Understanding Dementia and Its Symptoms

Dementia is a collective term that encompasses various progressive disorders impacting brain function.

Nerve cells in the brain, called neurons, communicate through messages. Dementia damages these neurons, hindering effective message transmission, disrupting normal brain function.

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most prevalent types of dementia characterized by progressive memory loss, thinking difficulties, and behavioral changes.

Vascular dementia arises from damage to blood vessels in the brain, often caused by stroke or other circulatory issues. This disruption affects brain function.

Frontotemporal dementia affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, impacting personality, behavior, and language abilities.

Lewy body dementia involves abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain, which are associated with memory problems, hallucinations, and movement issues.

Mixed dementia occurs when a person has more than one type of dementia simultaneously, often a combination of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.

Young onset dementia refers to dementia diagnosed before the age of 65, affecting a smaller but significant number of people.

A decline in the ability to concentrate, including problems with focus, attention, and maintaining attention over time.

Difficulty recalling recent events, names, or conversations.

Confusion about the current date, time, or location, leading to disorientation.

Repeating the same phrases, questions, or stories repeatedly, even shortly after saying them.

Struggling to find the right words to express thoughts or feelings.

Problems understanding written information, such as reading a newspaper or following instructions.

Changes in personality, mood, and behavior, such as increased anxiety, depression, or irritability.

The most common type of dementia, caused by a build-up of protein deposits in the brain that damage brain cells.

A state of confusion, often caused by an infection or another illness.

A group of dementias primarily impacting personality, behavior, language, and speech. Memory is typically less affected in the early stages.

A type of dementia caused by problems with blood supply to the brain, often due to strokes or mini-strokes.

An abnormal clump of proteins found in the brain, causing Lewy Body Dementia.

A condition characterized by memory problems, confusion, and difficulty thinking clearly.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition where memory and cognitive abilities decline, noticeable to the individual and those around them, but don't significantly interfere with daily life.

A type of memory loss that is less severe than dementia and may not progress to dementia.

A type of dementia caused by Lewy Bodies, affecting movement and thinking, leading to hallucinations, alertness fluctuations, and sleep disturbances.

MCI can be delayed or lessened by adopting a healthier lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Sudden changes in a person's condition due to TIAs or a larger stroke, followed by periods of stabilization and subsequent worsening.

Conditions that have similar symptoms to dementia, but are treatable.

Keeping hydrated is essential, along with avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.

The initial symptoms include changes in thinking, visual perception, and sleep. Movement difficulties might appear simultaneously or later.

Small, temporary strokes that can cause damage to brain cells, leading to vascular dementia.

A condition where the brain's ability to store new memories is impaired, making it difficult to recall recent events or conversations.

This type of Lewy Body Dementia involves motor symptoms (movement difficulties) appearing first, followed by changes in thinking and visual perception.

Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like puzzles, learning new languages, or playing music can help maintain brain function.

A healthcare professional specializing in the care and management of people with dementia.

A symptom of Alzheimer's disease where individuals struggle to find the right words or repeat themselves.

A service that provides support and advice for people with dementia and their families.

The area of the brain responsible for personality, decision-making, social functioning, problem-solving, insight, empathy, motivation, and planning.

A type of dementia primarily affecting language and speech abilities, causing difficulty in both comprehending and producing language.

The area of the brain that handles speech, word-finding, comprehension, and language ability.

A type of memory test that assesses a person's ability to remember and recall information, such as an address.

Dementia that primarily affects the frontal lobes, often leading to changes in personality, behavior, and social interactions.

A condition affecting language and communication, where individuals have difficulty understanding and producing complex language.

Vascular dementia is caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain, often due to stroke or other circulatory issues, impacting brain function.

Part of a dementia assessment that involves completing a simple drawing, such as putting numbers on a clock face.