Saturday, 16 January 2021

Coming to terms with the different types of dementia

Did you know that there are 9 different types of dementia to be aware of? Below, we highlight the differences and similarities of each type. 

1. Alzheimer’s Disease: Alzheimer's is the most common and best known type of dementia. It usually affects seniors over the age of 65 and accounts for around 50 – 60% of all dementia diagnoses. An inability to recall recent events is often the first symptom of Alzheimer’s to watch out for.
2. Vascular dementia: This is the second most commonly diagnosed form of dementia. It is caused by insufficient blood circulation to the brain and rarely affects seniors under the age of 65. It often presents following a stroke. 
3. Frontotemporal dementia: This type of dementia is progressive in nature and is commonly seen in under 65s. It is generally responsible for changes in behaviour and personality. 
4. Mixed dementia: Around 10% of all seniors affected by dementia will have a combination of more than just one type of dementia. This is called mixed dementia. 
5. Lewy body dementia: This form of dementia has a significant impact on a person's motor control and movement. It also often presents with frequent visual hallucinations. 
6. Alcoholic dementia: This is a specific type of alcohol related brain damage and memory loss where damage to the brain is brought about by the excessive consumption of alcohol.
7. Early onset dementia: This is when dementia presents in individuals under the age of 65. 
8. Parkinson's Disease: Along with physical symptoms, as the disease progresses, Parkinson's can often result in cognitive problems too. If these cognitive problems include memory loss or personality changes, it is often referred to as Parkinson's dementia. 
9. Huntington's Disease: This genetic condition occurs due to a faulty gene on chromosome 4 which can also be responsible for dementia-like cognitive difficulty. 

It is important for you or your elderly loved one to visit a medical professional for a proper diagnosis if ever dementia is suspected. An accurate diagnosis van make the management of the problem endlessly easier and more successful, especially when it comes to finding sufficient independent elderly care. 

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