Dementia is a widespread condition. In fact, nearly 55 million people live with dementia worldwide. While it’s not uncommon to hear the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s disease” used interchangeably, these two are quite different. Dementia is a general term used when referring to a range of symptoms that impact cognitive functioning, memory and behavior, and Alzheimer’s describes a specific type of dementia. In truth, there are several different types of dementia beyond Alzheimer’s, including vascular dementia and Lewy Body Dementia. Although the differences can be subtle, it’s important to know which type of dementia someone is living with. At BrightStar Care, we strive to educate families about this prevalent disease. Get details about dementia, its various types, and common treatments.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is the general term for the loss of memory and cognitive skills. While some cognitive impairment is normal with advancing age, in the case of dementia, symptoms are usually severe enough to interfere with everyday activities. People with this condition might have trouble with communication, reasoning, judgment, problem-solving, and even visual perception. Here are a few signs that may indicate the onset of dementia:
- Forgetting the names of close family members
- Getting lost in familiar areas
- Inability to complete tasks independently
- Forgetting words or using unusual verbiage to talk about familiar items
- Inability to recall key memories
- Behavior or mood changes
The Main Types of Dementia
As you’ve read, dementia is an umbrella term that describes a variety of conditions. But just how many types of dementia are there? There are three more common types of dementia, but less common varieties exist as well. Learn more about the different types of dementia and their symptoms:
Alzheimer’s Disease
In 2020, approximately 5.8 million Americans lived with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s the most common type of dementia and occurs when plaques and bundles of proteins build up between nerve cells in the brain, ultimately causing brain cell death in the final stage. There are three stages of the disease: early stage (mild), middle stage (moderate), and late stage (severe). While Alzheimer’s begins well before the first symptoms register, the earliest detectable signs include memory trouble, apathy, and depression. Someone developing Alzheimer’s might have problems completing familiar tasks or misplace things and be unable to retrace their steps. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms—including impaired communication, poor judgment, and disorientation—may emerge.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia accounts for roughly 10 percent of dementia cases. This condition is associated with damaged and blocked blood vessels in the brain, leading to decreased blood flow to areas of the brain and dead tissue. The severity of vascular dementia will depend on the location, number, and size of the damage or blockages. Unlike Alzheimer’s, where memory loss typically emerges first, with vascular dementia, the earliest symptoms tend to include impaired judgment or inability to make decisions, plan and organize.
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is another one of the different types of dementia. LBD results when abnormal clumps of protein (called Lewy bodies) develop around the cortex. Like Alzheimer’s patients, people with LBD often experience memory loss and cognitive issues. But beyond that, they are likely to suffer initial symptoms such as sleep disturbances, visual hallucinations, and imbalanced gait, like those with Parkinson’s.
Less Common Types of Dementia
Dementia comes in many forms, and numerous patients live with conditions beyond the main three types. Here’s a brief overview of the fewer common varieties:
- Mixed Dementia: This condition occurs when two or three forms of dementia are present at once.
- Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: Motor difficulties are one of the signature symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, which otherwise manifests similarly to DLB.
- Frontotemporal Dementia: There are several subtypes of frontotemporal dementia, many of which lead to language difficulties and changes in personality and behavior.
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: More commonly known as “mad cow disease”, this condition is a rapidly fatal disorder that triggers changes in behavior, memory, and coordination.
- Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: Caused by excess fluid in the brain, normal pressure hydrocephalus results in impaired memory, difficulty walking, and incontinence. It can sometimes be treated with the draining of fluid.
- Huntington's Disease: This progressive brain disorder is caused by a chromosomal defect. Its symptoms include abnormal involuntary movements, a severe decline in thinking, and mood disturbances.
- Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: This memory disorder is commonly associated with alcohol misuse.
Treatments for Dementia
Thankfully, people living with dementia have several treatment options to reduce symptoms and increase quality of life. Physicians may recommend the following treatment approaches to your loved one:
- Medication: Many patients benefit from medications that temporarily improve symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, and Leqembi may be prescribed by your loved one’s doctor.
- Therapy: Dementia patients often benefit from therapy. Occupational therapists can help patients learn coping strategies, prevent accidents, and manage behavior.
- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes are key to living with dementia. As a caregiver, encourage your loved one to exercise and engage in activities they enjoy. It may also be helpful to keep a calendar, establish routines, and speak slowly to lessen confusion.
Providing Specialized Care for Dementia
At BrightStar Care, we’re glad to provide specialized care for those living with dementia. Whether your loved one is beginning treatment or has lived with the disease for years, our team is here to help. Our highly-trained caregivers will ensure your loved one has access to the gold standard in home care.
Find a BrightStar Care® Location Near You
Looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization? Our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online, or call 866.618.7827 to speak with a local care expert and learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.