Progressive Dementia: Categories and Common Symptoms
A greater understanding of dementia can enhance community support for affected individuals and their families.
What are the most common types of progressive dementia?
Progressive dementia refers to various conditions characterized by cognitive (brain function) decline. Ultimately, each of these conditions results from damaged brain cells.
Currently, there are over 200 subtypes of dementia. The range of dementia symptoms varies depending on the type of dementia and which part of the brain is affected. However, each dementia subtype reduces a person’s ability to remember, think, and function.
Progressive dementias typically worsen over time and aren’t reversible, although some subtypes can respond to treatment. Here are brief descriptions of the five most common types of progressive dementia and their accompanying symptoms.
Alzheimer's Disease:
Alzheimer’s is the most known form of progressive dementia and results from an abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. This build-up inhibits the brain cells’ ability to work together.
An individual experiencing Alzheimer’s might start to notice mild memory lapses, such as forgetting recent conversations or events. They may struggle with planning activities or solving problems, become confused about time or place, or find it difficult to complete familiar tasks. These symptoms eventually become obvious to family and friends.
Alzheimer’s can also cause noticeable changes in mood, personality, and social behavior, often leading to withdrawal from social activities.
Vascular Dementia:
Reduced blood flow to the brain can cause vascular dementia. The condition often occurs following a stroke or a series of small strokes. It can also result from other conditions that damage blood vessels, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Vascular dementia symptoms can include difficulty with attention, organization, and slower thinking. Early signs often include subtle memory problems and issues with balance or walking. A person with vascular dementia might also experience mood changes, such as depression or apathy.
Lewy Body Dementia:
This is caused by abnormal protein clumps called “Lewy bodies” that develop inside brain cells. These protein deposits interfere with normal brain cell function.
Early symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia often involve fluctuating attention and alertness, along with vivid visual hallucinations. The person may exhibit Parkinsonian symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movement. Sleep disturbances, such as acting out dreams and difficulty with executive functions like decision-making and planning, are also common.
Frontotemporal Dementia:
This type of progressive dementia results from the degeneration of nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for personality, behavior, and language. The exact cause of frontotemporal dementia is often unknown, but it can result from traumatic brain injury and has also been linked to genetic mutations.
A person experiencing frontotemporal dementia might show significant changes in personality and behavior, such as becoming more impulsive or socially inappropriate. They may also struggle with communication including speaking, understanding, reading, or writing.
Mixed Dementia:
Mixed dementia occurs when a person has more than one type of dementia. The most common form of mixed dementia is Alzheimer's disease combined with vascular dementia.
As the name implies, a person with mixed dementia might exhibit a mix of symptoms. This can include memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with attention, problem-solving, and planning. The specific symptoms will vary depending on the combination of underlying dementias.
Understanding the categories of progressive dementia.
Individually and collectively, our understanding of the various types of progressive dementia can make a meaningful difference in our lives and the well-being of others.
Dementia awareness can drive community involvement, reduce stigma, and encourage greater social inclusion for affected individuals and their caregivers.
Ultimately, a common understanding of dementia contributes to a more dementia-friendly community where everyone can live, age, and thrive.