Dementia
Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, thinking, reasoning, and communication skills, to the extent that it interferes with a person's daily functioning. It is not a specific disease but rather a syndrome caused by various underlying conditions. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, accounting for 60-80% of cases. However, there are several other types of dementia, including:
Vascular Dementia: This type of dementia occurs when there is damage to the blood vessels that supply the brain, often as a result of a stroke or other vascular conditions. The symptoms of vascular dementia can vary depending on the location and extent of the damage.
Lewy Body Dementia: Lewy body dementia is characterized by the presence of abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. It can cause cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, fluctuations in alertness, and motor symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease.
Frontotemporal Dementia: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects the front and sides of the brain, leading to changes in behaviour, personality, and language skills. It often occurs at a younger age compared to other types of dementia.
Mixed Dementia: Mixed dementia refers to the coexistence of multiple types of dementia, most commonly Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. The combination of different pathologies can contribute to a more complex set of symptoms.
Parkinson's Disease Dementia: Parkinson's disease is primarily a movement disorder, but some individuals with Parkinson's may develop cognitive impairment over time. Parkinson's disease dementia involves problems with memory, thinking, and other cognitive functions.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare degenerative brain disorder caused by abnormal proteins called prions. It leads to rapid cognitive decline, muscle stiffness, and other neurological symptoms.
Huntington's Disease: Huntington's disease is an inherited genetic disorder that causes the progressive degeneration of brain cells. Along with motor symptoms, it can lead to cognitive decline and psychiatric symptoms.