Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is not a specific disease but a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities. There are several types of dementia, each with its own causes and symptoms. Here are the specific aspects of the four types main types:
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. It is characterised by the formation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which lead to the death of brain cells. Symptoms typically start with difficulty remembering recent events and gradually progress to problems with language, disorientation, mood swings, and loss of motivation. Diagnosis is usually based on history, cognitive testing, and may include brain imaging.
Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of disorders caused by progressive cell degeneration in the brain’s frontal or temporal lobes. It tends to occur at a younger age than other types of dementia, usually between the ages of 40 and 65. FTD is characterised by changes in personality, behaviour, and language. Common symptoms include inappropriate social behaviour, lack of empathy, repetitive or compulsive behaviour, apathy, and language difficulties.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia and is caused by conditions that block or reduce blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke or series of strokes. The symptoms depend on the area of the brain affected but often include problems with planning, judgment, attention, and other thought processes. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, the symptoms of vascular dementia may appear suddenly following a stroke.
Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is characterised by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. Symptoms can include visual hallucinations, problems with focus and attention, Parkinsonian movement symptoms, and fluctuating alertness. LBD is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease due to overlapping symptoms.
To spot dementia, look for early signs such as:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Early diagnosis and intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
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