired brain function 2.

The stages of dementia help determine when to find a neurologist and plan for supportive care. Call today or visit us online at Crystalrunhealthcare. View the discussion thread. Skip to main content. Search form Search. Monitoring Find a Doctor Specialties Request a callback.

Neurons exchange information through a chemical-electric charge that crosses a microscopic gap called a synapse. A single healthy neuron may have as many as 7, synaptic connections to other nerve cells 2.

Regeneration and repair. Neurons have the ability to be repaired and to adjust or change their synaptic connections based on the chemical and electrical messages they receive. A healthy brain can even generate new nerve cells by the process of neurogenesis.