Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms caused by conditions that affect the brain, including Alzheimer’s. These are progressive conditions, which means that symptoms tend to increase over time.
Several conditions can cause dementia. They damage cells in the brain in different ways, but the symptoms are similar, affecting memory, thinking, speaking and behavior.
There are now a range of treatments and support for all stages of dementia.
At Affidea neuraCare, you’ll receive personalized care from a world-class team every moment of your journey. Backed by deep experience and the latest innovations, we work to bring you the full potential of modern medicine.
Continue reading to learn more about the types of dementia, the signs and symptoms, and diagnostics and treatments at Affidea neuraCare.
Depending on the type of dementia, there may be differences in how the brain is affected, how symptoms appear, and which treatment approach is most effective.
- Alzheimer’s – the most common type of dementia, where the build-up of unusual proteins causes a loss of brain cells. Common symptoms include memory loss and changes in perception or thinking.
- Vascular dementia – related to the loss of nerve cells in the brain caused by a stroke or by repeated mini-strokes. These mostly involve white brain matter, which is where nerve fibers are located. Symptoms affect cognition, memory and language , which may have cycles of improving and worsening.
- Mixed dementia – when more than one type of condition is causing dementia symptoms, which is usually Alzheimer’s, along with another type of dementia, such as vascular dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies.
- Dementia with Lewy bodies – a less common type of dementia with similarities to Parkinson’s. Abnormal protein build-up causes a range of symptoms, depending on the brain areas affected.
- Frontotemporal dementia – a less common type of dementia that affects the front and side lobes of the brain, causing symptoms that affect personality, behavior and language.
- Young onset dementia – a less common type of dementia affecting people younger than 65, which is most often caused by Alzheimer’s.
- Korsakoff syndrome – a less common type of chronic memory condition usually related to alcohol misuse, though it can have other causes, including AIDS and certain cancers.
Mild cognitive impairment – milder problems with memory or thinking. These may become dementia in the future, or may have another cause, such as sleep disorders or medication side effects.
Other conditions that can cause dementia symptoms include Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Creutzfeldt-Jakob, progressive supranuclear palsy, Binswanger's and HIV-related dementia.
What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s can be considered a type of dementia. Whereas dementia is a general term for symptoms, Alzheimer’s is a specific brain disease caused by a build-up of certain proteins in and around brain cells.
Dementia occurs when cells in the brain are damaged, which can happen for several reasons. This disrupts how brain cells work together and leads to problems with memory, understanding, communication, and perception.
While dementia is more common in older people, it’s not a normal part of ageing. It’s caused by underlying neurological conditions that usually get worse over time.
Damage to nervous system cells may be related to:
- Abnormal protein build-up – this occurs in Alzheimer’s and dementia with Lewy bodies, leading to nerve cell death. Scientists aren’t sure yet why these unusual proteins start to collect in and around brain cells.
- Strokes or mini strokes – a stroke is when blood supply to the brain is blocked, usually by a blood clot, causing cell death. This occurs in vascular dementia, which can develop after one significant stroke or a series of small strokes that may go unnoticed individually.
Alcohol misuse – Korsakoff’s is a condition where alcohol misuse causes thiamine (B1) deficiency. Thiamine is a vitamin the brain needs for normal signalling. When it’s low, it can cause problems with retrieving memories and cell death.
Risk factors for dementia
Scientists aren’t yet sure why some people develop dementia and others don’t. It’s often linked to a mix of factors like age, genetics, lifestyle, and other health conditions.
You’re more likely to be affected by dementia if you:
- Are older
- Are inactive
- Have high blood pressure
- Smoke
- Drink heavily
- Are obese
Although these factors do not cause dementia, you can lower your risk by making changes to your lifestyle to avoid them.
Everyone experiences dementia differently, and there is a range of possible symptoms. The type of dementia can also affect how symptoms appear, especially in the early stages.
These symptoms can include:
- Memory loss – such as forgetting names, appointments, or how to do familiar tasks
- Difficulty with thinking and planning – for example, trouble making decisions, solving problems, or following steps like cooking a meal
- Language problems – like struggling to find the right words or follow a conversation
- Confusion about what you’re seeing – such as misjudging distances, misunderstanding patterns and reflections, or hallucinations
- Getting confused about time or place – for instance, losing track of the day or not knowing where you are and wandering
- Changes in mood or behavior – including increased anxiety, sadness, anger, irritability, losing interest in things
- Repetitive behaviors – such as repeatedly asking the same question or doing the same thing multiple times without realizing
If you or someone you know is experiencing ongoing problems with memory or thinking, it’s important to get a complete assessment.
If dementia is the cause, getting an early diagnosis can be very helpful. It provides an explanation for the symptoms, opens up access to early treatment, support and advice, and lets you plan for the future.
How is dementia diagnosed?
Diagnosing dementia involves more than a single test. It requires a complete consultation and assessment, which usually includes:
- Reviewing your symptoms and medical history
- Imaging scans, including PET-CT, SPECT-CT, and MRI
- Alzheimer’s pathology assessment, including blood tests, genetic tests and cerebrospinal fluid analysis
While a non-specialist may make a general diagnosis of dementia, identifying the specific type of dementia can be more complex. In these cases, seeing a specialised neurologist can offer real value, allowing a detailed assessment for an accurate diagnosis and tailored care.
Sometimes dementia is described as having stages. This can be helpful to understand how the condition is progressing, but it’s important to know that dementia does not always follow a simple timeline.
- Early stage dementia – symptoms tend to be mild and may be difficult to notice, and include problems remembering, communicating and with perception
- Middle stage dementia – symptoms become more noticeable, and the person may need help with daily activities, such as washing and dressing
- Late stage dementia – symptoms are significant, and the person needs full-time support with all aspects of living
The right support can make a significant difference to the quality of life at all stages of dementia. Dementia is usually a progressive, life-limiting condition, meaning that the condition continues to the end of life.
Identifying the specific type of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia, is an important step in providing the most appropriate care.
A clear diagnosis allows treatment to be tailored to the individual. These may include:
- Disease-modifying therapies
- Occupational therapy
- Neuropsychology
- Supportive care
There may also be the opportunity to explore new treatments or take part in carefully selected clinical trials. Research is constantly moving forward, and Affidea neuraCare offers priority access to trials that aim to bring new understanding, innovations and treatments to people with dementia.
Although there is currently no cure for dementia, the right combination of medical and holistic approaches can help maintain independence and support a meaningful, fulfilling quality of life for as long as possible.
