Types Of Dementia And Their Symptoms

In Australia, Dementia is the second leading cause of death and will soon likely become the leading
cause as our population continues to age. Currently, it’s estimated that there are over 400,000
Australians living with the disease, with that number set to double by 2058. Instead of shying away
from the illness and its terrifying connotations, learning about the various types of dementia and
their symptoms can be central in breaking down some social barriers.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a term used to describe a decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with
daily life. It is not a specific disease but rather a collection of symptoms. In this blog, we will explore
the various types of dementia and their distinctive symptoms.

What are the Types of Dementia?

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for about 60-80% of cases. It
typically progresses slowly, affecting memory, thinking, and behaviour. Anyone can develop the
disease, but it is more common in older aged individuals and those with a genetic predilection.

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent and frequent short-term memory loss, especially recalling more recent events
• Frequently asking the same thing
• Ambiguity in everyday conversation
• Challenges when trying to plan, problem solve, organise or think logically
• Needing more time to do routine tasks
• Language and comprehension difficulties
• Becoming disorientated with time, places and people
• Motivation decrease when initiating tasks
• Changes in behaviour, personality and mood

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain due to a stroke or small vessel
disease. There are three types of vascular dementia:

• Strategic infarct dementia - This is the result of one single large stroke.
• Multi-infarct dementia – This is the result of multiple small strokes.
• Subcortical vascular dementia – This is the result of disease within the small blood vessels
  deep within the brain.

Symptoms vary depending on the affected areas of the brain and the type of vascular dementia that
has occurred. Common signs include deterioration with planning, organising, and decision-making,
as well as problems with attention and concentration, and slowed thinking. Individuals with vascular
dementia may also experience depression, personality changes, and walking difficulties.

Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is characterized by the presence of abnormal protein deposits, called
alpha-synuclein, in the brain and shares symptoms with both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Key features of LBD include fluctuating cognition, visual hallucinations, and parkinsonism (stiffness,
tremors, and difficulty with balance and movement). People with LBD may also experience:

• Apathy
• Anxiety and depression
• Fainting
• Constipation and urinary incontinence
• Excessive sleepiness
• Poor sense of smell
• Delusions

Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to
changes in behaviour, personality, and language. There are three types of FTD - Behavioural-variant
FTD, Primary progressive aphasia, Semantic dementia and Progressive non-fluent aphasia.
Early symptoms can include social withdrawal, lack of empathy, impulsivity, and language difficulties.
In some cases, individuals with FTD may exhibit inappropriate behaviours, neglect personal hygiene,
or show compulsive manners. Unlike Alzheimer's, memory loss may not be a prominent feature in
the early stages of FTD.

Alcohol-related Dementia

Alcohol-related dementia, also known as alcohol-induced dementia or alcohol-related brain damage,
is a form of dementia that occurs because of long-term excessive alcohol consumption. It is
important to note that alcohol-related dementia is different from other types of dementia, such as
Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia, although there may be some overlapping symptoms.

Dementia is a challenging condition that comes in many different forms and impacts people in
varying ways. Understanding the various types of dementia and their distinct symptoms is crucial for
early detection, appropriate care and breaking down the negative social barriers that the disease can
carry.