Whether or not dementia can be reversed depends on the cause of the dementia. Some types of dementia that cannot be reversed can be slowed down if doctors can catch them early enough in the course of the disease.

In many cases, dementia can be reversed when an underlying syndrome that is treatable causes it. Dementia caused by hormonal imbalances of the thyroid, parathyroid, or other endocrine system diseases can be cured when the hormonal imbalance is corrected through medication. The same goes for dementia caused by vitamin imbalances or deficiencies – B vitamins are especially important for brain functioning, and pernicious anemia – a lack of vitamin B12 absorption – can cause dementia. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is another correctable root cause of dementia.

Treating the depression can treat dementia that is present with an accompanying mental illness, like severe depression. Depression can, of course, be difficult to treat, and so the dementia by association also can be difficult to address in this instance.

Some treatable dementia is actually even preventable. Dementia brought on by drug and/or alcohol abuse can clearly be prevented through personal choice. Head injuries that lead to dementia can be made less likely by wearing a helmet when cycling and wearing seat belts while in a car.

Not all kinds of dementia are reversible, however. Alzheimer’s disease is not curable and damage to the brain cannot be reversed. With early diagnosis, some patients with Alzheimer’s disease may be able to slow the progression of their symptoms with the help of certain medications, or a combination of medications. Conflicting evidence exits suggesting dietary supplements, like Ginkgo Biloba or vitamin E, put off the march of the disease, however, doctors are skeptical.

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