3 Most Common Types of Dementia in Elderly

Dementia is an umbrella term used to represent several neurodegenerative diseases commonly found in the elderly over 50. In some cases, even a minor injury to the head can affect the person years later (leading to Dementia).  

Not all Dementia’s exhibit similar signs and symptoms. If you or anyone of your family members are showing signs of cognitive decline we recommend consulting a nearest Geriatrician. 

Having said that, you do need to know the early onset symptoms of the most common types of Dementia so you can seek help or find help without delay. Early diagnosis can help slow down the rate of cognitive decline. 

Here Are the Most Common Types of Dementia in Elderly 

#1 Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common types of dementia. In fact, one in three seniors in the United States lose their life due to Alzheimer’s disease, says a report by the Alzheimer’s Association.

Another study by J C Morris concludes that 75 percent of dementia cases consist of Alzheimer’s disease. Early diagnosis of this condition can be helpful in the long run. 

Early dementia, the first stage of Alzheimer’s disease is where a person begins to show mild symptoms such as occasional forgetfulness, loneliness, loss of interest in hobbies, etc.

As the condition progresses, the patient can experience moderate to severe symptoms such as forgetting the names of their grandchildren/children/close relatives. 

In addition, they may not remember the key life events such as weddings, birthdays, their job title, etc. “Loss of insight” is also a symptom commonly reported by family members of AD patients. 

#2 Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia may not come with the life-threatening symptom of Alzheimer’s disease but it does make a person partially or entirely dependent on a caregiver. 

This condition is a result of single or multiple occurrences of brain strokes. Studies have also linked conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity to Vascular dementia.  

How do I identify the early symptoms of Vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia is prevalent in folks with a history of strokes or severe brain injury. People suffering from this condition find it challenging to organize their thoughts together. They may explain simple things in a long-winded manner. 

#3 Parkinson’s Disease Dementia

Parkinson’s disease dementia, in most cases, is genetically passed down. Although, factors such as old age, severe impairment, impairment of semantic fluency, and postural instability can be potential risk factors. 

In addition, a low education level can also lead to the development of Parkinson’s disease dementia, concludes a report by the Movement Disorders Department, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  

Consult a doctor if you or any of your family members exhibit the following symptoms:

• Slow muscular responses
• Falling backward
• Frequent falls
• Rest tremors
• Difficulty moving arms or legs
• Paranoia 
• Inability to speak clearly
• Memory impairment and loss  

Note that Parkinson’s Disease Dementia occurs when a person with Parkinson’s Disease begins to experience cognitive decline in the later stages of the disease. Memory impairment does not occur in the early stages of Parkinson’s Disease. 

Moreover, a Missouri-based study sheds light on the prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease Dementia in nursing home residents with Parkinson’s Disease. 

The study concludes that almost half of the residents with Parkinson’s Disease exhibit symptoms similar to that of Parkinson’s Disease Dementia, but they remain undiagnosed. There is a need for greater awareness of this condition.

Summary 

Dementia can affect a person’s life in more than one way. It always begins with mild (almost unnoticeable) cognitive decline. 

Memory loss and memory impairment are two common symptoms in the most common types of dementia. The symptoms begin to get specific with the progression of the condition.

Lastly, it should be noted that the symptoms of Dementia can be treated up to an extent but as of 2021, there is no 100 percent cure. It is always a good idea to consult a geriatrician during the early stages.