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Many people mistake dementia as a lone medical condition, but it’s actually a general term for a number of conditions, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most well-known. The staff at Longhorn Village in Austin, TX, advise that it’s important to understand the different types of dementia. Identifying symptoms will ensure you seek the right memory care, as well as better manage the disease as it progresses.

A Guide to Dementia: 8 Different Types

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for most cases of dementia. It occurs when brain cells begin to die, resulting in confusion, extreme mood swings, and even difficulty with mobility and speech. The effects are irreversible and will worsen, but it can be managed with proper memory care.

Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease is a genetic condition that causes dementia in juveniles and adults. As nerve cells break down, people experience twitching, difficulty with mobility, and eventually, problems focusing.

Mixed Dementia

memory careMany people experience multiple forms of dementia. It’s extremely common for someone to have both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, and, unfortunately, multiple dementias often go unnoticed. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of each form so you can seek a proper diagnosis from a memory care professional.

Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia occurs when protein deposits form in nerve cells and keep chemical transmissions from properly communicating with the brain. This results in memory loss, hallucinations, and constant disorientation.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

This is the rarest and most fatal form of dementia. It typically manifests without warning, and patients rarely live past a year of diagnosis. Side effects of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease include confusion, memory loss, depression, and muscular twitching.

Vascular Dementia

This form of dementia occurs when the brain doesn’t receive sufficient blood flow. It’s the second most common form and is often related to strokes and similar brain issues. Common side effects are confusion and difficulty concentrating, though vascular dementia can also affect eyesight and cause hallucinations.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is not initially a form of dementia. However, when it advances to the most severe states, it causes many of the same side effects. Confusion, cognitive impairment, hallucinations, and mood instability are all common and are best managed by a memory care professional.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

This condition causes extra fluid to gather in the ventricles of the brain. As this occurs, pressure causes damage that leads to dementia. It’s commonly caused by trauma and can lead to significant brain damage when untreated. This results in a variety of side effects ranging from poor mobility and coordination to mood imbalances and memory trouble.

The staff at Longhorn Village are committed to providing comprehensive memory care to residents and offer a variety of other senior care services. They’re devoted to creating a comfortable, welcoming assisted living community where seniors can live happy, fulfilling lives. Call (512) 266-5600 today to schedule a tour. You can also call (512) 382-4664 to reach the Health Care Center at Longhorn Village, and visit their website and Facebook page to learn more about their services.

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