Understanding Dementia: What Exactly Is It?

Dementia affects millions of older adults, affecting nearly one-third of seniors 85 and older. While dementia is common, it’s not an inevitable part of aging. Each June, we recognize Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. In lieu of this, let’s discuss some of the most common types of dementia and ways to help loved ones with this condition. 

Types of Dementia

Dementia is a group of conditions that impair an individual’s memory, critical thinking, and decision-making. It occurs when neurons in the brain stop working properly and lose connections with other brain cells. The loss of neurons happens in everyone’s brain as they age, but dementia causes a more substantial loss, leading to various changes in a person’s memory and critical thinking. 

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, estimated to affect roughly six million Americans 65 and older. Alzheimer’s is categorized by when individuals first experience symptoms. 

• Late-onset is when individuals start experiencing symptoms in their mid-60s or later. 
• Early-onset is when individuals start experiencing symptoms between their 30s and mid-60s. 

The signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's can look different for everyone, but one of the most common first signs is changes to a person’s memory. Other signs of Alzheimer’s include cognitive decline, such as trouble finding the right word or difficulty with spatial relations. As the disease progresses, people may experience behavior changes and increased confusion that can interfere with daily activities. 

Frontotemporal Dementia 

Frontotemporal dementia is when neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain are damaged. This type of dementia tends to affect younger individuals between the ages of 45 and 64. Common signs and symptoms of frontotemporal dementia include behavioral changes, trouble communicating, and difficulty walking. Like many forms of dementia, frontotemporal dementia is a progressive condition that continues to affect the individual more over time. 

Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) occurs when abnormal deposits in the brain of the protein alpha-synuclein affect brain chemicals. These chemical changes can alter a person’s thinking, movement, mood, and behavior. LBD affects roughly 1 million people in the United States, most of which experience symptoms at 50 or older. It’s also more common among people with Parkinson’s disease and those with REM sleep disorders. 

Vascular Dementia

Vascular Dementia occurs when blood vessels in the brain change. These changes happen because other conditions, such as a stroke, interrupt blood and oxygen flow to the brain. This doesn’t mean that everyone who has a stroke will develop vascular dementia, but it does increase the risk. Signs and symptoms of vascular dementia include trouble following instructions and performing basic tasks, forgetfulness, trouble reading, changes in sleep, hallucinations, and personality changes.

Helping Loved Ones With Dementia

Caring for a loved one with dementia is demanding, and it’s not something you have to do alone. Visiting Angels is here to help you navigate this experience with our dementia care services. Dementia care is one of our custom services provided by trained caregivers to help those with dementia live safely and comfortably at home. Our caregivers can help with daily tasks, like housekeeping and cooking, as well as specialized tasks like mobility assistance, medication reminders, and wandering prevention.

Contact our Atlanta East office to learn more about our at-home care services, including dementia care.