Dementia is an umbrella term for several complex neurological conditions that mainly impact elderly individuals. Memory loss is the most prominent shared symptom, and all of these conditions are progressive and currently have no cure. It’s essential to understand the differences in these conditions to secure the proper senior care services for your loved one. Below is a complete guide to each form.

A Guide to Dementia

1. Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most well-known form of dementia. Physicians believe it develops from gene mutations and plaque formation in the brain. These damage neurons and communication systems in the brain.

Patients will show significant changes in personality and experience progressive memory loss. They may have trouble problem-solving and will become easily confused. While there’s no cure, the condition can be managed when caught early, so don’t delay scheduling a neurological exam for your loved one.

2. Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common form and occurs when the blood vessels in the brain are damaged. Reduced blood flow leads to stroke and other types of brain damage that severely impact cognition. Patients have trouble with critical-thinking, organizing, and experience memory loss. These side effects worsen over time, and patients usually require senior care daily in the later stages.

3. Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal is more specific to personality changes because neural damage occurs in these areas of the brain. Patients may exhibit poor judgment, withdrawal, and loss of motor function. This can make everyday tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing, challenging, which is why a senior care professional is needed to help assist them with basic tasks.

4. Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia occurs when protein clumps form in the brain. These patients are more prone to hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. Often, they develop tremors that mimic those of patients with Parkinson’s disease. They often lose touch with reality and will have trouble with fine motor skills, such as holding a pen or utensil, as the disease worsens.

5. Associated Disorders

There are a variety of secondary conditions related to dementia. These include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and fatal brain disorder, Huntington’s disease, a condition that causes spinal, brain, and nerve cells to deteriorate, and traumatic brain injuries. Many patients with Parkinson’s disease develop dementia in the later stages of the condition, as well.

If a loved one was recently diagnosed with dementia, the senior care professionals at Perfect Hands In-Home Healthcare & CDS Services Adult Day Care Center can assist. Based in St. Louis, MO, this home health care agency has helped seniors and their families for nearly a decade. They can connect you with elderly care services, retirement homes, adult daycares, and other supplemental services. Visit their website to explore their full scope of services and call (314) 361-2448 today to speak with an experienced and caring representative.