Dementia is a cureless and progressive disease that affects the parts of the brain involved with memory, learning, language, and decision-making. It isn’t a specific disease but rather a group of conditions and symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. While some medications and therapies have been found to help manage symptoms, there is no sure way to prevent dementia. Learn more about the different dementia types, who they affect, and their symptoms.
Common Dementia Types
Dementia often develops as a result of a physical or biological event in the body. For example, it may occur due to damage to the brain caused by a disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease or consecutive strokes. The symptoms dementia patients experience will depend on the type of dementia and the part of the brain that has been affected by damage or disease. The most common dementia types include:
1. Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, affecting more than 3 million people annually. Like all varieties of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the gradual death of brain cells. Over time, the size of the brain shrinks and the tissues lose valuable nerve cells and connections.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion
- Trouble with words
- Decreased judgement
- Changes in mood
Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s, affecting mainly individuals over 65. One in six people over age 80 have dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.
2. Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
Parkinson’s disease is a condition of the central nervous system that directly affects movements, causing problems such as tremors. The condition results in nerve cell damage that gradually spreads, affecting memory, concentration, and judgement-making skills. Parkinson’s disease can cause a condition known as Parkinson’s disease dementia, which affects between 50 and 80 percent of people with Parkinson’s.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Changes in energy levels
- Depression
- Loss of interest
- Sleep disturbances
- Confusion
- Paranoid ideas
Parkinson’s disease generally affects adults over age 65. You are at an increased risk for this condition if you are male, have an existing cognitive impairment, show symptoms of motor impairment, or have been diagnosed with psychiatric symptoms related to Parkinson’s.
3. Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is less common than other dementias with fewer than 200,000 cases per year. Adults with this condition commonly experience memory loss, cognitive difficulty, and problems with reasoning and judgement. While vascular dementia can occur for a variety of reasons, it most often occurs after a stroke blocks an artery in the brain.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Confusion
- Problems with memory
- Restlessness
- Unsteady gait
- Depression
Increasing age is the biggest risk factor for vascular dementia. You may also be at a higher risk if you have a history of heart attack or strokes or if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoke, are obese, or have diabetes.
4. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a fatal degenerative brain disorder that resembles other dementia-like disorders, such as Alzheimer’s. This rare form of dementia is separated into three main categories: sporadic CJD which develops for no reason, hereditary CJD which is passed down by families, and acquired CJD which develops from contact with infected human tissues.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Problems with muscular coordination
- Impaired memory
- Personality changes
- Impaired vision
- Depression
- Unusual sensations
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is rare, affecting one in one million people each year worldwide. In the U.S., there are an estimated 300 cases annually. The disease usually occurs later in life and the onset of symptoms is usually rapid. Approximately 60 to 90 percent of individuals with the condition die within one year.
5. Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
Dementia with Lewy bodies is a type of dementia with symptoms that mimic both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. DLB accounts for approximately 10 to 15 percent of all dementia cases. The brain disorder is caused by Lewy bodies (abnormal deposits of alpha-synuclein proteins) built up in the areas of the brain responsible for cognition, behavior, and movement.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Memory impairment
- Visual hallucinations
- Sleep disturbances
- Severe severity to neuroleptics
- Repeated falls and fainting
Few risk factors of DLB are known, but include advanced age and male sex. Researchers have not yet determined the specific causes of dementia with Lewy odies.
6. Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia, also known as frontotemporal lobar degeneration, isn’t a single condition but a diverse group of uncommon disorders that affect the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain. Emotions, personality, speech, and personality are controlled in these areas of the brain.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Inappropriate actions
- Lack of restraint
- Compulsive behavior
- Lack of enthusiasm or interest in activities
- Neglect of personal care and hygiene
- Difficulty speaking
In a third of cases, frontotemporal degenerations are inherited. There are no other known risk factors at this time.
7. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a chronic memory problem most commonly caused by the misuse of alcohol or severe deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B-1). WKS is currently the only distinct condition that causes alcohol-related dementia. Nutrition is often related to the development of the dementia. Areas of the brain may suffer damage due to vitamin deficiencies.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Personality changes
- Impaired ability to learn
- Memory impairment
- Problems with balance
- Difficulty with logical thinking
Anyone who drinks excessive amounts of alcohol over a period of years can acquire this condition. This risk increases for people who drink large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis.
Dementia Care Options
As dementia progresses, your loved one may have more difficulty completing seemingly simple activities of daily living (ADLs). Basic hygiene, eating, dressing, and even toileting may be neglected as cognitive abilities deteriorate. While signs and symptoms can greatly differ depending on dementia types, it’s important to find solutions so that your loved one has the care he or she needs to thrive. In-home care can bridge the gap for dementia sufferers who need assistance with ADLs. When well cared for in a safe home environment, dementia patients can live have their basic needs met while still living independently.
