More than 50 million people have dementia worldwide. Left untreated, it can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life.
For example, it can lead to depression, agitation, anxiety, and sleep-related problems. Not only that, but it can lead to medical complications as well, some of which can result in death.
Was your loved one recently diagnosed with the condition? Want to learn about the different types of dementia? If so, you’re on the right page.
We’ll be going over some of the most common kinds of dementia below. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and accounts for up to 80% of all cases. Common symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, difficulty organizing thoughts, and trouble with speech, all of which will gradually worsen over time.
While the exact cause is unknown, it’s believed that genetics play a role. For one thing, the condition may be associated with the APOE gene, which is linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s in older adults.
As it is, however, there’s no cure. Having said that, there are treatments that can delay its onset or temporarily slow the worsening of symptoms.
2. Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia is a disease that’s associated with protein deposits in nerve cells. These deposits, aka Lewy bodies, can cause memory loss and disorientation by interrupting chemical messages in the brain. Not only that, but they can also affect an individual’s movement, mood, and behavior.
Over time, it can cause visual hallucinations, cognitive problems, and depression. Some people may also develop movement disorders, which may resemble the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
While it can’t be cured, there are drugs that can improve alertness and cognition by increasing certain levels of chemical messengers in the brain. Moving into an assisted living facility or a memory care community can also help by providing the individual with a safe and structured environment.
3. Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia occurs when there’s a lack of blood flow to the brain; this causes the tissues to go without blood and oxygen, which results in brain damage. For example, it can be due to a stroke or a ruptured blood vessel.
Symptoms-wise, it will depend on the part of the brain that’s affected. With that said, most people will experience confusion, memory problems, and difficulties with thinking, language, or problem-solving.
As far as treatment goes, the goal is to repair the underlying issue that’s causing the condition. For example, your doctor may work with you to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.
Understanding the Different Types of Dementia
As you can see, there are several types of dementia, each of which has its own set of symptoms. And while there’s no cure, there are treatments that can help those who are coping with dementia by increasing their quality of life.
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