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Dementia is a general term used for conditions involving memory loss. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, but there are others as well. Often, dementia doesn’t only impede memory, but other mental faculties too. Dementia can affect reasoning abilities, thinking processes, and behavior. If your loved one begins to show signs of dementia, their healthcare provider can evaluate their condition to determine what type they may be suffering from and how to treat it.

Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease remains the most common cause of dementia. Cortical dementia associated with this condition involves language and learning difficulties as well as memory loss and diminished reasoning skills. Although there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, its progression can be slowed. For loved ones who can no longer live independently because of their dementia, assisted living solutions can prove invaluable for families and loved ones.

Vascular Dementia
Like Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia cannot be cured. This type of dementia often occurs as the result of stroke. Sufferers may feel confused, unable to remember, and without the ability to make plans. Many suffering from this form of dementia also find self motivation difficult. There are successful therapies can that can reduce symptoms to improve everyday life for sufferers.

Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia is a type of cortical dementia, but unlike Alzheimer’s disease, treatments and therapies have been more effective at treating symptoms even though there is no cure for the condition. Sufferers experience memory loss, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, and fluctuating periods of alertness.

These are the three most common forms of dementia. There are diseases like Huntington’s disease or Parkinson’s disease that involve a form of dementia too. If your loved one shows signs of memory loss, confusion, or any of the symptoms outlined here, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated by their healthcare provider. Remember, there are treatment options that can make a substantial difference in your loved one’s life. From drug treatments to other types of therapies, patients with dementia do have some effective treatment options, and assisted living caregivers can also be involved in their daily therapy. Want more information? Please feel free to reach out to us at any time.