Dementia is a widespread condition; nearly 55 million people live with dementia worldwide. While it’s not uncommon to hear the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s disease” used interchangeably, these two are quite different. Dementia is a general term used when referring to a range of symptoms that impact cognitive functioning, memory and behavior, and Alzheimer’s describes a specific type of dementia. In truth, there are several different types of dementia beyond Alzheimer’s, including vascular dementia and Lewy Body Dementia. Although the differences can be subtle, it’s important to know which type of dementia someone is living with. At BrightStar Care, we strive to educate families about this prevalent disease. Get details about dementia, its various types, and common treatments.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is the general term for the loss of memory and cognitive skills. While some cognitive impairment is normal with advancing age, in the case of dementia, symptoms are usually severe enough to interfere with everyday activities. People with this condition might have trouble with communication, reasoning, judgment, problem-solving, and even visual perception. Here are a few signs that may indicate the onset of dementia:
- Forgetting familiar names
- Getting lost in familiar areas
- Inability to complete routine tasks
- Forgetting words or using unusual verbiage to talk about familiar items
- Inability to recall key memories / memory lapses
- Behavior or mood changes
Early Detection & Diagnosis
Early detection and a timely diagnosis of dementia can help your loved one receive early treatment and care. While some small cognitive changes can be a normal part of the aging process, there are some early warning signs that may indicate a possible dementia diagnosis. If you suspect dementia, it’s important to visit your health care provider as soon as possible to receive a formal diagnosis and explore treatment options.
Early signs of dementia(Opens in a new window) include behaviors such as repeating questions or stories in a very short time frame, forgetting information they’ve known for years, and new changes in personality, sleep patterns or mood. If you notice any sudden or new changes, contact a health professional to have your loved one evaluated.
The Main Types of Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term that describes various conditions. There are three common types of dementia, but less common varieties exist as well. Learn more about the different types of dementia and their symptoms:
Alzheimer’s Disease
In 2020, approximately 5.8 million Americans lived with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s the most common type of dementia and occurs when plaques and bundles of proteins build up between nerve cells in the brain, ultimately causing brain cell death in the final stage.
There are three stages of the disease: early stage (mild), middle stage (moderate), and late stage (severe). While Alzheimer’s begins well before the first symptoms register, the earliest detectable signs include memory trouble, apathy, and depression. Someone developing Alzheimer’s might have problems completing familiar tasks or misplace things and be unable to retrace their steps. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms—including impaired communication, poor judgment, and disorientation—may emerge.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia accounts for roughly 10 percent of dementia cases. This condition is associated with damaged and blocked blood vessels in the brain, leading to decreased blood flow to areas of the brain and dead tissue. The severity of vascular dementia will depend on the location, number, and size of the damage or blockages. Unlike Alzheimer’s, where memory loss typically emerges first, with vascular dementia, the earliest symptoms tend to include impaired judgment or inability to make decisions, plan and organize.
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is another one of the different types of dementia. LBD results when abnormal clumps of protein (called Lewy bodies) develop around the cortex. Like Alzheimer’s patients, people with LBD often experience memory loss and cognitive issues. But beyond that, they are likely to suffer initial symptoms such as sleep disturbances, visual hallucinations, and imbalanced gait, like those with Parkinson’s.
Less Common Types of Dementia
Dementia comes in many forms, and numerous patients live with conditions beyond the main three types. Here’s a brief overview of the fewer common varieties(Opens in a new window):
- Mixed Dementia: A combination of two or more dementia types.
- Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: Primarily affects movement but also leads to cognitive decline.
- Frontotemporal Dementia: Impacts behavior, personality and language.
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: More commonly known as “mad cow disease”, this condition is a rapidly fatal disorder that triggers changes in behavior, memory, and coordination.
- Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: Caused by excess fluid in the brain, leading to memory problems, walking difficulties, and incontinence. It can sometimes be treated with the draining of fluid.
- Huntington's Disease: This progressive brain disorder is caused by a chromosomal defect. Its symptoms include abnormal involuntary movements, a severe decline in thinking, and mood disturbances.
- Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: This memory disorder is commonly associated with alcohol misuse.
Treatments for Dementia
Thankfully, people living with dementia have several treatment options to reduce symptoms and increase quality of life. Physicians may recommend the following treatment approaches to your loved one:
- Medication: Many patients benefit from medications that temporarily improve symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, and Leqembi may be prescribed by your loved one’s doctor.
- Therapy: Dementia patients often benefit from therapy. Occupational therapists can help patients learn coping strategies, prevent accidents, and manage behavior.
- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes are key to living with dementia. As a caregiver, encourage your loved one to exercise and engage in activities they enjoy. It may also be helpful to keep a calendar, establish routines, and speak slowly to lessen confusion.
Providing Specialized Care for Dementia
At BrightStar Care, we’re glad to provide specialized care for those living with dementia. Whether your loved one is beginning treatment or has lived with the disease for years, our team is here to help. Our highly-trained caregivers provide compassionate support and assistance, ensuring your loved one has access to the gold standard in home care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caring for a loved one with dementia can sometimes feel exhausting and isolating. It’s often met with confusion, frustration, concerns and many questions. At BrightStar Care, our team is here to help you get answers and ensure your loved one receives the compassionate care they need throughout their dementia journey.
Below are some of the most commonly-asked questions we hear around dementia. If you have additional questions or concerns, please get in touch with us and let us know how we can help.
What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
Dementia is an umbrella term that covers a host of symptoms, including memory loss and cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s disease is a specific dementia diagnosis that primarily results in progressive memory loss and is considered a neurological disorder.
Can a person have more than one type of dementia?
A person can have more than one type of dementia. This diagnosis is often referred to as “mixed dementia.” Having more than one type of dementia can exacerbate symptoms and accelerate the progression of the disease.
How common is vascular dementia?
After Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia. It occurs as a result of reduced blood flow to the brain, typically due to small strokes or other vascular issues. Cognitive impairment results from brain damage due to blood flow problems.
What is the least common type of dementia?
The least common form of dementia is known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). It’s a rare and fatal form of dementia, caused by abnormal proteins that are toxic to the brain. Once symptoms start, CJD usually progresses quickly. Eventually, the person loses the ability to move, speak or care for themselves, requiring full-time care.
Support for Caregivers
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a demanding process that requires physical, mental, and emotional stamina. It’s important that family caregivers consider their own health and well-being in addition to tending to the needs of their loved one.
BrightStar Care offers qualified, compassionate in-home care to your loved one in familiar surroundings, as well as respite care that gives family caregivers a chance to rest and recharge. We’re here for every step of your journey, with educational resources, support strategies, self-care tips and more.
Find a BrightStar Care® Location Near You
Looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization? Our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online, or call 866.618.7827 to speak with a local care expert and learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.
Sources:
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UCLA School of Medicine(Opens in a new window)
- CDC:
- Alzheimer’s Association:
- Mayo Clinic(Opens in a new window)