Dementia Is The Umbrella Term For A Number Of Neurological Conditions Of Which The Major Symptom Includes A Global Decline In Brain Function
It is a condition that has been noted in people for hundreds of years.
Dementia was a relatively rare occurrence before the 20th century as fewer people lived to old age in pre-industrial society. It was not until the mid 1970s that dementia begun to be described as we know it today.
We now know dementia is a disease symptom, and not a normal part of ageing.
There are over 100 diseases that may cause dementia. The most common causes of dementia include Alzheimers disease, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies.
Although the risk of getting dementia increase as we age, people in their 40s and 50s can also have dementia. The term younger onset dementia is used to describe any form of dementia diagnosed in people under the age of 65. To find out more go to the younger onset dementia hub.
Visit the pages below to learn more about the causes of dementia:
Four Common Types Of Dementia
The term dementia is an umbrella term used to describe the symptoms of cognitive impairment. And within the dementia umbrella, there are many different variations Alzheimers included. Most of us average folk dont realize that all dementia is not Alzheimers. In fact, I would venture to say that the regular layman isnt quite sure what the difference between Alzheimers and Dementia is. Dont fret Ill explain it here!
Learning the difference between the varying levels of memory loss can be crucial to know the dos and donts of dealing with behavior challenges. It will also come into play with understanding the levels of care that are available to fit your loved ones needs, so they can live more comfortably.
In this blog we will discuss the Top 4 most common types of Dementia. The good news for you is that at The Kensington, we are very experienced with these areas of Memory Care and more. We welcome everyone!
Yes, there are many, many more types of dementia that are known. There is dementia resulting from years of alcohol misuse. There is dementia associated with Parkinsons Disease. There is dementia that is a result of a traumatic brain injury. All in all, there are over 100 types of dementia being treated and researched today. An accurate diagnosis is critical to the treatment of someone with dementia, for obvious reasons.
Major Types Of Dementia
Of course, there are different types of dementia depending on factors such as the cause as well as the symptoms and overall progression of the condition. Learn about these types now.
1. Alzheimers Disease
The most common form of dementia in the general population is referred to as Alzheimers disease. Alzheimers disease develops when clumps of certain proteins referred to as tangles and plaques build up in the junctions in between the nerve cells.
Alzheimers disease patients also experience a decrease in certain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which are responsible for the passing of signals between the cells.
Symptoms that Alzheimers disease is interfering with a patients daily life include losing items around the house, forgetting names of family members and friends, unable to remember recent events and conversations, get lost on a familiar route or in a familiar place, forget significant dates, and do not remember to attend appointments.
Alzheimers disease patients may also struggle to follow a conversation, repeat themselves often, have reduced visuospatial skills, are unable to make decisions, cannot carry out a sequence of tasks, unable to solve problems, lose track of the day, experience mood changes, and lose interest in hobbies and activities that they once enjoyed.
Every case is different, but most patients have a life expectancy of between eight and ten years following the onset of their first symptoms.
2. Vascular Dementia
3. Lewy Body Dementia
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The 7 Most Common Types Of Dementia
With an ever-increasing life expectancy, aging-related problems are becoming more and more prevalent. But aging itself is not a disease, and a normative aging process should not be confused with the onset of dementia.
In this article, we are going to talk about the most common dementias, which do appear in older people.
What Are The 10 Warning Signs Of Dementia
The 10 warning signs of dementia
- Sign 1: Memory loss that affects day-to-day abilities.
- Sign 2: Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
- Sign 3: Problems with language.
- Sign 4: Disorientation in time and space.
- Sign 5: Impaired judgement.
- Sign 6: Problems with abstract thinking.
- Sign 7: Misplacing things.
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Dementia: What Are The Main Types
While ageing, the brain encounters significant modifications. For example, from the age of 60, it slowly starts to shrink. Heart diseases and head traumas can also have an important effect on the brain, sometimes causing dementia. A persons family history also influences the occurrence of this kind of syndrome.
Dementia is a significant sign of progressive neurodegeneration. This causes the death of some brain cells as well as tissue loss. The most frequently affected areas are the memory, the thinking, the behaviour and the ability to do some tasks for the sick person.
