The Main Types of Dementia in Elderly Individuals

Are you aware that close to six million Americans are living with dementia now?

Losing cognitive abilities over time is devastating for the person affected and all of their loved ones. Since dementia is common, it’s important for everyone to learn about the warning signs and when it’s time to get help.

Not many people know that there are several types of dementia that people can get. Keep reading if you’d like to learn about these conditions and how they impact people.

Alzheimer’s Disease

When it comes to dementia treatment, Alzheimer’s is the most common condition that people seek help for. Alzheimer’s progresses slowly over time and it starts with forgetting words, losing things, or having mood swings. The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is shrinkage of the brain.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

If you haven’t heard of DLB before, Lewy bodies are areas of the brain where bits of protein build up where they don’t belong. DLB most often impacts the cortex. As a result, some symptoms include zoning out, having brain fog, feeling sleepy during the day, and acting out dreams while sleeping.

Parkinson’s Disease Dementia

Parkinson’s is already tough enough to cope with, but a sad fact is that a large portion of people who get this condition end up developing dementia within a decade. One of the benefits of senior care centers is that people can get top-notch dementia care and help with any other issues.

Vascular Dementia

People often develop vascular dementia after a stroke since this health issue can cause severe damage to the brain. Some may even be surprised that they’re developing symptoms because they weren’t aware that they suffered from a mini-stroke. Depending on where the stroke occurred, some symptoms can include trouble balancing, making bad decisions, or having a changed personality.

Frontotemporal Dementia

FTD is a kind of dementia that harms the parts of the brain that control our emotions, movements, speech, and ability to make judgments. When people develop FTD, they can experience social inhibitions, balancing problems, or behavioral changes.

Huntington’s Disease

People who get diagnosed with Huntington’s disease start displaying dementia symptoms between the ages of 30 and 50. Huntington’s is a genetic disorder that is hereditary, so it’s crucial to get tested if you have a family history.

Mixed Dementia

It’s not uncommon for people to have two kinds of dementia at the same time. Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia along with DLB and Parkinson’s dementia tend to go hand in hand.

Now You Understand the Different Types of Dementia

Many people understand the basic signs of dementia like short-term memory loss. After taking the time to educate yourself on the different types of dementia, you can look after yourself and your loved ones better throughout the aging process.

Developing a healthy lifestyle as soon as possible is crucial for reducing your risk of developing dementia and other tragic conditions. Could you use some help refining your habits so you can thrive? Click through our blog to read more.