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Dementia 101: Understanding the Various Forms of Dementia

You may have noticed that when people speak about memory impairments and illnesses, they generally use the terms “Alzheimer’s disease” or “dementia.” While these are fine shorthands for discussion, Alzheimer’s is just one specific dementia, which is actually a general term for a broad range of diseases that cause the brain to physically deteriorate. There are similarities between all the types of dementias, but they are each distinct and unique.

“Thanks to decades of research and funding, science has been able to gain more insight into the different aspects of dementias and how they affect our brains,” says Phil Noto, Executive Director of Bridges® at Trumbull, a memory care and assisted living community in Trumbull, MA. “Although there are no dementia cures yet, there are many medical treatments available to help treat the symptoms caused by these diseases. Knowing about the different types of dementias can help caregivers, friends and family members know what to look for so medical treatment can be arranged ASAP.”

To date, there are 11 known forms of dementia. The vast majority of dementia diagnoses fall under four different types: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia (and its sister, Parkinson’s disease dementia) and frontotemporal degeneration

The Most Common Forms of Dementia

  1. Alzheimer’s Disease
    Alzheimer’s disease is by far the most common form of dementia, estimated to be responsible for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Although experts aren’t sure yet what causes this specific disease, it’s generally believed to be a mix of environmental, lifestyle and hereditary factors. Genetic factors are estimated to lead to the development of Alzheimer’s in fewer than 5 percent of cases. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s include anxiety, anger, paranoia, confusion, difficulty with speech and communication and memory loss. Because this disease is so prevalent and is on the rise as our population ages, research has become a high priority for our government and science, with the goal of finding a cure by 2025.
  2. Vascular Dementia
    This type of dementia, also known as multi-infarcet dementia and post-stroke dementia, is the second most-common form of dementia, accounting for up to 20 percent of cases. Vascular dementia generally occurs when an individual has a stroke that restricts blood flow to the brain – although, not everyone who has a stroke will develop this disease. Unlike Alzheimer’s, the symptoms of vascular dementia can vary because different regions of the brain can be affected. However, they’re generally very similar to the symptoms of other dementias, including getting lost easily, short-term memory issues, inappropriate emotional responses, difficulty making decisions or following instructions  and hallucinations, among others. The progression of the disease can vary greatly, too, depending on how the brain is damaged. Individuals with diabetes, who are smokers or have high blood pressure or high cholesterol are at higher risk for vascular dementia since those are the same risk factors as for stroke.
  3. Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD)
    These two types of dementias were, until recently, categorized together. Because their symptoms are very similar to other diseases – specifically Alzheimer’s – they have often been misdiagnosed in the past. These dementias occur when abnormal proteins develop in the nerve cells. It’s hard to say the exact percentage of individuals who are affected by these types of diseases, as they are often misidentified, but it’s estimated that LBD affects nearly 1.4 million people in America, and  50 to 80 percent of individuals with Parkinson’s disease will develop PDD.
  4. Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD)
    Frontotemporal Degeneration is also known as frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), Pick’s disease or frontotemporal dementia. Unlike the other common dementias, FTD generally does not affect a person’s memory. It’s also considered to be a “younger” dementia, since individuals with this disease are diagnosed at around 60 years or so. Symptoms of FTD include decreased inhibition, loss of motivation, reduced empathy, compulsive behaviors and anxiety and depression.

Less Common Forms of Dementia

  1. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
    This type of dementia is the most common form of disorders known as prion diseases. It occurs when prion proteins in the body and brain begin folding abnormally into three-dimensional shapes. CJD is incredibly rare, occurring in approximately one in one million people worldwide per year. The most obvious clue that a person has CJD is a rapid symptom progression, as it’s estimated that 90 percent of people diagnosed with this form of dementia die within one year.
  2. Down Syndrome Alzheimer’s Disease
    50 percent of individuals with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists believe it’s due to complications that arise from the extra gene that causes Down syndrome. Generally, people with Down are more likely to develop younger-onset Alzheimer’s, because they tend to live on average for just 55 to 60 years.
  3. Huntington’s Disease (HD)
    This progressive, genetically inherited disorder causes the central area of the brain to change, affecting mood, thinking skills and judgement. It also affects movement in the head, face, upper body, arms and legs. Unfortunately, anyone who inherits the affected gene from a parent will develop the disease. Symptoms generally occur between the ages of 30 and 50, but can appear anywhere from ages 2 to 80.
  4. Mixed Dementia
    This condition describes an individual having more than one type of dementia at the same time. It can be a combination of Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease or any combination of the four major types. Symptoms can vary depending on what brain regions are affected and what type of dementias the individual has developed.
  5. Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
    This is a brain disorder where excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the ventricle of the brain, which causes difficulty walking, problems with thinking and reasoning and loss of bladder control. It primarily affects people between the ages of 60 and 70, but it’s unsure how many people actually have it, because its symptoms are very common to symptoms of other brain disorders. NPH can sometimes be treated through inserting a shunt in the brain to drain fluid. While difficulty walking can improve following this surgery, any mental changes or bladder control issues are less likely to improve.
  6. Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA)
    This diagnosis occurs when there’s a progressive, gradual deterioration at the back of the head of the brain’s outer layer, or cortex. It’s not known yet whether PCA is an individual disease or if it’s a version of Alzheimer’s. The symptoms are similar to Alzheimer’s but PCA tends to manifest between 50 and 65 while Alzheimer’s occurs around age 65.
  7. Korsakoff Syndrome
    This memory disorder occurs mainly in alcoholics, but it’s also associated with conditions like bad nutrition, AIDS and chronic infections. These factors all lead to a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B-1) in the body. Unlike other forms of dementia, Korsakoff syndrome can sometimes be reversed or lessened in severity. Data shows that approximately 25 percent of people who develop this dementia can eventually recover, about half recover somewhat, and about 25 percent show no improvement. Research into this disorder suggests that individuals may be able to have a normal life expectancy if they give up alcohol.

If you would like more information about the different types of dementias and their symptoms, contact us at  203.397.6800.

Personalized Lifestyle

Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull’s highly specialized, resident-centered Bridges® program is a positive, uplifting approach to memory care and wellness that focuses on a resident’s current skills and abilities, not on those that have been lost to dementia.

Each programming plan is as unique as the resident it serves, requiring all Bridges® team members to take an active interest in getting to know each resident on a personal level. Then, accounting for a particular resident’s preferences, interests, needs and abilities, we customize the most efficient blend of expert-recommended care, exercises, activities and communication techniques in order to connect with the individual, encourage their involvement in daily life and create happy, meaningful moments.

Intimate Environment

Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull features four distinct households, each with its own spacious common areas, along with 14 private and two companion suites. Suites feature private bathrooms and walk-in showers.

Each household has a homelike look and feel, creating an atmosphere of warmth, security and comfort for our residents and their families. While furnishings are provided, we encourage families to furnish their loved ones’ suites with favorite possessions from home to help them feel at home.

Featuring stunning residential design that complements the surrounding community, every inch of the interior is designed to benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. Attributes such as soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel comfortable and safe.

Call us today at 203.397.6800 to learn more about Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull or to schedule a personal tour.

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