Dementia Types

There are several types of dementia. They include but are not limited to the following.

 Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 70–80%Trusted Source of cases. In Alzheimer’s disease, “plaques” and “tangles” develop in and between the brain cells. Both are due to changes in proteins.

A person may have short-term memory problems, difficulty finding words and making decisions, and difficulty seeing things in three dimensions.

Lewy body dementia

Lewy body dementia occurs when unusual structures known as Lewy bodies develop in the brain. These brain changes involve a protein called alpha-synuclein.

In the early stages, there may be fluctuations in alertness, hallucinations, and difficulty judging distance. The impact on short-term memory may be less severe than it is with Alzheimer’s disease.

People with Parkinson’s disease may also have Lewy bodies. Although doctors often consider Parkinson’s disease a disorder of movement, symptoms of dementia can also appear.

Frontotemporal dementia

This condition involves damage to the front and sides of the brain. It happens when brain cells die due to clumps of protein developing inside them.

Depending on the part of the brain the condition affects, the person may have difficulty with behaviour, speech and communication, or both.

Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease is an inherited genetic condition. The main symptoms are uncontrolled movements, but dementia can also occur.

Early symptoms may include difficulty focusing, irritability, and impulsivity. Depression may also be present. The person may have difficulty with organizing, multitasking, and planning. These symptoms may appear before movement changes develop.

Mixed dementia

When this happens, a person has a diagnosis of two or three types together. For instance, a person may have both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia at the same time.

Early symptoms

Early symptoms of dementia vary between types but typically include:

·        forgetfulness

·        mood changes

·        anxiety, anger, or depression

·        difficulty finding the right words

·        apathy

·        confusion

·        repeating speech or actions

·        difficulty following a storyline or recounting a story

·        difficulty completing everyday tasks

·        a reduced sense of direction

·        difficulty adapting to changes

·        leaving everyday items in unusual places

Dementia causes

Some types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, result from the progressive death of brain cells and neurons. It develops and worsens over time.

However, dementia can also result from head injuries, stroke, brain tumours, and other causes. A stroke, for example, can stop blood and oxygen from reaching brain cells, resulting in damage and cell death. Receiving a blow to the head can damage brain cells directly.

Some types of traumatic brain injury — particularly if repetitive, which can happen in some sports — may increase the risk of certain types of dementia later in life.

Some other factors and conditions with similar symptoms include: 

·        the use of some drugs

·        some infections, such as HIV or neurosyphilis

·        depression

·        vitamin B12 or E deficiency

·        thyroid problems

Dementia tests

Assessment usually involves a number of questions and tasks. The following post will explore these in more detail.