Dementia is a decline in cognitive function that may affect behavior, judgment, language, memory, and thinking. Some of these types of dementia may be reversible or treatable, that is why it’s important to see your doctor and get a medical workup as soon as symptoms manifest. Finding out exactly what type of dementia you or your loved one have may be stressful, but it’s important to identify the condition as early as possible. These are the different types of dementia and the symptoms they’re associated with:
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that causes a slow yet great impact on how one thinks and moves. It is said to be that most people who have the disease start experiencing the symptoms in their 60s or 70s or even later. Only 5% of cases are said to have experienced symptoms at a younger age. People with Alzheimer’s will experience forgetfulness in which they’ll repeat things many times during conversations. They also show symptoms of not being able to remember new information. When the disease worsens, they may not be able to perform even the simplest of tasks, like walking or remembering names.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is a type of dementia caused by brain damage resulting from impaired blood flow to the brain. It is commonly connected with problems when it comes to judgment, reasoning, planning, and other thought processes. It can develop after a major stroke or a series of small strokes, or it can be due to a brain hemorrhage or the narrowing of blood vessels due to high blood pressure, diabetes, or atherosclerosis. Among its most common symptoms are those that impact thinking speed as well as the ability to do some problem-solving.
Lewy Body Dementia
In this type of dementia, protein deposits in nerve cells prevent the brain from sending chemical signals which result in lost messages, delayed reactions, and memory loss. This disease also impairs the ability to plan activities and process information, attention, and alertness. Lewy body dementia’s characteristics are hallucinations and delusions. People tend to report seeing things that aren’t there, and they also act out their dreams.
Frontotemporal Dementia
Several types of dementia fall into this category. What they all share in common is that proteins attack the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, which are known to affect behavior, motor function, and language. People who suffer this type may exhibit apathy, aggressiveness, lack of sympathy, or use of inappropriate language.
Huntington’s Disease
This is a rare and hereditary disorder that results in the progressive breakdown of the brain’s nerve cells. that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It affects one’s functional abilities leading to disorders that can impact one’s movement, and thinking. Early signs of Huntington’s are problems with memory, staying on task, and planning. Also, slurred speech and involuntary movements characterize later symptoms.
Experiencing Memory Care at Mariposa
If you or someone you love has been experiencing dementia, we, at Mariposa, are always ready to assist you 24/7 with our memory care program. We take pride in our team of caring professionals, who will stop at nothing to be able to provide you with the best care needed.
Contact us at 561.898.9801 to know more about the benefits of our memory care program for you or your loved one. Even better, you can experience our community. Schedule a tour with us by filling out our online form.