Types of Dementia

 

There are a number of types of dementia.  Some of the more common diagnoses are described here.  Do not be afraid to ask your healthcare provider questions about a specific type of dementia.

 

• Alzheimer’s Disease: The most common type of dementia. Occurs most often in old age, the disease slowly and progressively destroys the brain.  As the disease progresses, new symptoms will be present and old symptoms will worsen.

• Vascular Dementia: Sometimes called Multi-infarct dementia. This type of dementia is the result of small or large strokes, or poor blood supply to the brain.

• Dementia with Lewy Bodies:  Common in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease or Alzheimer’s Disease, this form of dementia affects thinking, reasoning, and movement.

• Mild Cognitive Impairment Problems with memory are usually the most common symptom.  For some, memory improves over time, yet for others it gets worse.  This diagnosis can often be the first step to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease.

• Frontotemporal Dementia: Also known as Pick’s Disease, this type of dementia affects more men than women and is common between 40 to 60 years of age. Behavioral changes in personality, judgment, language, and memory are common.

• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: Caused by a build up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which causes enlargement.  Symptoms are often confused with Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.  Symptoms improve best when treated early.

• Parkinson’s Disease Dementia:  Associated with Parkinson’s Disease and occurs later in the diagnosis.  This type of dementia is similar in characteristics to Dementia with Lewy Bodies.