Dementia is a word used to describe problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It happens when the brain doesn’t work the way it used to. Dementia gets worse over time and can make it hard to do everyday activities. It mostly affects older adults.
Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It happens when diseases or injuries damage parts of the brain that control memory, learning, language, and decision-making. Dementia is not just one disease. Many different health problems can cause it.
There are many types of dementia. Your doctor will recommend treatment based on the type you have.
This is the most common type of dementia. It affects people over age 75 the most. Alzheimer’s happens when proteins build up in the brain, causing damage to brain cells. The damage usually starts years before symptoms begin.
This is the second most common type. It happens when blood flow to the brain is reduced, often after a stroke. It can cause problems with memory, thinking and attention.
This type affects memory, movement, mood and behavior. It is caused by clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein, also called Lewy bodies. These can also be seen in Parkinson’s disease.
This rare type affects people under age 60. It damages the front and side parts of the brain, which control behavior, emotions, and language.
This happens when more than one type of brain change is present, such as both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Symptoms can vary based on which brain areas are affected.
Huntington’s disease is a genetic disease that causes dementia, movement problems and mood changes. Symptoms usually start between ages 30 and 50 but can begin earlier.
NPH is caused by a buildup of fluid in the brain. It usually affects people ages 60 to 70. Symptoms include trouble walking, memory loss and loss of bladder control. NPH can sometimes be treated and improved, unlike other types of dementia.
This type of dementia is linked to a lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine). It often happens in people who drink too much alcohol or have trouble absorbing nutrients. Symptoms include memory loss and trouble learning new things. It may follow a condition called Wernicke encephalopathy, which causes confusion, balance problems and eye movement issues.
This rare and fast-moving disease is caused by a protein that changes shape and harms the brain. Symptoms include confusion, vision problems, mood swings and trouble walking. It is always fatal.
This rare type of dementia affects the back part of the brain, which helps us see and understand what we see. People with PCA may have trouble reading, judging distance, recognizing objects or telling moving things from still ones. Some may also see things that aren’t there (hallucinations).
In most cases, dementia cannot be cured. But some treatments can help slow it down, improve memory or manage symptoms like mood or behavior changes. Doctors may also suggest joining research studies to try new treatments or learn more about the disease.
At Banner Research, our team works on new ways to diagnose, treat and possibly prevent dementia. Thanks to volunteers in our studies, we’ve helped bring new treatments to patients.
If you or a loved one has symptoms like memory loss or confusion, talk to your doctor. Getting help early can make a big difference.
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