Dementia is a term that evokes fear and uncertainty in patients and doctors equally. Initially, it was thought to be a condition in itself, but as we learn more about it, it has been better defined as a collection of symptoms that progressively impair memory, cognitive function, and the patient’s social abilities. Dementia can disrupt a patient’s life by affecting the areas of the brain that control language, memory, and decision-making.
Understanding the different types of dementia can help clarify some of the confusion surrounding the condition and, more importantly, the type of care you need as the condition progresses. It’s important to note that dementia is often misunderstood, and many people are unsure about the differences between dementia and more specific diseases like Alzheimer’s.
What is the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s?
Before delving into the different types of dementia, it’s important to understand the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s because the two conditions are often confused.
Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a severe decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily living.
Dementia is not a single disease. It is a state of mental decline that affects memory, reasoning, behaviour and language. A person suffering from dementia can have some of the following difficulties:
- Changes in behaviour and personality
- Difficulty with language
- Memory loss
- Challenges in understanding visual form and spatial relationships
- Challenges with reasoning or handling complex tasks
Dementia symptoms range from mild to severe. In mild cases, dementia patients may need some assistance with daily tasks, and in severe cases, patients are entirely dependent on others for help.
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is one of the most common causes of dementia, accounting for at least two-thirds of the cases. Alzheimer’s is a specific disease that leads to dementia and is often characterised by the build-up of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which can cause memory loss and cognitive decline over time.
The Four Main Types of Dementia
There are different types of dementia, often classified based on the symptoms experienced and the causes. Other types of dementia are less common, but these four are the main ones.
1. Alzheimer’s Disease
Although Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, dementia is a broader term for a group of symptoms, not a specific disease. Alzheimer’s eventually leads to dementia. It is a progressive and degenerative brain disorder that mainly affects behaviour, thinking and memory.
The condition mainly begins with mild memory loss and cognitive decline and gradually progresses to more severe symptoms, which include impaired communication, difficulty with daily activities and disorientation.
The progression of the disease often varies from person to person, but it typically follows three stages: early, moderate, and advanced.
As the disease progresses, people with Alzheimer’s become more dependent on care and support from family members or other healthcare professionals to maintain their quality of life.
Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not understood. However, it is likely caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors.
One of the key features of Alzheimer’s disease is the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein in the brain, which can lead to the formation of plaques. The disease can also cause a reduction in the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which are vital for communication between the brain and the cells.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Memory loss, particularly for recent events
- Changes in mood or behaviour, such as apathy or agitation
- Challenges with decision-making and problem-solving
- Difficulty with language, including speaking and understanding words
- Difficulty with spatial awareness and navigation
Treatment
There is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, but there are medications that can help to manage the symptoms. Some medications can help improve memory and cognitive function, while others can enhance communication between the brain and its cells.
It is also recommended to undertake lifestyle changes, such as incorporating regular exercise and a healthy diet, which may help slow the progression of the disease.
2. Vascular Dementia
The second type of dementia is Vascular Dementia or VaD, which is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. The reduced blood flow can be caused by a variety of conditions, including stroke, high blood pressure or atherosclerosis.
VaD is the second most common form of dementia and accounts for 20% of all cases. Like Alzheimer’s, the progression of VaD varies from person to person. In some people, it is rapid, while in others, the progression of symptoms may be more gradual. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for managing the condition effectively and improving quality of life.
Causes
The primary cause of VaD is stroke or other conditions that reduce blood flow to the brain. This can result in damage to the brain cells and the death of neurons. Some of the risk factors of VaD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking.