The terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s disease” are often used interchangeably, but it’s important to know that, medically, they are not the same thing.
“Dementia is an overall term for a group of neurocognitive diseases that include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and others,” says Jennifer Trout, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham. “While it’s natural and standard to mix the terms when talking broadly about the topics, knowing what type of dementia you or your loved one has will matter greatly in terms of disease progression and treatment.”
There are many different types of diseases that fall under the dementia umbrella. While there are approximately 10 common forms of dementia, scientists have found upwards of 50 different diseases that can be classified as dementia. While many of these dementias have very similar symptoms, there are differences that are important to recognize. It is also possible for a person to have more than one form of dementia at the same time.
The Most Common Types of Dementia
Alzheimer’s Disease
This is the most common, well-known form of dementia, which presents in approximately 60 percent of dementia cases. Alzheimer’s disease presents when certain proteins build up in the brain, forming tangles and plaques that interrupt the communication between brain neurons, causing the brain to stop working properly and eventually causing cell death and atrophy.
An individual can have Alzheimer’s disease for years without ever noticing any symptoms. Eventually, however, the individual and close family members will notice slight changes that become ever-greater. Memory loss is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, but early signs are slightly more subtle: having difficulty finding the right words, losing or misplacing things regularly and changing moods and behaviors, among others.
There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease and there are no ways to halt the progression, although there are treatments that can help slow decline.
Vascular (Multi-Infarct) Dementia
This type of dementia is the second-most common form of the disease, and occurs when blood flow to the brain is damaged, either due to a stroke or small vessel disease. Vascular dementia can happen suddenly and with no warning – the strokes that cause this type of dementia can be so small that no one notices when they’re happening. Because further damage to the brain doesn’t happen until there’s another stroke, this dementia is often described as coming in “steps” rather than as a gradual decline.
Symptoms will depend on what part of the brain is affected. Generally, difficulty communicating and concentrating are the most common effects of vascular dementia. Memory problems may occur, but they are not normally the first thing that people notice. Depression is also a very common symptom of this form of dementia.
With proper treatment, further brain damage can be slowed or even avoided. However, as with Alzheimer’s disease, there is no cure and no way to reverse any damage that’s already there.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Lewy body dementia, the third most common form of dementia, is often misidentified as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, as it can share characteristics of both. Like Alzheimer’s, this form of dementia develops slowly over the years, and will have many similar symptoms such as memory loss, cognitive decline, delusions and others. Like Parkinson’s disease, the person may have uncontrollable limb trembling, muscle stiffness and a tendency to shuffle when walking.
There are certain combinations of features, biomarkers and symptoms that doctors use to diagnose this form of dementia (although the only way an “official” diagnosis can be made is through a brain autopsy). While there is no cure for Lewy body dementia, early and aggressive treatments with certain medications have shown that people with this form of dementia may respond better than those with Alzheimer’s disease.
Frontotemporal Dementia
This rare form of dementia affects speech and personality, but not memory. During the early stages, a person’s memory may be fine, but their language ability, behavior and personality may change. Understanding of appropriate behavior can be lost, which can be embarrassing for all involved. Unlike other forms of dementia, the progression of frontotemporal dementia is erratic and unpredictable. While there is no cure, there are medications that can help manage the symptoms.
When Dementia Can Be Reversed
Approximately 20 percent of dementia cases may be reversible. This is why it is so important to visit a doctor when symptoms present, as a rapid response can help preserve abilities and also identify if the dementia is one that can be treated. Some example causes that result in a treatable dementia include:
- Tumors or blood clots in the brain
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Fluid buildup in the brain
- Vitamin and metabolic disorders
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypoglycemia
- Neurocognitive disorders associated with HIV
- Medication interactions
- Depression
- Infections (like a urinary tract infection)
While no one likes the idea of finding out that they have dementia, remember that the sooner an accurate diagnosis is made, the better you or your loved one’s chances of helping slow and treat the progression of the disease. It’s also possible your condition may be treatable – but, again, finding out early will increase your chances of recovery. No matter what, receiving an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards making a plan to give you the very best quality of life possible.
If you would like more information about the different forms of dementia and their treatments, contact us at 781.749.7114.
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Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham provides assisted living and memory care that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory impairment, we’ve created a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
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No matter what level of care or service is needed, residents and families can rest assured that our programs address the various stages of memory decline, allowing residents the opportunity to age in place.
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At Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham, our services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for every resident through all stages of memory loss.
Call us today at 781.749.7114 to learn more about Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham or to schedule a personal tour.