What Are the Different Types of Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for several diseases that affect memory, cognitive abilities, and other mental functions. Most forms of dementia are chronic and progressive, meaning symptoms worsen over time. Here, we’ll go through some of the most common types of dementia and what sets them apart.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for about 60-70% of all cases. The disease often starts with memory loss, but it progresses to affect language, spatial orientation, and social abilities. Typical signs of Alzheimer’s include difficulties finding words, confusion, and gradually impaired learning. The cause is an accumulation of proteins (beta-amyloid and tau) in the brain, leading to nerve cell death and decreased brain function.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia and is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to a stroke or other vascular conditions. Symptoms can vary depending on the parts of the brain affected, but common signs include difficulties with attention, planning, and decision-making. Vascular dementia often progresses more abruptly than Alzheimer’s, with symptoms worsening in steps rather than continuously.
Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia is characterized by the build-up of abnormal protein structures, known as Lewy bodies, in brain cells. This disease causes symptoms that resemble both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Common symptoms include hallucinations, fluctuating levels of alertness and attention, rigidity, and slowed movement. A unique feature of Lewy body dementia is that symptoms can vary significantly from day to day.
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) primarily affects younger individuals, often beginning between the ages of 45 and 65. This disease primarily impacts the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality, behavior, and language. Early symptoms are often not related to memory but may instead include altered empathy, poor judgment, and language difficulties.
Mixed Dementia
Mixed dementia is a combination of multiple forms of dementia, most commonly Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Symptoms may vary and affect several cognitive functions. Mixed dementia is more common in older individuals and is often diagnosed after ruling out other types of dementia.
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