10 Types of Dementia

Dementia is a memory loss disorder. And it is characterized by a deterioration of cognitive function, causing brain cells to die faster than normal. Furthermore, it interferes with memory, social abilities, and thinking.

Here are the 10 main types of dementia.

1. Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of all dementia cases. It begins with short-term memory loss and exacerbates over time. Older adults are at a higher risk of acquiring AD.

Symptoms of AD:

· Increased memory loss

· Mood changes

· Depression

· Difficulty walking and speaking

· Reduced concentration

Organization for AD Care:

· Alzheimer's Association

· Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

2. Vascular Dementia

Vascular Dementia is the second most common type of dementia. It occurs due to an interrupted blood flow to the brain. The risk of this disease increases with age, and advanced stages can cause loss of vision and hallucinations.

Symptoms of Vascular Dementia:

· Slowness of thought

· Disorientation and confusion

· Trouble completing tasks

· Memory loss

· Mood changes

Organizations for Vascular Dementia Care:

· FCP Live-in

· Visiting Angels

3. Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that deteriorates the nervous system over time. It is primarily characterized by shaking and its symptoms exacerbate with time. At an advantaged stage, it may lead to dementia.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:

· Tremors in hands, arms, jaw, legs, or head

· Slow movement

· Impaired balance

· Decreased concentration

· Stiff limbs

Organizations for Parkinson’s Care:

· American Parkinson Disease Association

· Parkinson’s Foundation

4. Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia is a term that describes various types of dementia, all of which have one thing in common, i.e., it affects the front and sides of the brain. It is also referred to as Pick’s Disease, and this type of dementia can affect people as young as 40 years of age.

Symptoms of Frontotemporal dementia:

· Loss of motivation

· Problems with Speech

· Reduced self-awareness

· Dramatic mood swings

· Compulsive behavior

Organizations for Frontotemporal Dementia Care:

· The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration

· Arden Courts

5. Lewy Body Dementia

Dementia with Lewy bodies is accompanied by the accumulation of round protein clumps inside the brain’s nerve cells, which disturbs the neural communication, i.e. the chemical messages of the brain, causing memory loss. The symptoms of this type of dementia are similar to those of AD and Parkinson’s Disease.

Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia:

· Oscillations from confusion and alertness

· Imbalance like in Parkinson’s

· Slow movement

· Visual hallucinations

· Memory loss

Organizations for Lewy Body Dementia Care:

· Lewy Body Dementia Association

· National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

6. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)

CJD is one of the rarest types of dementia, and just 1 in 1 million is affected by it in any given year. But people with CJD experience heightened symptoms and a shorter lifespan.

Symptoms of CJD:

· Agitation

· Depression

· Confusion

· Memory loss

· Stiffness of muscles

Organizations for Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Care:

· Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, Inc

· National Organization for Rare Disorders

7. Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease affects younger adults and is usually a genetic disorder. It occurs due to premature breakdown and deterioration of the nerve cells. There are 2 types of this disease: juvenile and adult.

Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease:

· Difficulty in concentration

· Trouble walking

· Trouble speaking

· Jerking

· Difficulty learning new things

Organizations for Huntington’s Disease Care:

· Huntington’s Disease Society of America

· Penn Huntington’s Disease Center

8. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Wernicke’s disease is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B-1, which causes bleeding in the lower parts of the brain. Due to similar symptoms, it is classified as a type of dementia.

Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome:

· Double vision

· Lack of muscle coordination

· Memory loss

· Inability to learn new things

· Inability to process information

Organizations for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome Care:

· Alzheimer’s Association

· Banyan Treatment Centers

9. Mixed Dementia

Mixed dementia is when a combination of different types of dementia affects a person’s mental state and well-being. Usually, it’s a combination of AD and Vascular dementia, but people remain unaware of it.

Symptoms of Mixed Dementia:

· Difficulty speaking

· Trouble walking

· Memory loss

· Slowness of thoughts

· Inability to process information

Organizations for Mixed Dementia Care:

· Memory and Alzheimer’s Treatment Center

· Chicago Methodist Senior Services

10. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

NPH is when fluid builds up in the brain’s ventricles, leading to symptoms of dementia. Fortunately, NPH can be reversed and controlled with treatment.

Symptoms of NPH:

· Forgetfulness

· Loss of bladder control

· Impaired balanced

· Mood swings

· Depression

Organizations for NPH Care:

· Northwell Health

· Barrow Neurological Institute

In honor of our founder Pat Mack, we are carrying on the tradition of caring for our residents in "The Light Heart Way"

Light Heart Memory Care homes are specially designed for 8 residents. This gives us the ability to give personalized care to each and every resident.

Contact us to learn more about Light Heart Memory care,

or book a free consultation.

Phone: 281.282.0770

Email: office@lightheartmemorycare.com