Is Lip Smacking a Sign of Dementia? What Is the Potential Cure

Dementia occurs due to brain cell damage - and as the brain controls all our bodily functions, it cannot perform the regular tasks properly when the cells are damaged.

Involuntary movements - actions that occur without conscious control - can be subtle, like a twitch, or more pronounced, like lip smacking. These movements are typically caused by disruptions in the brain's ability to communicate with muscles. 

Lip smacking can be a primary symptom of dementia, alongside memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes.

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) happens when abnormal proteins are deposited in the brain, which disrupt normal brain function. These deposits can affect movement and coordination, leading to symptoms like lip smacking. LBD usually presents with a combination of cognitive decline and motor symptoms.

As Alzheimer’s worsens, it physically changes the brain which disrupts normal motor and behavior functions - leading to involuntary movements like lip smacking. It can also affect communication abilities - since individuals can’t express their needs or discomfort verbally, lip smacking may emerge as a response to frustration or as a non-verbal signal of anxiety.

Besides dementia, there are other neurological disorders than can cause lip smacking: 

Besides lip smacking, other symptoms of dementia are memory loss, confusion, difficulty with communication, and changes in mood or behavior. Physical signs like difficulty walking, tremors, or changes in coordination can also be indicators of neurological issues.

Family members are often the first to notice these changes. Keep a detailed record of symptoms, including their frequency and duration so that they can be shared during medical consultations.

Once symptoms like lip smacking are observed, consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation. Some common procedures a dementia patient goes through are:

Detecting dementia early means that treatment plans can be administered early to slow the progression of symptoms, improve quality of life, and provide families with adequate support

Treatment plans for dementia are adjusted based on the patient's specific symptoms and needs, but a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments is usually recommended to address both cognitive and physical symptoms.

There are some medications available that can help manage the symptoms of dementia. Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as Donepezil, are commonly prescribed to improve cognitive function by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger involved in memory and judgment.

Another class of drugs, NMDA receptor antagonists like Memantine, work by regulating the activity of glutamate, a chemical involved in information processing in the brain. These medications can help with memory, attention, reason, and language skills.

Antidepressants and antipsychotics may also be prescribed for mood and behavioral symptoms.

A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins can support brain health. Regular physical exercise helps maintain cardiovascular health, which is closely linked to cognitive function.

Maintaining social connections is also important, as social interaction can help reduce feelings of isolation and depression - common in dementia patients. 

Hearing loss patients may develop dementia if the disability is not treated. As the ear cannot deliver enough sound signals to the brain, the brain starts using more cells to process sound and disrupts other functions.

Hearing loss can also impact people’s day-to-day activities and cause communication problems, which sometimes lead to long-term mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, along with dementia.

Hearing aids can significantly reduce the risks of dementia and involuntary movements like lip-smacking from occurring.

At Nano Hearing Aids, we have manufactured top-quality OTC hearing aids at an affordable price. 

Understanding dementia symptoms like lip smacking can help families to know when to seek care and support. With early intervention and a comprehensive approach like exercising, eating healthily, and using hearing aids, it is easier to manage dementia and achieve a better quality of life for all involved.