Breaking Down the 6 Major Types of Memory Issues
With so much information about Alzheimer’s and dementia, it can feel difficult to know where to turn. Many people struggle to understand dementia and related conditions. They often assume Alzheimer’s and dementia are interchangeable—but they are notIn fact, more than 100 different conditions can lead to memory issues. We’re here to break down the six most common types and help you with understanding dementia and more.
1) Dementia
Dementia causes a decline in cognitive functioning, including thinking, remembering, and reasoning. It also affects behavior to the point that daily life becomes more difficult.
Rather than a single disease, dementia serves as an umbrella term. It describes a range of neurological conditions that affect the brain and worsen over time.
Diagnosing dementia can be complex because no single test confirms it. Instead, healthcare providers rely on multiple steps, including:
- Taking a medical history by talking with the individual and someone who knows them well
- Conducting physical exams and tests to rule out other causes
- Performing mental ability tests through a nurse, doctor, or specialist
2) Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and its leading cause. This brain disorder gradually damages memory and thinking skills. Eventually, it affects the ability to complete even simple daily tasks.
Early signs often include memory loss. People may struggle to recall recent events or learn new information.
Memory issues can cause a person with Alzheimer’s to:
- Forget recent conversations or events
- Get lost in familiar places
- Miss appointments or important dates
- Become more disorganized over time
Risks of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s often first affects the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory. As a result, people may struggle to form new memories while older memories remain intact early on.
Age remains the biggest risk factor. After age 65, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubles about every five years. Genetics can also play a role. Some people inherit familial or risk genes that increase their chances of developing Alzheimer’s.
Lifestyle and Health
Healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce risk. Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and staying physically, mentally, and socially active all make a difference.
Certain health conditions can increase risk, including:
- Diabetes, stroke, and heart disease
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity
- Age-related hearing loss
- Depression
3) Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia develops when reduced blood flow damages the brain. This often happens after a stroke or series of smaller strokes.
Early symptoms may include:
- Trouble planning, organizing, or making decisions
- Difficulty following steps
- Slower thinking
- Problems concentrating
Symptoms may appear suddenly or develop gradually. Over time, they worsen and begin to interfere with daily life.
Age is the biggest risk factor, especially after 65. Other health and lifestyle factors can also increase risk.
Types of Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia includes several subtypes:
- Subcortical vascular dementia: Damage to small blood vessels deep in the brain reduces oxygen and nutrient flow. Over time, affected brain cells stop working.
- Stroke-related dementia: A stroke interrupts blood flow to part of the brain. This often happens when a blood vessel becomes blocked by a clot.
- Multi-infarct dementia: A series of small strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) causes cumulative damage. Some people don’t realize these events occurred.
- Mixed dementia: More than one condition causes dementia, often Alzheimer’s combined with vascular dementia.
4) Lewy Body Dementia (DLB)
Lewy Body Dementia (DLB) is a type of dementia that is known to cause hallucinations, changes in sleep patterns, and unpredictable changes in attention and alertness. Tiny clumps of proteins known as Lewy bodies appear in the nerve cells of the brain. These proteins are named after FH Lewy, the German doctor who first identified them.
Lewy bodies cause a range of symptoms, some of which are shared by Alzheimer’s disease and some by Parkinson’s disease. Because of this, Lewy Body Dementia is often wrongly diagnosed. About 1 in 10 people with dementia have this form. DLB may also be mistaken for delirium – particularly if the person is first seen by medical staff during an emergency admission to hospital.
They may also experience rapid fluctuations in their ability to function properly, feeling confused, or becoming disorientated suddenly. Memory tends to be less affected than in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
5) Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
Frontotemporal Dementia or Frontotemporal Disorders (FTD) is caused by changes to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain and is known for causing changes with behavior and personality. This is the result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Many possible symptoms can result, including unusual behaviors, emotional problems, trouble communicating, difficulty with work, or difficulty with walking. Symptoms of frontotemporal dementia differ based on each person. Symptoms get worse over time, usually over the course of years.
In frontotemporal dementia, parts of the lobes shrink, or atrophy. Symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected. Some people with frontotemporal dementia have changes in their personalities. They become socially inappropriate, impulsive, or emotionally indifferent. Others lose the ability to properly use language.
Frontotemporal dementia can be misdiagnosed as a mental health condition, especially when it comes to not understanding dementia and more. FTD tends to occur at a younger age than Alzheimer’s disease. It often begins between the ages of 40 and 65, although it can occur later in life as well. FTD is the cause of dementia about 10% to 20% of the time. It can be difficult understanding dementia and more, so knowing the different types is important.
6) Young-Onset Dementia (YOD)
Young-Onset Dementia (YOD) is a term used to describe dementia that develops in someone under the age of 65. Also called “early onset” or “working age” dementia, these terms can be confusing when trying to understand dementia and more. “Early onset” can refer to the early stages of dementia and “working age” is defined as retirement age and can be more flexible. YOD accounts for about 5% of all dementias.
YOD affects thinking, memory, behavior, and can interfere with someone’s normal social or working life. However, people with YOD can lead active and fulfilling lives for many years after their diagnosis.
Symptoms of YOD can include:
- Changes in gait, such as shuffling, slower walking speed, or shorter strides
- Issues with balance, and clumsiness
- Involuntary movement, such as hand tremors
- Loss of dexterity and mobility
- Difficulty judging distances
- Change to behavior and emotions
- Changes in how people express their feelings or understand other people’s feelings
- Communication problems
- Movement problems, such as stiff or slowed bodily movement
Don’t Ignore Memory Loss Symptoms
If you are seeing these symptoms in your loved ones, make note of the changes and contact their primary care physician. Don’t guess that these are just “normal signs of aging” and ignore them. Get the assistance you need so a proper diagnosis is made and follow the guidance of your health care provider. Understanding dementia and more is important for you and your loved ones. Don’t be afraid to ask for help whether it’s in your home or making the decision for your loved one to move to a community with Memory Support services.
Are you looking for resources for understanding dementia and more? We’re here to help every step of the way. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia and is considering a memory support community, consider taking a tour of one of The Ohio Masonic Communities campuses. With three senior living communities across the state of Ohio – Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, Ohio, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio – each offers premier living options with exceptional experiences so residents can live their best lives. If you are interested in learning more about one of our communities, give us a call at 1-877-881-1623. We will be happy to answer all your questions and be a trusted resource in the search for the right community for you!