Dementia: What Is It?

Dementia is a condition, not an illness, and it affects a person's personality, mental processes, memory, and communication abilities. Several factors, such as the following, can cause dementia:

• An accident may result in brain injury.
• Stroke
• Alzheimer's condition
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• An ailment
• Illnesses such as Parkinson's or Huntington's

Now let us look at some of the more prevalent dementias that are not caused by Alzheimer's. These kinds of dementia account for 20 to 40 percent of all cases of dementia.

Vascular Dementia

A person who has had a large stroke or a string of mini-strokes may develop this kind of dementia. These so-called "silent strokes" frequently go unnoticed until dementia develops.

A stroke interrupts the flow of oxygen to the brain. Vascular dementia may happen when brain cells die from a lack of oxygen.

Vascular dementia symptoms can vary depending on the area of the brain that was damaged during the stroke. This could affect how someone speaks, makes decisions, or remembers things quickly. Hallucinations or delusions may also result from it.

Alzheimer's disease, also known as Parkinson's disease, is a type of dementia that typically appears 10 to 15 years after a Parkinson's diagnosis.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)

Protein buildup in the brain may cause dementia. This is categorized as Lewy Body dementia, as Parkinson's disease has not been identified. DLB has symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's dementia. It's frequently confused with these illnesses. DLB signs consist of:

• Balance and motor control issues
• Vision issues and hallucinations
• Sleep problems

With symptoms including disorientation and agitation, DLB can mirror late-stage Alzheimer's disease in its latter stages.

One of the less frequent types of dementia, frontotemporal dementia, affects people between the ages of 45 and 65. It may be challenging to diagnose. Language difficulties, personality abnormalities, and a lack of inhibitions or judgment are typical symptoms. Frontotemporal dementia, in contrast to other types of dementia, typically does not result in memory issues.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus:

A buildup of fluid in the brain is the cause of this form of dementia. The fluid can be drained to treat it.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome:

Memory issues are a hallmark of this kind of dementia that results from severe thiamine (B1) deficiency. It is most frequently found in chronic drinkers.

The key is early treatment

Early dementia therapy is typically the key to living longer and with improved quality of life. Prescription drugs and complementary therapies, such as exercise and a healthy diet, may slow the progression of many types of dementia.

Learn more about Heritage Care Home Senior Living's memory care programs for seniors with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.