Continue below to learn what are the five different types of dementia.
Types Of Dementia: Definitions Causes And Statistics
Dementia is an umbrella term, defined as a disorder of mental processes caused by brain disorder or traumatic brain injury. As mental processes decline, memory is impaired, personality may change, and thinking/concentration skills deteriorate.
Alzheimers is the most common type of dementia also referred to as the most common cause of dementia but there are several other types of dementia.
At what age does dementia usually start? Dementia is most common in adults over 65. However, early- or young-onset dementia may account for 5% of dementia cases.
More than 1/3 of individuals over the age of 90 suffer from some form of dementia.
Does dementia run in the family? Almost all forms of dementia are not genetic.
Below, we cover the 16 most common types of dementia:
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Symptoms Of Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimers disease symptoms often mimic symptoms of everyday stress, and it can be easy to go for a long time without recognizing a larger issue. While losing a restful nights sleep can lead to symptoms including an impaired ability to focus, short- and long-term memory loss, and poor mood, these symptoms are also common signs of early stages of Alzheimers disease. Other symptoms of the condition include:
- Inability to recall numerical sequences like phone numbers and addresses
- Difficulty planning and solving problems
- Trouble completing or remembering to do everyday tasks like self-care and chores
- Forgetting material you just watched or read, as well as misplacing things often
- Withdrawing from social situations and changes in personality
Symptoms of early-onset Alzheimers disease differ only in that they appear between the ages of 30 and 65, whereas late-onset AD is diagnosed in people over age 65. While it may be very difficult to determine if you simply need more sleep or food, one way to recognize a larger memory problem is to note how affected your daily life is by the presence of these symptoms.
Risk Factors And Prevention
Although age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia, it is not an inevitable consequence of biological ageing. Further, dementia does not exclusively affect older people young onset dementia accounts for up to 9% of cases. Studies show that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline and dementia by being physically active, not smoking, avoiding harmful use of alcohol, controlling their weight, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Additional risk factors include depression, social isolation, low educational attainment, cognitive inactivity and air pollution.
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Impact On Families And Carers
In 2019, informal carers spent on average 5 hours per day providing care for people living with dementia. This can be overwhelming . Physical, emotional and financial pressures can cause great stress to families and carers, and support is required from the health, social, financial and legal systems. Fifty percent of the global cost of dementia is attributed to informal care.
Dementia With Lewy Bodies
The third most common type of dementiais Lewy body dementia , formed when alpha-synuclein proteins that build up along neurons cause cell damage and eventual neural death. This causes dementia symptoms that are similar to Alzheimers disease and vascular dementia, though the hallmark symptom of memory loss often doesnt present itself until later in the stages of Lewy body dementia.
This type of dementia accounts for five to ten percent of dementia diagnoses and primarily affects people between the ages of 50 and 85. Typically, people live for five to eight years after a diagnosis of LBD. Symptoms and treatment of this disease are similar to other dementias, but have some key differences.
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How Is Dementia Diagnosed
To diagnose dementia, doctors first assess whether a person has an underlying, potentially treatable, condition that may relate to cognitive difficulties. A physical exam to measure blood pressure and other vital signs, as well as laboratory tests of blood and other fluids to check levels of various chemicals, hormones, and vitamins, can help uncover or rule out possible causes of symptoms.
A review of a persons medical and family history can provide important clues about risk for dementia. Typical questions might include asking about whether dementia runs in the family, how and when symptoms began, changes in behavior and personality, and if the person is taking certain medications that might cause or worsen symptoms.
The following procedures also may be used to diagnose dementia:
Early detection of symptoms is important, as some causes can be treated. However, in many cases, the cause of dementia is unknown and cannot be treated. Still, obtaining an early diagnosis can help with managing the condition and planning ahead.
What Are The Most Common Forms Of Dementia
Our Guide to the Common Forms of Dementia can help you learn more about dementia and assist you in having a more in-depth conversation with your loved ones physicians and health care providers.
Dementia is often mistaken for a disease, but its a descriptive term for a variety of symptoms that impact a persons cognitive and social abilities. Dementia may be caused by a variety of diseases or even circumstances, some of which can be reversed.
