According to the World Health Organization, 55 million people worldwide have dementia. This condition affects cognitive functions such as memory, language, problem-solving, and judgment.
While there are many types of dementia, the most common type is Alzheimer’s. This form of dementia affects over six million Americans.
The Grand Senior Living is a full-service memory care community in Louisville for older adults, offering Independent Living, Personal Care, and Memory Care. People often say they are unaware of memory loss other than Alzheimer’s.
Let’s explore different types of dementia and how memory care in Louisville, KY can help.
Dementia Explained
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of conditions affecting brain function and judgment. It’s a common misconception that dementia is a condition in and of itself. In reality, it’s a collection of symptoms that various underlying conditions can cause.
Early-onset (developing before age 65) or late-onset dementia (developing after age 65) can be caused by a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, among others.
These conditions damage cells in various areas of the brain and affect how it works, leading to memory loss and other cognitive and behavioral problems.
While the specific symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the underlying cause, common symptoms include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty with language and communication
- Impaired judgment and decision-making
- Changes in mood and behavior
These symptoms can be challenging for people with dementia and their loved ones. Effects of dementia can have a significant impact on daily life. Forgetfulness that gets in the way of everyday activities is classified as dementia. It is not a normal part of aging.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for most types of dementia, but there are treatments and therapies that can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. It’s important to talk to a health care professional if you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or other signs of dementia.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow progression and improve outcomes.
What Types of Dementia Are There?
The Four Common Types of Dementia
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and makes up 60-80% of all cases. It is progressive (gradually worsens over time) and is caused by protein buildup in the brain.
Common early and middle-stage symptoms include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty communicating or finding words
- Abrupt mood swings
- Confusion with time or place
- Misplacing objects
- Impaired judgment
- Wandering
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia occurs when blood vessels in the brain become blocked or damaged due to stroke or other conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
This type of dementia can affect thinking skills, such as attention span, problem-solving, visual perception, and memory.
Symptoms of vascular dementia include:
- Confusion with times and places
- Changes in personality, mood, and behavior
- Difficulty understanding visual information
- Trouble planning or finishing out tasks
- Inability to make decisions
- A lack of motivation
- Impaired vision and spatial awareness
Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia is a type of dementia that is caused by abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. These deposits, called Lewy bodies, are found in the parts of the brain that control movement, thinking, and behavior. As a result, Lewy body dementia can affect a person’s ability to move, think, and function in their daily life.
The symptoms of Lewy body dementia can vary from person to person, but they often include problems with memory, thinking, and language. Changes in mood and behavior are also common. Some people with Lewy body dementia may experience:
- Visual hallucinations
- Sleep disorders
- Mobility problems
- Tremors and stiffness
One of the unique features of Lewy body dementia is that people with this condition can experience “fluctuations” in their symptoms. Cognitive abilities and behavior can change rapidly and unpredictably. They may have periods of clarity followed by sudden confusion or disorientation.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Lewy body dementia, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Medications can be prescribed to help control movement problems and improve cognitive function. Physical and occupational therapy can help people with Lewy body dementia maintain their independence and quality of life.
Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia is a type of dementia caused by damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These lobes are responsible for various functions, including language, behavior, and personality. Damage to these areas can significantly change a person’s thinking, behavior, and social skills.
The symptoms of frontotemporal dementia can vary depending on which part of the brain is affected, but they often include personality changes such as:
- Impulsivity
- Apathy
- Socially inappropriate behavior
- Difficulty with language
- Trouble understanding speech
Unlike other types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, memory loss is not typically an early symptom of frontotemporal dementia. Instead, the changes in behavior and personality are often the first signs of the condition.
Five Less Common Types of Dementia
Several lesser-known types of dementia can also significantly impact a person’s life. Here are five other types of dementia, along with a brief explanation of their causes and symptoms.
Mixed Dementia
As the name suggests, mixed dementia is a combination of two or more types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. People with mixed dementia can have a variety of symptoms, including memory loss, changes in behavior, and problems with movement.
Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects movement, but it can also lead to dementia in some cases. People with Parkinson’s disease dementia may have difficulty with memory and thinking and movement problems like tremors and stiffness.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
This type of dementia is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1, which can result from chronic alcohol abuse or malnutrition. People with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome may have memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with coordination.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
This type of dementia is caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which can pressure the brain and cause damage. People with normal pressure hydrocephalus may have difficulty with walking and balance, urinary incontinence, and changes in thinking and behavior.
Posterior Cortical Atrophy
This type of dementia is caused by damage to the back part of the brain, which is responsible for processing visual information. People with posterior cortical atrophy may have difficulty reading, writing, and other tasks requiring visual processing.
All forms of dementia have similar symptoms but require different treatments depending on type and severity. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with dementia, it is critical to seek professional medical advice as soon as possible. Begin treatment right away for optimal outcomes.
Explore specialized dementia care services like those offered at The Grand Senior Living in Louisville, Kentucky for relief and support.
Memory Care: Louisville, KY Options
At The Grand Senior Living, we understand that each person has unique needs when it comes to memory care services. Ultimately, we want to help family members and their loved ones find deeper meaning and purpose.
Our trained professionals provide individualized care plans tailored to meet physical and emotional needs. We take pride in providing a secure environment where residents can feel a sense of community.
The Cottage is our dementia-friendly environment that offers:
- 24-hour support and supervision
- Nursing care
- Activities of daily living assistance
- Medication management
- Chef-prepared meals
- Individual and group projects and exercises
- Creative and intellectual activities
- Life-skills stations
- A clean living environment
- A secure outdoor area
Loved ones know we provide long-term care that feels like home. Our high team-to-resident ratio lets seniors experience longer periods of comfort and attention. Family visits are welcomed and encouraged at our memory care community. Louisville team members will handle the care while you cherish all the small but meaningful moments.
Visit The Only Cottage Location for Dementia Care in Kentucky
The Cottage at The Grand Senior Living offers memory care for many various forms of dementia. Explore comprehensive options for senior care by contacting us.
