As human beings age, their memory and cognitive abilities may decline, and unfortunately, for some individuals, this can lead to the development of neurological disorders such as dementia. Dementia is a broad term that encompasses various conditions that affect one’s ability to think clearly and remember details. We talked to professionals at Houston memory care and found out that there are a dozen unique types of dementia.
In this article, we will discuss in-depth the three most common types of dementia. We’ll also explore ways you can stay healthy and prevent these conditions from becoming a reality in the first place.
Dementia With Lewy Bodies
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a type of dementia that affects the brain’s ability to process information. DLB occurs due to an abnormal buildup of proteins in the brain, which can result in hallucinations and movement disorders.
The symptoms of DLB often include fluctuating levels of alertness and attention, visual hallucinations, and stiffness or tremors in the limbs. In some cases, patients may also experience changes in their sleep patterns and have difficulty controlling their movements. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DLB at this time; however, medications and lifestyle modifications can help relieve the symptoms related to this condition.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Next, we’ve got Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, data shows it remains the most widespread form of dementia, which is around 60-80% of the total cases. It’s a progressive and irreversible brain disorder, leading to memory loss, decline in cognitive abilities, and behavioral changes.
The early symptoms of Alzheimer’s may be mild and include forgetfulness or difficulty performing familiar tasks. As the disease progresses, individuals may have trouble with language, lose their ability to recognize loved ones or objects around them, and experience personality changes such as depression or aggression. Scientists believe that there are several factors contributing to the development of Alzheimer’s, such as genetics, lifestyle choices like physical activity level, and diet quality, but no cure has been found yet.
Vascular Dementia
Last but not least, this type of dementia takes second place after Alzheimer’s disease and accounts for about 10% of all cases. This dementia can happen as a result of reduced blood flow to the brain, often caused by a stroke or other cardiovascular problems.
Symptoms may include confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding language, memory loss, disorientation, and impaired judgment. These symptoms can be sudden or progress slowly over time. The risk factors associated with vascular dementia are similar to those for heart disease and stroke. Living a healthy lifestyle that involve regular exercise and a balanced diet is important in preventing this type of dementia.
How to Stay Healthy and Prevent Dementia in the First Place
What makes these three types of dementia a real problem for human beings is that they have no cure or proper medications that can delete them once and for all. So preventing dementia is the best thing we can do. It’s all about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and staying socially active are just some ways to try to reduce your risk of developing dementia.
By understanding the different types of dementia and their unique characteristics, we can work towards better diagnosis rates and more effective treatments in the future. Let us all make an effort to raise awareness about this condition so that we can help those who need our help.