The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that approximately two in three Americans develop cognitive impairment by the average age of 70. It also states that dementia, one of the most common forms of cognitive impairment, affects almost 10% of older adults between 75 and 84 years old worldwide. In the 85 and older age population, the rate drastically increases to 29.3%.
As people age, mild cognitive changes can occur, such as slightly decreased thinking speed and attention. However, some may develop one or more forms of dementia.
So, what are the various types of dementia then? And are they preventable or treatable?
Please read on, as the caring team at Caruth Haven Court, our assisted living and memory care community in Dallas, TX, has put together this guide with insights that answer those questions.
What Are the Various Types of Dementia?
There are four primary types of dementia:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
Most people with dementia only experience one type, but some can develop mixed dementia, a condition in which a patient has multiple types of dementia.
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 7 million Americans live with AD, including 459,000 people in Texas aged 65 and older.
Scientists believe AD is a biological process that starts with the build-up of proteins in the form of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques in the brain. The accumulation appears to shrink the brain and cause brain cells to die.
The changes in the brain spurred by AD can lead to the following symptoms, which progressively worsen:
- Forgetting appointments, conversations, or events
- Misplacing items
- Wandering
- Repeating questions and statements multiple times
- Forgetting family members’ and friends’ names
- Having trouble thinking and concentrating
- Poor decision-making and impaired judgments
- Difficulty planning and performing everyday tasks, such as dressing or cooking
- Behavioral and personality changes, including mood swings, depression, and social withdrawal
Vascular Dementia
According to an article published on PubMed Central, about 5 to 10% of people with dementia exhibit symptoms of vascular dementia alone. It can result from damage to the brain’s blood vessels or injuries to brain tissue. Such problems can occur if the brain doesn’t receive adequate blood, nutrients, or oxygen, like in the case of a stroke.
Some typical symptoms of vascular dementia include the following:
- Confusion
- Attention and concentration problems
- Difficulty with organizing actions or thoughts and making decisions
- Decreased thinking speed
- Memory problems
- Unsteady gait
- Apathy or depression
- Restlessness and agitation
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)
Lewy body dementia is another common form of dementia. According to Alzheimers.gov, over one million Americans receive an LBD diagnosis. The agency also explains that Lewy bodies are clumps of alpha-synuclein proteins, named after the scientist who discovered them, that accumulate in segments of the brain involved in:
- Thinking
- Memory
- Movement
The clumps of protein build up inside neurons (nerve cells) within the brain, causing them to perform erratically and eventually killing them.
People with LBD often exhibit the following symptoms:
- Problems with attention, memory, multi-tasking, planning, reasoning, and problem-solving
- Impaired visual and spatial abilities
- Unpredictable or random changes in attention, alertness, concentration, and wakefulness
- Visual hallucinations
- Parkinsonism, including muscle stiffness and tremors
- Sleep disorders
- Changes in mental health, including a lack of interest, depression, and anxiety
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
A rare, progressive dementia, frontotemporal dementia affects the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes. The lobes are responsible for:
- Language
- Behavior
- Personality
Frontotemporal dementia occurs when these lobes develop damage, causing them to shrink. Symptoms vary depending on the stage of FTD:
- Mild behavioral and cognitive changes during the early stages
- Increasing language and communication difficulties in the middle stages
- More pronounced physical health challenges and more significant cognitive decline in the later stages
Is Dementia Preventable?
It could be.
According to an article published on TheConversation.com, a 2024 study of published evidence found that delaying or preventing 45% of dementia cases is possible by addressing 14 potential risk factors. Some of these include:
- Physical inactivity
- Hearing loss
- Depression
- High low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
- Traumatic brain injury
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- High blood pressure or hypertension
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Air pollution
- Social isolation
What Are Treatment Options for Dementia?
While there’s currently no cure for dementia, there are several ways to minimize at least one’s risk of developing it or manage the symptoms. Options include:
- Medications
- Cognitive support solutions
- Lifestyle remedies
Medications
There are two U.S. FDA-approved medications for people with Alzheimer’s disease: lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla). Other medicines that doctors may prescribe to help manage dementia symptoms are:
- Cholinesterase inhibitors
- Memantine
- Medicines to help treat conditions that co-exist with or make dementia symptoms worse, such as those for sleep problems, hallucinations, or depression
Cognitive Support Solutions for Dementia
Cognitive support solutions are techniques, products, or tools that can help promote better cognitive functions, including memory and focus. Examples include:
- Keeping a physical memory journal
- Writing reminders on sticky notes
- Using mobile notes, photo, camera, and journaling apps
- Following a paper or digital calendar
- Creating physical or digital checklists
Lifestyle Remedies
While lifestyle remedies may not cure dementia, they may help reduce the risk of developing it or slow down symptom progression. For example, regular exercise may help protect seniors from memory loss. It also benefits older adults by improving their balance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
Staying socially connected may also help mitigate the risk of developing dementia or worsening symptoms. According to the CDC, people who experience loneliness and social isolation have an increased risk for dementia. So, remaining socially active may help support better brain, mental, and emotional health in seniors.
Specialized Care Is Available for People With Dementia
As discussed in this guide, the answer to the question “What are the various types of dementia?” includes Alzheimer’s disease, vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal dementia. They’re all progressive brain disorders, but early intervention and treatment can help manage or slow down their symptoms.
At Caruth Haven Court, our senior living community in Dallas, TX, our compassionate and experienced team specializes in personalized memory care services. We’re proud of our SHINE Memory Care program, which the Alzheimer’s Association, one of the country’s leading health authorities in Alzheimer’s research and care, awarded a Certificate of Recognition.
If you have an older loved one with dementia, we encourage you to contact us today to explore our memory care community.
