Dementia diseases – types, symptoms, diagnosis of dementia

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Dementia is a general term for any disease that causes a change in memory and / or thinking skills. It is so serious that it impairs the day-to-day functioning of a person (driving a car, shopping, working, communicating). Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Types of dementia – Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It is a physical condition caused by changes in the structure of the brain. This is due to an accumulation of proteins, resulting in “plaques” and “entanglements” which destroy the brain cells’ ability to transmit messages and ultimately lead to the death of these cells.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease develop gradually. They can affect concentration, memory, communication and word finding, and skills such as reading, writing, counting, and planning. Medicines are available that slow the progression of the disease but do not prevent or treat it.

1. Find out more about Alzheimer’s disease

Types of dementia – vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia. It arises from problems in the supply of blood to the brain cells, usually caused by strokes or a series of small strokes known as permanent ischemic attacks. They lead to areas of local cell damage in the brain.

Types of dementia – frontotemporal dementia

Fronto-temporal dementia is a progressive condition, which means that symptoms get worse over time. It usually affects people aged 45-65. Most often it affects:

1. Frontal lobes which are important to personality, social functioning, decision making, problem solving, analyzing, empathy, motivation and planning. Dementia that primarily affects the frontal lobes can be called frontal dementia, Pick’s disease, or the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia.
2. Temporal lobes, which are important for speech, word finding, understanding and language skills. The hippocampus (important for memory) is also found in the temporal lobe. This dementia is called semantic or primary progressive aphasia.

Types of dementia – dementia with Lewy bodies

Dementia with Lew bodies is a progressive condition. The most common symptoms include:

1. a tendency to fall,
2. tremors (similar to Parkinson’s disease)
3. swallowing problems
4. stumbling while walking
5. sleep disturbances, nightmares,
6. visual and auditory hallucinations due to damage to nerve cells.

The most common causes of dementia

Dementia is caused by damage to the cells in the brain. It interferes with their ability to communicate with each other. Therefore, there are problems with thinking, behaving and feeling. The brain has many distinct areas, each of which is responsible for different functions (e.g. memory, movement and judgment). If cells are damaged in a given place, the body will not be able to function normally.

Most of the brain changes that cause dementia are permanent and worsen over time. However, problems with thinking and memory caused by the following conditions can improve if appropriate treatment is given:

1. depression,
2. side effects of drugs,
3. alcohol abuse,
4. thyroid problems
5. vitamin deficiencies.

If you or someone you know has memory problems or other changes in thinking, don’t ignore them. Check with your doctor to determine the cause.

Is age related to dementia?

Age increases the risk of dementia. Dementia is not part of normal aging. However, its risk increases with age. It affects up to 40% of people over 85 years of age.

1. Also read: The Simple Dementia Test

How is dementia diagnosed?

To diagnose dementia, your doctor will first check to see if the patient has a treatable condition, such as thyroid abnormalities, high blood pressure, or vitamin deficiency, which may be related to cognitive difficulties. Detecting symptoms early is extremely important.

In many cases, a certain type of dementia can only be confirmed after death and a brain exam. Medical assessment of dementia includes:

1. Medical history. Does anyone in your family have dementia? How and when did the symptoms start? Have there been changes in behavior and dementia? Are you taking medications that can cause or worsen symptoms?
2. Physical examination. Measuring blood pressure and other vital signs can detect conditions that may cause or exist in dementia. Some health problems are curable.
3. Neurological tests. Assessing balance, sensory response, reflexes, and other cognitive functions help identify disturbed functions.

Are there medications for dementia?

There is no cure for dementia yet, but there are some medications that can relieve symptoms. Among them are drugs that improve memory for a while. Medicines for mood disorders such as anxiety and depression are also available.

How can I help someone with dementia?

Research has shown that exercise has a positive effect on brain function, mood and overall fitness. Also, remember about a healthy, balanced diet and limit alcohol. Good sleep is another important part of proper brain function. This includes:

1. maintaining a normal sleep / wake cycle,
2. practicing good sleep hygiene,
3. diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.

Being socially active and involved in pleasant, stimulating activities supports mental health. Other diseases that affect the brain should also be treated, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.