Types Of Dementia
There are different types of dementia, each with different causes and symptoms. Being aware of the common types and their diagnosis could help you to better support your loved one’s needs.
What Are The Different Types?
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Alzheimer’s Disease | Alzheimer’s Disease damages brain cells. It is associated primarily with memory loss and other intellectual abilities which interfere with daily life. |
| Vascular Dementia | Vascular dementia results in the decline of thinking skills due to conditions that block or reduce blood flow to the brain, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. It is often associated with strokes. |
| Lewy Body Dementia | Protein deposits, known as Lewy bodies, develop in nerve cells in regions of the brain involved in cognition, memory and movement. Apart from the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body Dementia can result in symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. |
| Fronto-temporal Dementia | Fronto-temporal Dementia refers to a group of disorders caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the front and side regions of the brain, often resulting in personality changes and behavioural issues |
| Alcohol-related Dementia | It is a cognitive disorder caused by severe deficiency of vitamin B1. It is most commonly caused by alcohol misuse. |
Normal Ageing vs Dementia
How can you differentiate the normal ageing process from the symptoms of dementia?
Normal Ageing Memory Changes
- Still able to pursue daily activities and function independently, despite occasional memory lapses.
- May require some time to remember directions and/or navigate new places.
- Still capable in judgement and decision making.
- Able to recall and describe significant events and instances.
- May occasionally have difficulty finding the right word but has no problem in holding a conversation.
Behaviours and Symptoms that may Indicate Dementia
- Difficulty in performing simple daily tasks, i.e. paying bills, dressing appropriately and washing up.
- Forgetting how to do things that they are normally very familiar with.
- Gets lost or appears disoriented in familiar places and is unable to follow directions.
- Has difficulty choosing when presented with many choices, may demonstrate improper judgement or socially inappropriate behaviour.
- Unable to recall or describe instances, especially with more recent events.
- Frequently forgets, misuses or garbles words.
- Repeats phrases and stories unknowingly in the same conversation.
Learn More
Here are more resources about dementia
