Dementia Symptoms

The compassionate professionals at Anthem Memory Care understand the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. We are here to provide guidance, resources, and support during this new journey.

Dementia is a condition that can evoke a range of emotions in people, including fear, sadness, and confusion. Although it is commonly associated with aging, it is essential to remember that not everyone who experiences memory loss or cognitive decline is an older adult. People in their 40s and younger can exhibit early-onset dementia symptoms.

The term dementia is commonly used to indicate the onset of any cognitive deficit. However, the word doesn't describe a specific category.

Dementia is a complex disorder that affects multiple avenues of cognitive functioning. It involves a decline in cognitive abilities that interferes with a person's recall, ability to perform tasks, and even physical movement. The symptoms can vary from person to person, and there is no one-size-fits-all diagnosis.

The underlying cause of dementia can have a significant impact on an individual's symptoms and behavior.

For people experiencing early dementia symptoms, early detection and treatment can affect the course of the disorder. Research has shown that certain medications and lifestyle changes can slow the progression of some forms of dementia and improve symptoms.  

Rapidly Progressive Dementia

Rapidly progressive dementias are a group of conditions that are irreversible and result in a steady decline in cognitive abilities. These disorders include Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disorder that affects a person's memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the predominant cause of dementia. 

In Alzheimer's disease, abnormal protein deposits form in the brain, resulting in brain cell death and disruption of normal brain function.

The two main proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease are amyloid plaques and tau fibrils, also known as tau tangles.

Amyloid plaques are made up of beta-amyloid protein fragments that accumulate outside the nerve cells in the brain. Tau fibrils, on the other hand, are formed by the accumulation of tau protein inside nerve cells. Both of these proteins are believed to disturb healthy brain function and contribute to neurodegenerative disease.

Signs of Alzheimer’s disease often include the following conditions:

• Experiencing difficulty remembering recent events, names, or familiar objects.
• Need help finding the right words or express thoughts clearly.
• Getting lost in familiar environments.
• Becoming unable to use reason, solve problems, or follow instructions.
• Need help with concentrating or focusing during conversations.

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease

While dementia is a broad term used to describe symptoms that affect cognitive functioning, Alzheimer’s disease is one category of dementia that accounts for the majority of cases.

Vascular Dementia Symptoms

Vascular dementia, clinically known as multi-infarct dementia, is caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain. This damage can have a variety of causes, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis. Vascular dementia is often present after a stroke.  

After Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia is the most common cause of dementia. It is characterized by a gradual decline in cognitive abilities. However, while memory loss can be a symptom, the cognitive decline associated with vascular dementia often goes beyond memory problems. Symptoms often include the following:

• Inability to make decisions.
• Difficulty with problem-solving tasks.
• Slowed thinking.
• Urgent need to urinate or urinary incontinence.

Lewy Body Dementia Symptoms

Lewy body dementia is caused by the buildup of abnormal proteins called Lewy bodies. These Lewy bodies primarily affect the nerve cells in the brain and are associated with symptoms such as hallucinations, cognitive difficulties, and movement disorders. Lewy body dementia can occur on its own or in combination with other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Similar to other forms of dementia, individuals with Lewy body dementia experience cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, and changes in concentration. However, Lewy body dementia presents its own unique set of challenges that affect movement and coordination.

• Muscle Stiffness: One of the key symptoms of Lewy body dementia is muscle stiffness. This stiffness can lead to difficulty walking, a shuffling gait, and changes in posture.
• Involuntary Movement: Tremors, or involuntary movements, are also commonly observed in individuals with Lewy body dementia.
• Balance Problems: Individuals with Lewy body dementia often experience instability while standing or walking and have an increase in  falls.
• Weakened Voice: Another distinctive feature of Lewy body dementia is the development of vocal frailty. People with the disorder may experience changes in their voice, such as slurring or reduced volume.
• Impaired Handwriting: A change in handwriting, most notably handwriting becoming smaller, is also common in patients with Lewy body dementia.

Frontotemporal Dementia Symptoms

Frontotemporal dementia is caused by nerve cell deterioration in the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes. This deterioration can lead to changes in behavior, personality, and language skills. It is typically diagnosed in individuals in their 50s or 60s and is less common than Alzheimer's disease.

Frontotemporal dementia symptoms include the following:

• Loss of language or speech.
• Loss of empathy.
• Loss of impulse control.
• Inattention to personal hygiene.
• Compulsive eating and consuming non-food items (pica).

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for any cognitive disorder that presents with symptoms similar to dementia.

Anthem Memory Care: Helping You on Your New Journey

Early detection of dementia is crucial for providing the best possible care. Our experienced team can help you recognize the early signs of dementia, enabling you to intervene early and make informed choices.

The compassionate professionals at Anthem Memory Care will be more than happy to help you navigate the often challenging terrain of caring for a loved one with dementia. From recognizing the early signs of dementia to helping you understand your care options, we're here for you every step of the way.