Dementia is an umbrella term that describes negative changes in cognitive functioning that may be the result of a number of potential factors.

Unintentional poisoning, either from ingested substances or environmental exposure, can lead to brain damage and eventually, the onset of dementia. Since most forms of this toxic exposure are chronic, the sources can be difficult to detect.

What Is Dementia From Toxic Substances?

Dementia originated from toxic substances is a form of degenerative dementia, rooted in the ingestion of or exposure to heavy metals or carbon monoxide. Commonly referred to as toxic encephalopathy, the exposure to toxic substances can deteriorate an individual's mental capabilities—either acutely or chronically—and lead to full-on dementia.

Toxic encephalopathy is a general term used to describe any sort of cerebral damage that comes from the use of or exposure to toxic compounds, chemicals or metals. This damage is sometimes reparable, but in cases in which the damage persists, the risk for development of degenerative dementia skyrockets.

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Risk Factors

Exposure to any kind of toxic substance with a negative effect on the brain can cause toxic encephalopathy, and ultimately, the onset of dementia. Some of the most common toxic substances that can cause this damage are:

  • Alcohol: In abusive quantities, alcohol can cause severe amounts of cerebral damage.
  • Heavy metals: Mercury, arsenic, lead, toluene and lithium, even in small doses, can have a long-term damaging effect on the brain, leading to both encephalopathy and dementia.
  • Psychotropic drugs: Chronically using certain psychotropic drugs can increase the severity of impairment.
  • Cyad: A consumable seed in the Western Pacific, when cyad is ingested, it can cause several neurodegenerative disorders.

Even small amounts of these toxic materials, especially over a long period of time, can cause gradual mental deterioration.

Signs And Symptoms

The exact causes of dementia from toxins are sometimes difficult to trace, especially when they accrue over time in small, repetitive amounts. Symptoms of dementia from toxic substances are very similar to most forms of degenerative dementia, and may include:

  • Memory loss
  • Increased irritability
  • Minor but noticeable changes in behavior and personality
  • Fatigue
  • Uncontrollable physical twitches and movements
  • Difficulty in concentration
  • Depression

Short-term (acute) signs of toxic ingestion or exposure can include:

  • A feeling of lightheadedness
  • Headache and nausea
  • Dizziness

Treatments

Depending on the severity and intensity of the exposure to toxic substances, several different treatment methods exist. Like other forms of degenerative dementia, there is no existing cure, but the symptoms and physical effects can be managed with changes in diet, nutritional supplements, anticonvulsants (to control the tremors and involuntary movements if present), or full organ transplants in extreme cases.

Unfortunately, most forms of toxic substance-related dementia are completely irreversible. The aggregate chronic exposure to toxic substances is not something that can be repaired. Changes in diet and environment can reduce the exposure to toxic compounds and slow the progression of the disease once it has developed, but managing the associated symptoms is the only option for positively impacting the disease.

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