Khaberni - When we hear the word "dementia," we only think of memory problems. However, the truth is that dementia is a term that describes more than 100 different diseases, with symptoms ranging from impacting speech, behavior, sleep, and movement.
Although most people may be aware of some types of dementia, such as Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (which is the most common form, accounting for about 60% of cases), 40% of those affected suffer from rare types that are difficult to diagnose and require more complex care.
Therefore, knowing how to detect the signs of these rare types early on can be crucial to ensuring loved ones get the support they need.
Posterior Cortical Atrophy
This rare form mainly affects visual and spatial functions, while memory remains relatively intact in the early stages. Sufferers have difficulty estimating distances and depth, making reading or climbing stairs a real challenge.
Symptoms typically begin between the ages of 55 and 65. Scientists are still trying to determine whether this type is a distinct form of dementia or an atypical version of Alzheimer's.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
This condition is one of the rarest types of dementia, affecting about one in every million people worldwide. The disease progresses very quickly compared to other types of dementia, causing severe memory and movement problems with sudden spasmodic movements. It results from an abnormal transformation of prion proteins in the brain for reasons not entirely understood.
Risk factors include aging and genetic factors, and very rarely, contamination from beef infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease).
Frontotemporal Dementia Associated with Motor Neuron Disease
This form combines a type of dementia that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, and motor neuron disease, which affects movement and breathing.
Sufferers face multiple muscle issues including muscular atrophy, stiffness, and difficulty swallowing, symptoms not typically associated with dementia. This co-occurrence is often due to a genetic mutation, making it prevalent in certain families. It is still unclear which of the diseases presents first.
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
This is a rare neurological condition causing dementia accompanied by significant movement problems, resulting from damage occurring in the brain stem and basal ganglia responsible for vision and movement.
Those affected have difficulty controlling eye movement, leading to frequent falls and mobility issues. They also face concentration and problem-solving challenges. This type is difficult to diagnose because it overlaps with symptoms of Parkinson's disease and other conditions.
It is worth noting that there is no cure for any types of dementia yet, but understanding the type one is suffering from helps in providing appropriate care in advance. Knowing that some patients suffer from movement issues instead of memory ones significantly changes the care plan. More importantly, the ability to detect early signs, as dementia is not limited to forgetfulness but includes changes in behavior, movement, speech, and vision. A better understanding of these different types is the path towards improving the lives of millions worldwide.
