Dementia is not actually a disease; rather, it’s a set of symptoms caused by other conditions. It also comes in several forms. If you care for an elderly loved one, familiarize yourself with the various types of dementia so you can recognize the symptoms and adjust your care plan properly. 

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is the most well-known cause of dementia. A progressive disease, it’s characterized by poor judgment, memory loss, and gradually diminishing cognitive functioning. Although there is no cure, its symptoms can be managed for years and sometimes — with early enough intervention — for more than a decade.

Vascular Dementia 

Unlike the gradual decline that characterizes Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia follows a step-like progression. In other words, the individual may appear relatively stable for some time until he or she experiences a significant drop in cognitive function. Symptoms may then level off for a while until there is another sudden drop. As the name implies, vascular dementia can develop following a stroke, a transient ischemic event, or the onset of small vessel disease. 

Pick’s Disease

Unlike other kinds of dementia, Pick’s disease — also known as frontotemporal dementia — tends to affect younger individuals. Early symptoms include a decrease in cognitive function and dramatic changes in mood, personality, and behavior. As the condition progresses, both mental and physical abilities decline. After diagnosis, the life expectancy for someone with Pick’s disease can range from a couple of years to a couple of decades. 

The compassionate team at Memory Care Home Solutions understands how stressful it can be to care for loved ones who have dementia. That’s why they aim to support family caregivers. Based in St. Louis, MO, they offer free workshops, training programs, and other resources for those throughout Eastern Missouri and Madison County, IL. For nearly 20 years, they’ve remained a leader in the field of memory loss care. To learn more about their mission, visit their website or call (314) 645-6247.