As a family caregiver, you might be worried that your elderly loved one will develop dementia. This might be the case someday. However, were you aware that there are many different types of dementia that your loved one could develop? Knowing more about the types of dementia can help you to be more prepared for what your loved one might experience.
Vascular Dementia
This is one of the most common types of dementia besides Alzheimer’s disease. The cause of vascular dementia is a blood flow disruption to one’s brain. Generally, this type of dementia results after a stroke. One of the first and most common symptoms of vascular dementia is forgetfulness. Another common symptom is changes in one’s judgment. For example, if your loved one has always been great with money, they might start buying things that are unnecessary and expensive. The changes that occur with vascular dementia can change based on how much damage has been done to the brain.
Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
Research shows that over half of those who get Parkinson’s disease will end up with this type of dementia. Parkinson’s is very progressive and it deteriorates the brain’s nerve cells. With this type of dementia, your loved one might develop speech issues, depression, mood swings, forgetfulness, delusions, and even paranoia.
DLB or Dementia with Lewy Bodies
This type of dementia happens when protein deposits buildup in the brain’s cortex. If your elderly loved one develops DLB, they might experience paranoia, issues with their balance, insomnia, hallucinations, uncontrolled movements, and memory loss.
FTD or Frontotemporal Dementia
If your elderly loved one develops frontotemporal dementia, they might experience changes in their personality and speech issues. Due to the fact that most people who develop FTD are younger when they first start experiencing symptoms of the disease, many physicians don’t reach an FTD diagnosis as quickly.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
This is a very rare type of dementia. The symptoms are quite similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms that your loved one might experience include balance issues and memory loss. However, they might also experience issues with bladder control.
These are some of the many types of dementia that you should be aware of. If your elderly loved one gets any dementia diagnosis, it is best for you and their home care providers to know as much about the diagnosis and how to support your loved one as possible.
Sources
https://www.parkinson.org/blog/caregiver-corner/lewy-body-dementia
https://www.aphasia.org/aphasia-resources/dementia/
https://www.parkinson.org/blog/caregiver-corner/lewy-body-dementia
https://memory.ucsf.edu/dementia/ftd
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Normal-Pressure-Hydrocephalus-Information-Page
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HOME CARE IN KNIGHTDALE, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.