Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and other cognitive abilities. It can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults. There are many different types of dementia, each with its own set of symptoms and progression.
We’ve put together some information below to help briefly explain some of the different types of dementia:
Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for about 60-80% of all cases. It is a progressive disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. In the early stages, people with Alzheimer’s may have trouble remembering recent events, and may become disoriented or confused. As the disease progresses, they may have difficulty with language, lose the ability to recognize familiar faces, and develop personality changes.
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, accounting for about 10% of cases. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the brain, which can occur as a result of stroke or other vascular problems. People with vascular dementia may experience problems with memory, thinking, and judgment, as well as difficulty with movement and balance.
Lewy body dementia
Lewy body dementia is a type of dementia that is caused by abnormal protein deposits in the brain. It accounts for about 5-10% of all cases of dementia. People with Lewy body dementia may experience fluctuations in their cognitive abilities, hallucinations, and movement problems similar to those seen in Parkinson’s disease.
Frontotemporal dementia
Frontotemporal dementia is a type of dementia that affects the front and sides of the brain, and is characterized by changes in behavior and personality. It is relatively rare, accounting for about 2-5% of all cases of dementia. People with frontotemporal dementia may exhibit socially inappropriate behavior, become apathetic, or lose the ability to communicate effectively.
Mixed dementia
Mixed dementia is a condition in which a person has more than one type of dementia, often Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. It can be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms of each type of dementia may overlap.
Aria Care homes enable residents to continue the hobbies and interests they love, staying as active and independent as possible. This could be making their guests a hot drink, keeping up the routine of a favourite meal or going out to their usual community groups where possible. We strive to ensure our residents can live well with dementia, whether in a residential or nursing setting.
Aria Care operate residential and nursing dementia homes across the country, so you will easily find a home that suits the needs of your loved one.