Dementia is going nowhere but up. More than 55 million people live with dementia. Roughly 10 million new cases occur every year.
One reason for these statistics is that there are many types of dementia. In order to get help for yourself or a loved one, you need to know what these different types are. While they have similarities, their differences can impact how you can get treatment.
What are the most common types of dementia? What are the causes and signs of dementia? How can you get treatment and avoid further problems?
Answer these questions and you can find a path forward after a diagnosis of dementia. Here is your quick guide.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, with 60%-70% of cases occurring from Alzheimer’s. The first signs of the disease include memory problems, though a person may be able to recall events from long ago. As time goes on, their memory loss gets worse until they are unable to remember how to care for themselves.
Alzheimer’s comes from the death of brain cells. In the late stages, a person’s body will shut down and they will become completely reliant on other people to care for them. This makes dementia treatment extremely difficult, and a person should find an assisted living community to live in.
Dementia With Lewy Bodies
Dementia with Lewy bodies occurs when protein deposits build up inside nerve cells. These deposits prevent chemicals from passing through brain cells.
As with Alzheimer’s, a person experiences memory loss and disorientation at first. As time goes on, someone may hallucinate and have difficulty falling asleep. Someone may faint, which can cause them to fall and hurt their head.
Dementia with Lewy bodies has no cure, but memory care can help someone take care of themselves and slow the progression of the disease. Some people with dementia will move into a memory care facility while others will remain at home until they cannot care for themselves.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia occurs when blood does not flow to the brain properly. It can occur after a stroke, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Some people may develop symptoms of dementia slowly while others may experience it immediately after a stroke.
Most people experience confusion and disorientation. As dementia progresses, a person may struggle to complete tasks or concentrate on conversations. Someone may be unable to see, and they may hallucinate.
Medications can help someone control their high blood pressure, preventing another stroke. A person may need to control their blood sugar and cholesterol while living with dementia through a balanced diet and exercise. If someone is unable to cook meals or coordinate their body, they can receive occupational therapy.
The Most Common Types of Dementia
The different types of dementia may surprise you. Alzheimer’s is the most prominent type, causing memory loss and death. But you can experience dementia with Lewy bodies, which can lead to hallucinations.
Vascular dementia can occur after a stroke. You may need medications in addition to memory care so you avoid additional strokes. Memory care and occupational therapy are the most common dementia treatments, with many people receiving them in assisted living facilities.
You’ve learned the basics about dementia, yet you must learn more to get proper treatment. Read more guides to dementia by following our coverage.