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.
There are four primary types of 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 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:
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:
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:
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:
A rare, progressive dementia, frontotemporal dementia affects the brain's frontal and temporal lobes. The lobes are responsible for:
Frontotemporal dementia occurs when these lobes develop damage, causing them to shrink. Symptoms vary depending on the stage of FTD:
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:
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:
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:
Cognitive support solutions are techniques, products, or tools that can help promote better cognitive functions, including memory and focus. Examples include:
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.
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.