Dementia has many forms which mean many people are confused about the types and how to treat or support the patients.
Types of dementia
There are over 100 different types of dementia, all have a myriad of symptoms and while some cause common problems for each person living with the disease, such as short-term memory loss, each person is unique and is affected differently. We have heard the saying ‘if you have met one person living with dementia you have met one person living with dementia’ many times, and this signifies that dementia affects everyone in different ways and that no two people are the same.
The most common types of dementia are: Alzheimer’s, Vascular dementia, Lewy Bodies, Mixed Dementia, and Frontotemporal. Other types of dementia that most people have heard of include Parkinson’s Disease and Huntington’s Disease. Mixed dementia is mostly a combination of Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular Dementia can originate from anywhere in the brain. Because of this symptoms vary depending on the effected region. Variations make the course of vascular dementia difficult to predict
The underlying health issues that sometimes contribute to this condition, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart abnormalities or unchecked diabetes, may be passed on from one generation to another.
Alzheimer’s Disease
This type of dementia is the most common but can only accurately be diagnosed with a pet scan. It accounts for over 60% of all cases. What is actually the cause of the plaques and tangles and the death of acetylcholine producing cells that result in this type of dementia is largely unknown however researchers believe that some environmental factors might play a part in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Ongoing research indicates that various metals in the environment such as Aluminium, Cadmium. Mercury, copper and zinc may play a part. Other environmental impacts include over exposure to electromagnetic fields generated by power lines and other electrical equipment.
Other factors such as toxic substances in the environment, metabolic deficiencies and an abnormal immune system, smoking and alcohol may all play a part.
In rare types of dementia there may be a strong genetic link, but these are only a tiny proportion of overall cases of dementia.
However, if somebody has developed Alzheimer’s disease at an earlier age (for example, less than 60 years-old) there is a greater chance that it may be a type of Alzheimer’s disease that can be genetic.
In these cases, the condition is much more likely to have been caused by a faulty gene being passed down from parents to children. In general, the earlier a person develops Alzheimer’s disease, the greater the chance that it is due to a faulty inherited gene.
Cerebral hypoxia
This is a condition that can be experienced by people living with a chronic heart or lung condition has been shown to have clear associations with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Hypoxia is a condition where there is a decreased supply of oxygen to the brain.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is one of the few causes of dementia that can be treatable. It is a brain disorder in which an excess of cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain’s ventricles, which can cause difficulty with a persons thought processes and reasoning as well as affecting their mobility. It can also cause incontinence. Treatment is with a surgically inserted shunt to relive excess fluid however it is uncertain how long any benefits from this may last and the surgery is more likely to improve mobility rather than their reasoning or their loss of bladder control.
Frontotemporal dementia
Mutations in five genes are responsible for familial frontotemporal dementia, with the inheritance of these genes leading to this form of dementia in all cases. This means frontotemporal dementia is genetic.
Imbalances of hormones in a persons blood stream that lead to hormone abnormalities can result in metabolic problems which in turn can cause non-degenerative forms of dementia. People that have a history of endocrine disorders or with hormone imbalances caused by thyroid disorders can be more prone to dementia later in their life. Endocrine disorders include Addison’s disease and Cushing’s disease as well as exposure to heavy metals in the environment and extreme levels of blood calcium or cirrhosis of the liver. Many non-degenerative conditions are treatable if caught at an early stage.
Personal centred care
It might be very difficult to communicate with someone living with dementia, however it is important that even if they have reached the stage where decision making is impossible for them, that their previous wishes are taking into account and adhered to whenever and wherever possible.
Many people that we speak to do not know what type of dementia their loved one is living with. Quite often they just say that its dementia and assume that everyone living with the disease suffers the same symptoms. This can affect how the person concerned is treated generally and could also affect how they live the rest of their life. It may also prevent their caregiver from spotting key indicators that the disease is progressing or when the person suffers other health issues unrelated to dementia it might stop them from seeking medical help, which in many cases would resolve the issue.
Finding the help that you need
Supporting the individual and their caregiver from the outset is key to ensuring that both gain a full understanding of the disease and all of the possible outcomes. Knowing what possibly lies ahead can help them prepare for every eventuality.
For the individual it is a very daunting prospect and a diagnosis that will leave them with many fears and unknowns. Equipping the individual with all of the tools they need to help them to live as full a life as possible can help them to overcome some of these concerns.
We have spoken with so many people that when given a diagnosis feel that they have then been left without any support or knowledge of what this actually means. By putting people in touch with one or more of the organisations available that offer support and advice this can help them to answer many questions and overcome many of their misconceptions. (These include the Alzheimer’s Society, Local Dementia Action Alliances and the Carers Support Groups.)
There are a plethora of books available which describe what it is like to live with dementia as well as offering more practical advice, these include:
Contented Dementia by Oliver James
Alzheimer’s caring for your loved one, caring for yourself, by Sharon Fish Money
The Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia by Gail Weatherill
Information is also available online and many organisations offer courses on how to live with dementia and how to care for someone. These give comfort and reassurance that a diagnosis does not necessarily mean the end of the road.
Carer Support Groups offer caregivers the opportunity to meet other people living in similar circumstances and to share experiences. These groups can help someone new to dementia understand how other people cope with difficult situations and point them in the direction of where they can access additional help. These groups can also make people feel less alone and offer them some comfort.
Opening up the world of dementia to someone that has just been diagnosed and letting them know about all of the support that is available to them can help them to become more aware of what is likely to happen and may well reduce the anxiety that they are feeling.
Summary
Dementia comes in many forms and each has its unique symptoms and requires different respond and support. Contact us if you need help with understanding the diagnosis and how to support your loved ones.
