Seniors can develop many types of dementia, all of which have different causes and symptoms. Learn about some of the most prevalent types of dementia and what can be done to address each issue.
1. Alzheimer’s Disease
While this form of dementia has been widely researched, there are things about Alzheimer’s that remain a mystery. For example, while scientists know Alzheimer’s occurs when amyloid plaques and tau tangles build up in the brain, they’re not quite sure why this happens.
There are many risk factors for this condition, such as age, genetics, and cardiovascular health, but as of now, there are no known cures. When seniors start showing signs of Alzheimer’s, such as memory loss, paranoia, and confusion, caregivers should get them the treatment they need to mitigate their symptoms.
Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Portland Assisting Hands Home Care provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our highly trained caregivers help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives.
2. Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia develops when abnormal proteins known as Lewy bodies impair nerve cell function. Common symptoms of the condition include hallucinations, sleep disruptions, and memory loss. Many people with this form of dementia experience vast swings in alertness. One minute they seem normal, and the next they’re experiencing delusions. They may also experience muscle rigidity. This form of dementia cannot be reversed, but there are treatments and therapies that lessen the symptoms.
3. Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is usually brought on by a stroke, which can lead to irreversible brain damage similar to dementia. The main symptoms of vascular dementia include impaired judgment and memory loss. While the effects of vascular dementia are permanent, caregivers can help their loved ones enhance their mental wellbeing by boosting their cardiovascular health with a nutritious diet, moderate exercise, prescription medications, and other positive lifestyle choices.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of elderly hom care. Assisting Hands Home Care Portland is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities offered by our caregivers to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
4. Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
Parkinson’s and dementia don’t always overlap. However, seniors in advanced stages of Parkinson’s often experience symptoms associated with dementia, such as hallucinations. An inability to parse visual information is also common. Treatment strategies for this type of dementia seek to mitigate symptoms. Common medications include cholinesterase inhibitors and antipsychotics.
5. Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia is relatively rare, and it’s characterized by progressive nerve cell loss. It affects the front regions of the brain, which are responsible for language, behavior, and personality. People with frontotemporal dementia may have difficulty understanding speech and speaking coherently. Behavioral changes are often the first sign of frontotemporal dementia, while they manifest later in seniors with Alzheimer’s. To treat this type of dementia, seniors are prescribed medications that minimize irritability and agitation.
6. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome differs from other dementia types because in some cases it’s reversible. This form of dementia is usually brought on by excessive alcohol use, which can cause a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is a form of vitamin B that helps brain cells convert sugar into energy. When seniors develop this form of dementia, caregivers should help them curtail their alcohol consumption. When people with this type of dementia stop drinking and start producing sufficient thiamine, memory loss can be reversed.
A dementia diagnosis can be difficult for seniors and their families to face. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior care Greater Portland, OR, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Assisting Hands Home Care at (503) 664-7934 today.
