You might assume that dementia is just dementia – but in fact there are as many as 200 forms of the disease, four of which are the most common in patients.
Dementia is actually an umbrella term which include various diseases, all of which result from damage to the brainand many of which have similar symptoms.
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Memory loss is the classic symptom most of us would clock, but trouble concentrating, getting confused about everyday tasks or where you are, and having trouble remembering words or following a conversation are all early warning signs to watch out for.
Then there are four important types of dementia to know:
1. Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and according to the NHSsymptoms include:
- memory problems, such as frequently forgetting recent events, names, and faces
- ask questions repeatedly
- increasing difficulty with tasks and activities that require organization and planning
- getting confused in unfamiliar environments
- difficulty finding the right words
- difficulty with numbers and/or handling money in shops
- becoming more withdrawn or anxious
2. Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia comes second, but suffering is possible Alzheimer’s and vascular dementiawhich can be called “mixed dementia”.
The symptoms may be similar, but memory loss in the early stages of vascular dementia is less pronounced than in Alzheimer’s patients.
The onset of symptoms can also be sudden and get worse quickly. But they can also take some time to develop and appear over several months or even years.
The NHS says it is looking forward to:
- https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/2063002/what-casues-stroke-main-signs-symptoms/stroke-like symptoms: including muscle weakness or temporary paralysis on one side of the body (these symptoms require urgent medical attention)
- movement problems, such as difficulty walking or a change in the way a person walks
- thinking problems, i.e. having difficulty paying attention, planning, and reasoning
- mood swings, i.e. depression and a tendency to become more emotional
3. Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Another type of dementia where symptoms can overlap with Alzheimer’s disease is dementia with Lewy bodies – it’s much less known, though.
However, with this one the NHS says a person may also struggle with…
- periods of being alert or sleepy
- fluctuating levels of confusion
- visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there)
- slowing down in their physical movements
- repeated falls and fainting
- sleep disturbances
4. Frontotemporal Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is still the most common form of dementia in people under the age of 65, but a higher percentage of people in this age group can develop frontotemporal dementia than older people.
In fact, most cases of frontotemporal dementia are diagnosed in people aged 45-65.
Sufferers in the early stages, the NHS notes, may exhibit:
- personality changes, including decreased sensitivity to other people’s feelings, making a person appear cold and numb
- lack of social awareness – this may mean making inappropriate jokes or showing a lack of tact, although some people can become very withdrawn and apathetic
- language problems – difficulty finding or understanding the right words
- becoming obsessive – such as developing crazes for unusual foods, overeating and drinking