5 days ago
What are the different types of dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions that result in a loss of memory, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities. There are many different forms of dementia, and they occur due to changes in certain brain regions. Dementia is a general term that refers to a group of conditions that result in a progressive decline of brain functioning. These conditions can cause problems with memory, thinking, language, mood, emotions, and the ability to perform daily typically occurs due to changes in the brain that impact nerve cells or neurons, damaging a person's cognitive abilities. This article explores five different types of diseaseAccording to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for roughly 60% to 80% of cases of dementia in the United are still unsure of the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease. However, it likely relates to changes in the brain, such as shrinking of certain regions, inflammation, and blood vessel damage that results in problems with memory and thinking indicates that many different factors, such as genetics and lifestyle behaviors, contribute to Alzheimer's disease. However, age is the biggest risk factor for the condition, with most people developing Alzheimer's disease at 65 years of age or disease progresses in stages, with worsening symptoms. Common symptoms can include:memory problemsthinking and reasoning difficultieslanguage problemsmood changesvision and hearing changesVascular dementiaVascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Society. It describes a form of dementia that occurs due to restrictions in blood flow to the brain. Inadequate blood flow can damage and eventually kill cells in the brain, resulting in a decline in thinking skills. People over the age of 65 are more likely to develop vascular experts refer to conditions that interrupt the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain as vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia. There are different types of vascular dementia that occur due to different blood supply problems to the brain. For example, vascular dementia can occur following a of vascular dementia can vary depending on the severity of blood vessel damage and the part of the brain it affects. Symptoms may be most obvious following an event that damages blood vessels, such as a stroke. For example, the Alzheimer's Association notes that post-stroke changes in thinking and perception can include:confusiondisorientationdifficulty speaking or understanding speechdifficulty balancing and walking problemsnumbness or paralysis on one side of the face or bodyCommon early signs of damage to blood vessels in the brain may include:impaired planning and judgmentuncontrolled laughing and cryinginability to pay attentionimpaired function in social settingstrouble finding the right wordsLewy body dementiaLewy body dementia is the third most common form of dementia. It occurs due to brain deposits of a protein known as alpha-synuclein, or Lewy bodies. There are two types of Lewy body dementia: dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease are currently unsure why Lewy bodies develop in the brain, or exactly how they cause dementia. However, the Alzheimer's Society notes that these protein deposits appear to disrupt the typical functioning of nerve cells, interfering with communication between brain body dementia usually develops over many years. These protein deposits can develop in the brain for a long time before a person presents with symptoms. Although it is possible for younger people to have Lewy body dementia, it usually begins at age 50 or older. Symptoms of Lewy body dementia can include:changes in thinking and reasoningmemory lossvisual hallucinationsproblems staying awakesleep disruptionParkinsonism, such as slow movement, tremors, or rigidityFrontotemporal dementiaFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a form of dementia that tends to occur at a younger age than other dementias. Roughly 60% of people with FTD are 45 to 64 years old. The condition was formerly known as Pick's disease, but health experts changed the name to reflect the brain areas the disease impacts. The Alzheimer's Association notes that while researchers do not fully understand the cause of FTD, many people with this form have proteins, known as tau and TDP-43, inside the nerve cells in their brain. The buildup of these proteins damages the neurons and eventually causes cell deathAccording to the Alzheimer's Society, there are two main types of FTD. Behavioral variant FTD describes when damage occurs to the frontal lobes. These lobes are present behind the forehead and help with processing information. As such, behavioral variant FTD can cause symptoms with behavior and progressive aphasia FTD refers to damage to the temporal lobes. These lobes are present on eitherside of the head and help with the understanding of speech. As such, damage to the temporal lobes can cause difficulty with language. This can cause symptoms like difficulty formulating words in a sentence, or affect a person's dementiaIn some cases, people may develop multiple types of dementia. This is known as mixed dementia. When an older adult develops dementia, it is likely due to a combination of different types, rather than just a single type. According to the Alzheimer's Society, roughly 1 in 10 people with a diagnosis of dementia may receive a diagnosis of mixed it can be difficult to diagnose mixed dementia, as a doctor is likely to base their diagnosis on the main type of disease they think is present and causing symptoms. The Alzheimer's Association notes that a combination of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia is the most common such, there is no fixed set of symptoms for mixed dementia. The symptoms a person experiences can vary depending on the type of dementia they The treatment a person receives will depend on the type of dementia they have. Currently, there is no cure for dementia. However, treatments are available to help slow the progression of the may include a combination of medications and non-medical treatment, such as therapies and person-centered care. These treatments may help to improve or stabilize memory, thinking skills, and behavioral can also help address other issues that may affect everyday tasks, such as problems with mobility, speech, and swallowing.»FIND CARE:Find a dementia specialist in your area is an umbrella term for conditions that cause a gradual decline in thinking processes, such as memory, problem-solving, and speech. There are many different forms of dementia, which develop for different reasons. Some common types of dementia include Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia occurs due to changes in the brain that damage and kill nerve cells. This results in a variety of symptoms, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and problems with language and who suspects themselves or a loved one is experiencing dementia should speak with a healthcare professional.
