Understanding the Link Between Dementia and Distressing Vertigo

Understanding the Connection Between Dementia and Vertigo

Vertigo and dizziness are common symptoms that can impact daily functioning and quality of life. For those with dementia, symptoms of vertigo and imbalance may be especially problematic.

Research shows links between dementia and vertigo symptoms. Understanding this connection is key for management.

Defining Dementia, Dizziness and Vertigo

Dementia refers to memory loss along with declines in reasoning, communication, and thinking skills that disrupt a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Dizziness describes feeling lightheaded, woozy, or unbalanced. Vertigo is a subtype of dizziness causing the sensation that you or the room are spinning, swaying, or moving.

Prevalence of Dizziness and Vertigo in Dementia

Studies report prevalence rates for dizziness and vertigo among those with dementia ranging from 30-45%. This compares to estimates of just 10% in similarly aged older adults without dementia.

People with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia appear at greatest risk. However, imbalance and dizzy spells also frequently accompany Lewy body dementia and other degenerative causes.

Key Factors That May Link Dementia with Vertigo

Researchers are still working to uncover the reasons behind increased vertigo and loss of balance with dementia. Contributing factors likely include:

1. Brain Changes

Dementia damages areas of the brain involved in coordinating signals from the inner ear, eyes, muscles, joints, and sensory receptors that work together to maintain balance and spatial orientation.

2. Impaired Reflexes

Dementia progressively impairs rapid reflexes needed to stabilize the body from unexpected movements or surfaces. This makes people more prone to lightheaded spells.

3. Motor Control Problems

Many dementia subtypes like Lewy body disease feature poor motor control, slow reaction times, muscle weakness and rigidity contributing to unsteadiness and falls.

4. Medication Side Effects

Vertigo, dizziness and loss of balance are common medication side effects. The multiple prescriptions many with dementia take increase risks.

5. Medical Comorbidities

Chronic diseases associated with aging like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and neuropathy can worsen equilibrium and stability issues linked to dementia's progression.

Common Symptoms of Vertigo in Dementia

Vertigo episodes provoke distressing sensations like spinning out of control plus additional signs signalling a need for evaluation. Symptoms may come and go suddenly or persist near-constantly.

Sensations of Spinning, Swaying or Tilting

The hallmark vertigo symptom includes feelings of spinning, rotating, tilting or swaying. Attacks may last seconds or hours and can lead to nausea, vomiting, or falls.

Loss of Balance or Coordination

People with dementia and vertigo struggle with unsteady gaits, veering left or right when walking, and difficulty coordinating turns or changing directions quickly to avoid obstacles.

Lightheadedness

In addition to spinning sensations, many people with dementia feel woozy, faint or mentally "foggy" during vertigo spells due to blood pressure and circulation shifts triggered by the inner ear's problems.

Nausea or Vomiting

Vertigo's dizzying effects confuse the brain and trigger motions sickness reactions resulting in horrible nausea, sick feelings or vomiting episodes that compound discomfort.

Vision Trouble

Blurry, bouncing, wavering vision or focus difficulties arise during vertigo attacks, making navigation, reading and identification of faces a struggle.

Anxiety or Panic

The terrifying physical symptoms spark anxious reactions or outright panic attacks, especially with dementia patients' comprehension challenges.

Medical Evaluation of Vertigo in Dementia

Perplexing, recurrent bouts of vertigo with dementia demand examinations to pinpoint causes and guide treatment directions. Diagnostic steps typically include:

Medical History Reviews

Doctors need rich histories regarding specific vertigo symptom patterns, severity, triggers, durability, effects on functioning, past disorders, family histories and medication use.

Physical Examinations

Full physical exams assess vitals, inner ear function, eye alignment, lower extremity circulation, proprioception, reflexes and positional testing for triggers.

Brain Imaging

CT scans or MRIs visualize dementia's progression in areas controlling spatial perception, stability and inner ear integration to explain vertigo causes.

Additional Testing

Blood panels check vitamin, mineral and electrolyte levels tied to dizziness while EKG and cardiac monitoring screens for arrhythmias provoking attacks.

Treatment Options for Dementia Patients with Vertigo

Customized management plans focused on preventing falls and improving daily function involve:

Medication Adjustments

Doctors try alternating timing schedules, lowering doses or substitute prescriptions with fewer dizziness or vertigo side effects.

Balance and Gait Aids

Canes, walkers or other mobility aids provide needed stabilization alongside physical/occupational therapy for gait training.

Home Modifications

Installing grab bars, railings, ramps and improving lighting within homes bolsters safety and reduces fall risks during attacks.

Dietary Optimization

Monitoring hydration, vitamin D, B12, iron, magnesium and antioxidant intake aids inner ear and nervous system function.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

Vertigo episodes spark distress that exacerbates symptoms. Relaxation techniques, counseling and medication help break this cycle.

Seeking Emergency Care for Vertigo

Call 911 or go to emergency rooms if vertigo causes:

• Head injuries from serious falls
• Severe neck pain or spinal risks from unstable collapses
• Chest pains signaling potential heart problems
• Extreme vomiting or dehydration
• Sudden hearing/vision loss or slurred speech indicating stroke
• Mental status changes like profound confusion or loss of consciousness

Improving Quality of Life for Dementia Patients with Vertigo

While incurable, optimizing dementia and vertigo management improves function and falling risks so patients maintain independence longer while leading more engaged, comforting lives.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.