What Different Kinds of Dementia Are There?

Humankind is known to have around 100 varieties of Dementia. There are many books and websites dedicated solely to the specific diseases, what and how lead to dementia. It still bothers you with one question: what causes dementia? Today with this article, we are going to take a look at some of those conditions that may lead to dementia. 

The most common conditions are:-

• Head Trauma
• Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)
• Huntington’s Disease
• Aids (HIV)
• Alzheimer’s
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Vascular Dementia
• Head Trauma (dementia caused by brain injury)

Apart from the natural development of some medical issues, head injuries both big and small may cause memory loss.  Memory loss from a head injury can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity and the areas that are damaged. Head trauma can be caused due to sudden single injury, like a sudden fall from a two-wheeler or a blow to the head from a car. 

There is growing acknowledgment that athletes, particularly those engaged in sports like football and boxing, may face an increased risk of developing dementia due to repeated head trauma sustained over time. This risk is attributed to the cumulative impact of minor brain injuries, such as a boxer receiving repeated blows to the head or a footballer consistently heading the ball. 

Dementia of Lewy Bodies or LBD

Lewy body dementia, alternatively referred to as “dementia with Lewy Bodies” or “DLB,” stands as the third most prevalent form of dementia, following Alzheimer’s and Vascular dementia. Accounting for nearly 10% of dementia cases, this condition is characterized by the accumulation of protein deposits in brain cells.

Huntington’s Disease

Despite remaining a subject of incomplete comprehension, Huntington’s disease stands apart from other forms of dementia in which individuals afflicted can still recognize people and familiar surroundings. This hereditary condition impacts the movement, memory, and emotional well-being of those affected. Huntington’s disease, with its hereditary nature, can manifest in both children and adults, typically revealing symptoms in one’s 30s or 40s, although the onset of dementia is unpredictable.

The intricate nature of Huntington’s disease necessitates ongoing research efforts to gain a comprehensive understanding of the condition.

HIV or AIDS

The human immunodeficiency virus, commonly known as HIV, has the potential to induce memory issues by damaging specific brain regions responsible for memory functions, consequently leading to dementia. HIV/AIDS can impact individuals across all age groups, thereby making dementia associated with it equally unpredictable in terms of age onset. The advent of more accessible HIV medication has contributed to a decline in cases of HIV/AIDS-related dementia, as a growing number of individuals now have better access to effective treatment.

Alzheimer’s Disease

We have already talked so much about Alzheimer’s in our recent articles, yet for the ones who are new here, here is a quick summary. Alzheimer’s disease stands as the predominant medical cause of brain-related disorders, constituting more than half of all dementia diagnoses globally. Presently, there exists no cure for Alzheimer’s, prompting extensive research efforts worldwide to comprehend the intricacies of the disease. Scientists are making notable progress in unraveling the mechanisms and reasons behind the impact of Alzheimer’s on the brain.

The nomenclature of the disease pays homage to Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist who first identified it in 1907. In the United Kingdom, Alzheimer’s is estimated to afflict over 500,000 individuals, while the United States grapples with the impact on more than 5 million people.

Parkinson’s Disease

While the majority of individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease do not experience dementia, a subset of Parkinson’s sufferers faces the potential of developing memory issues. The precise mechanisms through which dementia manifests in individuals with Parkinson’s disease remain incompletely understood at present.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (Korsakoff’s)

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a form of dementia, arises from a deficiency in thiamine, commonly known as vitamin B. This condition is predominantly observed in chronic alcoholics and colloquially referred to as “wet brain disease.” Additionally, individuals with a thiamine-deficient diet may also experience Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.

Addressing the deficiency and mitigating the syndrome can be achieved by supplementing with thiamine. This proactive measure is particularly crucial for individuals at risk, including chronic alcohol users or those with inadequate thiamine intake in their diets.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia stands as the second most prevalent type of dementia, emerging from harm inflicted upon the brain’s vascular system. The term “vascular system” encompasses blood vessels, capillaries, and veins. When the vascular system surrounding the brain sustains damage, it impedes the blood flow to brain cells, resulting in their demise. The consequential loss of brain cells is a pivotal factor in the development of vascular dementia.

Conclusion 

If you have someone who is suffering from Dementia, you know that dementia patients want to be on the floor because their blood pressure drops and at times they don’t even feel safe standing or sitting. Which is when the body just wants to lay flat and low, which could be on the bed or the floor. Sensor floor mats come in handy when dealing with such patients at home, healthcare facilities or elderly care. These mats, alternatively referred to as alarm mats or sensor floor mats, are intricately designed to sense movement, promptly signaling care staff when a resident or patient steps onto them and they can be given assistance without worrying about a big mishap.

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