Different Types of Dementia and How to Deal with it (Infographic)

Different Types of Dementia and How to Deal with it (Infographic)

Although dementia is one of the biggest killers in older people, many individuals aren’t aware of its prominence and the impact that it has on sufferers and their loved ones. We’re aiming to make more people aware of how big of an issue dementia is which is why we’ve created an infographic. But before we get to that, here’s a few things you need to know…

What does dementia refer to and what are the different types?

Dementia is the name given to a selection of symptoms that collectively contribute to overall brain health decline. It usually affects people over the age of 65, although it has been known to occur in people younger than that as well.

The type of dementia that affects most dementia sufferers is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s destroys neurons and their connections in the areas of the brain that involve memory: the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. In later stages of its progression, it damages the cerebral cortex which is responsible for language, reasoning, and social behaviour.

Most common symptoms of dementia

Because of the fact that each type of dementia affects a different part of the brain, symptoms differ from one type to another. However, there are some symptoms that the majority of dementia sufferers experience. These are:

  • A few of these most common symptoms include:
  • Short term memory problems
  • Confusion
  • Repeatedly asking the same questions
  • Difficulty finding the right words or understanding certain words
  • Difficulty with numbers and money
  • Becoming anxious and withdrawn
  • Personality changes
  • Difficulty with attention span and tasks that require focus
  • Mood changes
  • Problems with movement
  • Becoming obsessive

What to do if you suspect yourself or a loved one has dementia

If you’ve recently noticed changes in a loved one’s behaviour and you suspect they could have dementia, the best thing to do make them an appointment with a GP who will be able to conduct a series of tests and offer a diagnosis.

For more information as well as some shocking statistics, check out the infographic below and feel free to let us know what you think!Dealing With Dementia