When you have an elderly relative, although it is never something that you want to consider, they may, at some point, develop dementia.
While the term dementia is not an illness, but rather an umbrella term for the symptoms, these symptoms do more frequently present in people over the age of 65. Sometimes, a person may be diagnosed with ‘early-onset’ dementia, which usually occurs when someone is in their 50s. (viagra online)
So, if you are a carer or family member of someone who has just been diagnosed with vascular dementia, you may want to know how this differs from Alzheimer’s dementia, and this guide will aim to provide a brief overview.
Alzheimer’s Dementia
Alzheimer’s dementia is the most diagnosed type of dementia. This form can cause mood changes, memory issues, neglecting personal hygiene, forgetting names, and events that have occurred recently.
Older adults are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, and this disorder is characterized by the presence of plaques in the brain, which can lead to parts of the brain dying. In minor to moderate cases, a person with Alzheimer’s can continue to live in their home. In cases of severe Alzheimer’s, this may no longer be safe, and they will need dementia care St. Louis to help them manage.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies
This type of dementia is caused by protein deposits in nerve cells in the brain. This disrupts many parts of the brain’s normal functioning and can create problems with memory and can even prompt hallucinations to occur.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies shares many of the symptoms of those who have Parkinson’s; they may have tremors, they may struggle to walk, and they may also have weakening or wastage in the muscles in their legs and arms.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is due to a lack of blood to the brain or a specific part of the brain. This dementia type can happen at any age and can be due to issues with diabetes, strokes, and high blood pressure.
Depending on the cause, the symptoms can appear quickly or slowly. People who have vascular dementia may have issues completing tasks and difficulty with concentration and can also show issues with their vision, alongside experiencing hallucinations.
Frontotemporal Dementia
If you know a bit about neurology, you will know that the frontal lobe is associated with behavior and personality. You will also know that the temporal lobe is linked to memory, time recognition, and even language.
Frontotemporal dementia as a diagnosis means that the illness targets the frontal lobe and the temporal lobes. It is also sometimes known as Pick’s disease.
However, people who are diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia can display compulsive behavior and issues with speech, which can impact motivation as well as inhibition. While Alzheimer’s dementia can affect speech, frontotemporal dementia can have a more devastating impact on speech patterns, causing someone to forget the meanings of common words, leading to something that could be similar to a ‘word salad’ that is seen in severe cases of schizophrenia.
