What are the Other Types of Dementia?

The original name of the U.S. Alzheimer’s Association was the “Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorder Association.” Despite that early nod to the “related” or “other” dementias, for many years almost all the public’s focus was on Alzheimer’s disease, the leading form of dementia. Approximately 60 percent of all dementia cases are Alzheimer’s disease with symptoms affecting memory, thinking, language and judgment.

Other Dementias Affect Hundreds of Thousands, if not Millions of Persons Worldwide

It is important to understand the different dementia when creating an elder care plan. Whether you choose a care facility or in-home care your

Vascular dementia develops when impaired blood flow to parts of the brain deprives cells of oxygen. In one form, a series of very small strokes or “infarcts” block small blood vessels. Individually, these little strokes do not cause major symptoms, but over time their combined effect becomes noticeable, which is one reason why this type of dementia was formerly called “multi-infarct dementia.”

Most of the “memory medications” used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (the cholinesterase inhibitors like Aricept) have also been shown to help individuals with vascular dementia. Lifestyle changes that support good heart health and reduce stroke risk may also be helpful.

Mixed dementia is a condition in which a person shows brain changes of more than one cause of dementia. A common example of this when Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia occur at the same time. In this case, the treatment is similar to vascular dementia.

Lewy Body dementia is characterized by abnormal deposits of a protein called “Lewy bodies,” after the scientist who first described them.

Symptoms include memory problems, poor judgment, and confusion similar to Alzheimer’s. What is different is that persons living with Lewy Body may have excessive daytime drowsiness, profound visual hallucinations, movement symptoms and a lack of facial expression. The traditional dementia medications may be helpful; however, persons living with Lewy Body dementia are often quite sensitive to psychotropic medications.

Parkinson’s disease can sometimes be accompanied by dementia. In fact, dementia occurs in 15-30 percent of persons living with Parkinson’s disease, usually appearing in the later stages of this chronic brain and nervous system disorder. Classic symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremors and shakiness, stiffness, difficulty walking and controlling muscles, lack of facial expression and impaired speech.

Parkinson’s medications help with physical manifestations of the disease, but may have the side effect of added confusion.

Frontotemporal dementia (often called “frontal-lobe dementia”) is a rare disorder that affects the front (frontal lobes) and the sides (temporal lobes) of the brain. Symptoms include a more rapid onset of symptoms than Alzheimer’s disease, as well as changes in personality, judgment, planning and social functioning. Individuals may make rude or off-color remarks to family or strangers. They may make unwise decisions about finances or personal matters. The symptoms of this type of dementia typically start between the ages of 45-64.

There are no current treatments specifically for frontal-lobe dementia. The traditional memory medications, cholinesterase inhibitors such as Aricept, may make this form of dementia worse and are usually not recommended. Antidepressants may be helpful.

Accurate Diagnosis is Important

A thorough medical examination can usually identify the specific dementia diagnosis. Knowing the diagnosis can help family members better understand and cope with their situation. For example, if a person living with frontal-lobe dementia makes hurtful remarks, a well-prepared family member may better take the remarks in stride. If a person living with Lewy Body dementia is talking to “little people” in the room, a caregiver who understands that this is common will know not to overreact.

Staying abreast of new trends in dementia and dementia care is a priority for Home Instead Markham, says Home Instead Gerontologist and Caregiver Advocate Dr. Lakelyn Hogan. “Knowing about these other dementias will help our wonderful Care Professionals come into the home with wisdom and confidence."

How Home Instead Markham Can Help

When it comes to providing comprehensive senior care, particularly for those affected by Alzheimer's and dementia, in-home care solutions offer a reassuring option. Home Instead Markham’s In-home senior care caters to the unique senior home care needs of aging adults, fostering a familiar and comfortable environment that can greatly benefit their overall well-being. For individuals grappling with Alzheimer's or the other types of dementia, specialized dementia care services become paramount. These services not only address the specific challenges posed by memory loss and cognitive decline but also extend essential support to families and caregivers. With a focus on compassion and understanding, dedicated Alzheimer's care and dementia care professionals ensure that individuals receive personalized elder care and assistance in the place they call home, promoting a higher quality of life and enhancing the journey through these conditions.