There are many types of dementia, several of which share common symptoms. This diversity of types can make it challenging to determine which type of dementia is affecting your loved one.
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What Are The Warning Signs Of Alzheimers Disease
Watch this video play circle solid iconMemory Loss is Not a Normal Part of Aging
Alzheimers disease is not a normal part of aging. Memory problems are typically one of the first warning signs of Alzheimers disease and related dementias.
In addition to memory problems, someone with symptoms of Alzheimers disease may experience one or more of the following:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as getting lost in a familiar place or repeating questions.
- Trouble handling money and paying bills.
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.
- Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them.
- Changes in mood, personality, or behavior.
Even if you or someone you know has several or even most of these signs, it doesnt mean its Alzheimers disease. Know the 10 warning signs .
What Is Dementia Symptoms Types And Diagnosis
Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning thinking, remembering, and reasoning to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Some people with dementia cannot control their emotions, and their personalities may change. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for basic activities of living.
Dementia is more common as people grow older but it is not a normal part of aging. Many people live into their 90s and beyond without any signs of dementia.
There are several different forms of dementia, including Alzheimers disease. A persons symptoms can vary depending on the type.
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List Of Types Of Dementia The Common Types And Its Symptoms
Different types of dementia will have some symptoms in common, but each type of dementia will also have specific symptoms. Now, keep your eyes on the following interesting health information and the list of common types of dementia that you should know for good. Here are some of the different types of dementia and these symptoms:
1. Alzheimers Disease
This is the first out of the common types of dementia that we want to reveal in this article and want you and other readers to know for good!
This condition is the most common type of dementia. It accounts for about 60-80% of cases. The most distinguishing feature of this disease is the buildup of tau tangles and amyloid plaques in the brain. It is believed that brain changes are a cause of the disease. Some symptoms of this condition are difficulty remembering recent names, events, and conversations. Apathy and depression are also Alzheimers diseases early symptoms. Some later symptoms are poor judgment, impaired communication, confusion, depression, disorientation, difficulty speaking, walking and swallowing, and behavior changes.
There are many therapies, which can temporarily improve the spirits of the patients with Alzheimers , but no treatment to cure, stop or delay the progression of Alzheimers has shown to be effective.
Alzheimers disease is the most common type of dementia and it accounts for 2/3 of cases of dementia.
The 3 Most Common Types Of Dementia
Before we talk through the different types of dementia, lets first make sure you are aware of what we mean by dementia. Dementia is the umbrella term used to describe a collection of symptoms that are caused by the disorders impacting the brain. Rather, it does not refer to one specific disease, but instead a number of symptoms associated with a number of different neurological conditions.
People with dementia will experience changes with their thinking, ability to perform everyday tasks and behaviour. The extent to which people experience these symptoms will vary from person to person.
Understand Alzheimers Disease in 3 Minutes is an easy-to-understand video that describes the progression of Alzheimers Disease by TenderRoseHomeCare
The 3 most common types of dementia are listed below, and we have provided an overview of the prevalence in Australia and what symptoms may be observed.
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Help From The Ontario Government
Caring for someone with dementia can be difficult, but help is available. Each province in Canada offers different resources and programs for dementia patients and caregivers. Were going to look at the options available in Ontario, however if you live in a different province, similar options will likely be provided.
There Are Five Different Types Of Dementia
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What Increases The Risk For Dementia
- AgeThe strongest known risk factor for dementia is increasing age, with most cases affecting those of 65 years and older
- Family historyThose who have parents or siblings with dementia are more likely to develop dementia themselves.
- Race/ethnicityOlder African Americans are twice more likely to have dementia than whites. Hispanics 1.5 times more likely to have dementia than whites.
- Poor heart healthHigh blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking increase the risk of dementia if not treated properly.
- Traumatic brain injuryHead injuries can increase the risk of dementia, especially if they are severe or occur repeatedly.
How Is Dementia Treated
Treatment of dementia depends on the underlying cause. Neurodegenerative dementias, like Alzheimers disease, have no cure, though there are medications that can help protect the brain or manage symptoms such as anxiety or behavior changes. Research to develop more treatment options is ongoing.
Leading a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining social contacts, decreases chances of developing chronic diseases and may reduce number of people with dementia.
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