Sometimes, age causes changes in the brain. These can be minor inconveniences, like forgetting small everyday tasks or neglecting personal care. When these progressive changes become serious or harmful, your loved one may struggle without appropriate support.
Progressive changes in memory and behavior are often signs that your loved one is experiencing dementia.
While many associate dementia with aging, typically showing signs around the age of 65, it can sometimes develop much earlier in life. Dementia and cognitive decline are complex and can present in many ways.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia isn’t a single condition. It’s a generic term used to describe decreased cognitive abilities. When memory, problem-solving, communication, or other major brain functions change to the point that they affect everyday life, it’s referred to as dementia.
Dementia occurs when nerve cells in the brain stop functioning properly or connections between brain cells are disrupted. For those with dementia, the changes are often progressive, starting subtly and becoming more pronounced with time.
Although it’s more common in older adults, dementia is not a normal part of aging.
The Different Types of Dementia
There are several different forms of dementia. Each of these develops from specific causes, each affecting the brain differently. These are the 4 most common types.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It accounts for roughly 60–80% of all diagnosed cases.
Alzheimer’s develops as a result of the buildup of proteins like amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. These damage brain cells and disrupt a person’s cognitive abilities more and more over time.
The common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Memory issues, like frequently forgetting dates or appointments
- Repeating questions or misplacing objects
- Difficulty following conversations or handling tasks
- Becoming withdrawn, especially in social settings
Alzheimer’s disease is progressive. It typically starts with mild memory problems and confusion, worsening over time.
Symptoms tend to develop around a person’s mid-60s, though this varies depending on a person’s genetics and lifestyle. While rare, early-onset Alzheimer’s can affect individuals in their 30s or 40s.
Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes. FTD tends to develop sooner than other types of dementia, sometimes as early as 50 or younger. It’s caused by damage to neurons in the areas responsible for behavior and language.
The symptoms of frontotemporal dementia include:
- Changes in behavior & personality
- Difficulty with language, such as speaking or understanding
- Problems with motor skills, including stiffness or shakiness
- Loss of social inhibitions
- Compulsive or repetitive actions
FTD can cause other neurological conditions as symptoms progress. The specific underlying cause of FTD isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to be linked to an abnormal buildup of particular proteins throughout the brain.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia develops when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, often due to strokes or vascular damage. It’s more likely to occur in older adults with a history of high blood pressure or heart disease. Usually, symptoms develop around the age of 65.
The symptoms of vascular dementia include:
- Problems with focus & planning
- Forgetfulness & confusion
- Abrupt mood changes or personality shifts
- Trouble organizing or prioritizing tasks
The severity of the symptoms depends on the initial change in the blood flow to the brain. The symptoms will typically be minor if only a small part of the brain is affected. However, a person’s symptoms may be significant if significant blood flow is restricted.
Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia (LBD), which also includes Parkinson’s disease dementia, is closely linked to unusual protein deposits in the brain called Lewy bodies. These can cause problems with thinking, movement, behavior, and mood.
LBD typically affects people over age 50 but can sometimes develop earlier.
The symptoms of Lewy body dementia include:
- Changes in thinking & reasoning
- Visual hallucinations
- Sleep disturbances
- Slowness of movement, tremors, or rigidity
- Problems with attention & alertness
- Depression or apathy
One significant problem this condition causes is fluctuating symptoms. A person with Lewy body dementia may have moments of clarity followed by extreme confusion or hallucinations. Their needs can be challenging to care for without professional support.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Dementia
As the different types of dementia progress, they damage more and more areas throughout the brain. Though the symptoms are subtle in the earlier stages, they can quickly affect everyday quality of life.
Watching for the earliest signs of dementia means you can step in sooner rather than later to help your loved one.
The early signs of dementia include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Confusion with time or place
- Poor judgment & decision-making
- Trouble with language & communication
If these signs appear in yourself or a loved one, don’t ignore them. Instead, consult a healthcare professional to receive a proper diagnosis. The sooner you understand the cause of a person’s symptoms, the sooner you can step in and find them the right level of care.
How to Help Someone With Dementia
Dementia is a complex condition. Though it usually develops in a person’s 60s, it can sometimes develop much earlier. No matter when symptoms develop, professional care is key to helping maintain your loved one’s quality of life.
Kingston at Dupont is here to support your family. Our community offers a range of programs and activities through memory care. Here, your loved one will always have access to the support they need.
We’re ready to welcome them to their new home, so schedule a visit with us today! Together, we can help your loved one in a way that truly makes a difference.
