Dementia refers to a set of symptoms that link to progressive neurological disorders. These symptoms include increased difficulty with problem-solving, memory loss and changes in behaviour. The most well-known cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s, however, the symptoms of dementia can be triggered by a number of other illnesses. Suffering from symptoms of dementia can make it hard for your loved one to take care of themselves safely and they may require extra care.
Alzheimer’s Disease
The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s, and this is the cause of around 60% of dementia diagnoses in the UK. Normal ageing causes the brain to shrink over time and this is normal, Alzheimers affects the brain differently.
Currently, scientific understanding of Alzheimer’s disease is limited, but we do know that it is caused by a build-up of proteins in the brain (amyloid & tau). It is unknown whether the amyloid plaques or tau tangles aggregate first, knowing this would greatly impact dementia research. When these proteins build up in the brain it causes a reduction in neurotransmitters (chemical messages) between brain cells. Over time the areas affected by the reduction in neurotransmitters start to shrink, in normal Alzheimers, the areas that shrink first are the parts of the brain responsible for memories. There are, however, other forms of Alzheimer’s that target areas of the brain associated with vision or language instead.
It is unknown what causes an increase in these proteins to begin with, but it is known that the process can start many years before symptoms become apparent.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia and is most likely to be caused by a stroke or series of mini-strokes. A large stroke or gradual mini-strokes can cause the blood supply to the brain to be cut off or damaged which leads to brain cell death. These dead brain cells can be picked up on an MRI scan, other abnormalities that can be noticed are diseased small white blood vessels and changes in white matter, which is critical for transporting messages to and from different parts of the brain.
Symptoms of vascular dementia are things like forgetfulness and issues with coordination and mobility. Unlike dementia caused by Alzheimer’s, symptoms of vascular dementia are more likely to become apparent overnight rather than gradually.
Dementia with Lewy bodies
This is the third most common form of dementia and it affects around 1.5% of dementia sufferers. Dementia with Lewy bodies, also known as DLB, is caused by a buildup of a protein called alpha-synuclein within the brain’s nerve cells. The clumps on the nerve cells are called Lewy bodies and these Lewy bodies damage the nerve cells and affect communication within the brain. Generally, the parts of the brain most affected by DLB are the parts associated with memory, thinking, and movement.
Dementia is a difficult disease to live with and can make simple day to day tasks riskier and riskier due to cognitive decline and lack of coordination. At Little Croft Care Home we understand the difficulties faced by those suffering and their families. We ensure all our residents are comfortable, have a place to call their own and are treated with the dignity they deserve. We have personalised care plans for all our residents which allow them as much independence as they can have while remaining safe. Get in contact with us today if you have any questions about long term care or even respite care.