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Types of Dementia

Dementia encompasses around 60 different diseases, each presenting with unique symptoms.

For a diagnosis of dementia, at least two core mental functions (memory, communication, attention, reasoning, or visual perception) must be significantly impaired.

Classifications of Dementia

Dementias are often categorized based on observed symptoms, with some overlap:

Cortical Dementia:

Affects memory, language, thinking, and social skills.

Subcortical Dementia:

Impacts emotions, movement, and memory.

Progressive Dementia:

Cognitive abilities worsen over time.

Primary Dementia:

Caused by specific diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

Secondary Dementia:

Develops due to other conditions, like injury or disease.

Common Types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease:

The most common form of dementia, primarily affecting memory and learning.

Vascular Dementia:

Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, leading to impaired reasoning, judgment, and planning.

Frontotemporal Dementia:

Affects personality, behavior, and language, often seen in younger individuals.

Mixed Dementia:

A combination of multiple types, such as Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia.

Key Care Principles

While understanding types of dementia is helpful, the focus should be on how you approach care:

Be Present: Stay in the moment and attentive to the individual’s needs.

Be Flexible: Adapt to the person’s changing behaviors and abilities.

Keep It Simple: Use clear, straightforward communication and create a calm environment.

Show Kindness and Compassion: Recognize behaviors as symptoms of the disease, not intentional actions.

Your attitude and approach can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia.


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