4 Different Types of Dementia Among Older Adults

The term dementia is mainly used to describe a condition caused by cognitive decline. However, there are other types of dementia as well, which can be usually progressive. Proper, early diagnosis and treatment can reverse the effects and even cure entirely by addressing the primary causes. However, dementia caused by severely progressive conditions like Alzheimer’s is mainly irreversible. Seeking immediate medical assistance is recommended and you can also consider specialized dementia Care in Cincinnati OH to get your aging loved one the help he or she needs.

Dementia mainly affects three functions of the brain; language, memory, and decision making.

Here 4 of the most common types of dementia found in older adults.

1. Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. Any senior can benefit with Alzheimer’s care in Cincinnati with the experts. According to Alzheimer’s association, mainly 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases are found to be caused by AD. Depression and forgetting names, recent incidents, why they entered a particular room, or what they were supposed to do on any selected day or time are significant early signs of Alzheimer’s.

The brain cells begin to die due to AD as the chemical functions of the brain tend to change, thus, seniors experience confusion and sudden mood shifts. They also have difficulty speaking, choosing right words to express their thoughts, and even walking properly.

2. Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia caused by insufficient blood flow to the brain. The chances of getting vascular dementia are higher in old age and post-stroke. Seniors with severe heart disease are at risk as well.

Vascular dementia symptoms may appear suddenly or slowly, depending on its cause. Early signs include confusion and perplexity. During moderate to severe condition, troubling accomplishing a task or concentrating for a long time are promptly noticed.

Vision impairment, as well as hallucinations, can also be caused by vascular dementia.

3. Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies is a result of protein deposits in nerve cells, which interrupts brain function and result in memory loss and disorientation.

Seniors with Lewy body dementia also face visual impairment and difficulty falling asleep at night or often fall asleep suddenly during the day. There are also chances of getting faint or lost. This type of dementia shares a lot of manifestations of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. For instance, seniors may feel shaking or shivering hands, trouble walking, and feeling week.

4. Parkinson’s Disease

Seniors with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) are likely to develop dementia. Problem reasoning and judgment are major indicators of early PD. A senior with this type of dementia may have difficulty understanding visual information and comprehending doing simple tasks of daily life. They may also face confusing and frightening hallucinations.

PD dementia can also cause seniors to be very irritable, depressed, and even paranoid when progressing. They also face challenges when speaking and also forget words during a conversation.

Mostly, dementia is caused by an irreversible disease. Alcohol and substance abuse are also likely to cause dementia. In such cases, reversing the brain damage is sometimes possible, but according to extensive studies and research, the reverse is likely to happen in less than 20 percent of patients with dementia. In this case, a reputable home care provider in Cincinnati can offer inclusive services to help your loved one stave off cognitive decline and troubling physical condition, and lead a normal life in golden years while aging in place with cherished memories and family.