Most people understand that dementia is a progressive disease that usually starts with memory loss and progresses to the loss of other abilities. But no two people experience dementia in the same way. While it’s a progressive disease, people with dementia progress at different rates, making it a little difficult to define a “typical” case of dementia.
Dementia is as unique as the person experiencing it. All sorts of factors go into determining how the disease will progress. Physical build, overall health, medications, support systems, mental and emotional resilience – all these play a part. Some people progress incredibly rapidly, while others can hold steady for long periods of time.
Another reason why progression varies is because there are many different types of dementia. Many times dementia is used as a synonym of Alzheimer’s disease; dementia is actually an umbrella term for a number of different cognitive diseases and impairments, one of which is Alzheimer’s. Each of these diseases can progress in a different way than the others.
Since we don’t know exactly what causes dementia, experts can’t pinpoint exactly how to slow the progression of the disease. However, there are many things that individuals can do to ensure that they stay as healthy as possible – physically, emotionally and mentally – which does a great deal in helping maintain cognitive function.
Different Dementias Decline Differently
There are many different types of dementia, but five of them – Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal and Parkinson’s – make up the majority of cases. Each of these diseases follow a slightly different path than the others.
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease that follows a general path overall as the brain becomes more and more impaired. While living a healthy lifestyle can help delay progression somewhat, there is no way to halt the progression entirely.
Vascular dementia occurs when blood vessels in the brain become blocked, causing that section of the brain to become damaged and die. Depending on what part of the brain is affected, the progression of the disease can happen in what seems like spurts – long periods of plateauing with short, intense bouts of change. The symptoms are often, but not always, similar to Alzheimer’s disease.
Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s-related dementia tend to develop slowly and progress gradually. However, unlike other forms of dementia, there are fluctuating levels of cognitive issues that can vary significantly from day to day or hour to hour. Gradually, symptoms do become more like the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Frontotemporal dementia doesn’t generally cause problems with short-term memory at the onset, but it can cause hallucinations. Early symptoms can vary, but they often are behavioral shifts, due to the part of the brain being damaged. As the disease progresses, it will manifest similarly to Alzheimer’s disease.
Lifestyle and Health History
Experts agree that a person’s lifestyle can greatly affect why dementia progresses in different ways. That’s because everything we do – what we eat, how much we exercise, how we use our brains – end up stimulating our neurons in different ways. Medical professionals also agree that activities that stimulate the brain and the senses in multiple ways help keep cognitive function for as long as possible.
Diet can be a factor that affects the progression of dementia. Certain foods can trigger unwanted behaviors and have adverse health effects (sugar, alcohol, salt, fatty meats, etc.). Because brain health is linked so closely to cardiovascular health, eating a brain-healthy diet can keep remaining cognitive function working as well as possible.
Exercise is another factor – again, due to the brain/body connection. Exercise boosts metabolism and strengthens muscles, yes, but it also boosts moods and improves mental wellness and health. By reducing stress, depression and anxiety, our brains function better – so individuals who get regular exercise may be able to slow the progression of dementia.
Social interaction is yet another potential factor when it comes to dementia progression. Again, it all comes back to the brain. Social interaction fires up our neurons, helps reduce stress, increases the production of good chemicals in our brains and bodies and keeps us active. Studies have shown that individuals who remain socially active live longer than socially isolated counterparts.
These are just some of the factors that can affect the progression of dementia. Obviously, there is no magic bullet, and even if someone follows all the tips and tricks, they may still end up with rapidly progressing dementia. Ultimately, these strategies are designed to improve mental, emotional and physical wellness – which is beneficial under any circumstances, but especially for those with memory loss.
Exceptional Care & Engaging Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury provides exceptional memory care in a comfortable and engaging environment. Designed specifically to support those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community delivers a wellness-focused lifestyle that respects individual preferences and abilities. Our teams receive ongoing, specialized training so they may help residents to safely exercise their independence in a secure, calm environment.
Dedicated Memory Care
Our expert dementia care and comprehensive services are tailored to meet the unique needs of our residents, wherever they are on their journey with memory loss. Our life enrichment programs are personalized to residents’ interests and abilities, providing joy and meaning in daily life and enhancing emotional well-being.
Purpose-Built Design
Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury is more than a safe, beautiful place to live; it’s truly a home, where compassionate, dementia-educated caregivers help people with memory loss live more fulfilling lives. Our research-based design features soft lighting and colors, non-glare flooring, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life-enrichment stations that empower residents to comfortably move about their home with confidence.
Contact us today to learn more.