Discover all you need to know about different dementias and how to manage them in this comprehensive guide.

From diagnosis and symptoms to treatment, we’ve got it covered.

Dementias are a group of neurological disorders that impair abilities such as memory, thinking, and behavior. One common misconception is that dementia is a single condition - in reality, there are many different types of dementias with varying symptoms, treatment methods, and prognosis. This guide provides an overview of how to recognize and manage the many forms of dementia.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of neurological disorders characterized by progressive decline in cognitive function. It can impair several areas such as memory, language, problem solving, self-care, and reasoning. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia but there are also other forms such as Parkinson’s disease and vascular dementia.

Types of Dementia Explained

Dementia is often divided into three categories: 

(1) degenerative dementia, which include Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases; 

(2) vascular dementia, which results from impaired blood flow to the brain; and 

(3) mix of both kinds. 

Common symptoms of all dementias are memory loss, difficulty with language or communication, and changes in behaviour. Other common symptoms may include disorientation or confusion, anxiety or mood swings, halluncinations, lack of concentration and executive functioning problems such as problem-solving.

Diagnosing Dementia

Dementia is typically diagnosed by a healthcare provider, who can conduct an evaluation based on the person’s medical history and reported symptoms. An important part of diagnosis includes ruling out other causes of memory loss or cognitive difficulty, such as depression or thyroid issues. A physical examination is also part of the evaluation process to rule out other potential underlying disorders. Tests like CT scans, MRIs, EEGs and/or blood tests may also be required in order to diagnose dementia definitively.

The Symptoms of Dementia and How to Manage Them

Dementia symptoms can vary widely depending upon the specific type of dementia and individual affected, but generally common symptoms include difficulty with logic, language, and reasoning; memory issues; difficulty with sensory input; confusion and disorientation; changes in behavior or personality; delusions and hallucinations; impaired coordination; poor hygiene. Managing the impact of these symptoms is largely dependent upon the underlying cause and form of dementia, but in all cases seeking professional medical assistance is recommended for proper diagnosis, learn about the types of care available for managing dementia, develop a personalized plan for dealing with certain behaviors or difficulty completing everyday tasks, and learning how to cope with difficult or extreme behaviors.

Caring for Someone With Dementia - Managing Care Plans and Medication

When caring for someone with dementia, having a personalized care plan in place is essential for providing the best quality of life. Working closely with medical professionals to develop a team approach is important to ensure that the individual’s needs are met both on and off medicine. Developing strategies such as breaking down tasks into smaller and achievable pieces; using visual tools; creating checklists; using verbal communication; providing emotional support;and establishing consistent routines can significantly increase the success rate of managing medication and care plans when living with dementia.