Unraveling the Types of Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms caused by various disorders that affect the brain, leading to a decline in cognitive abilities that interferes with daily activities. The disease can manifest through memory loss, difficulty thinking, and impaired abilities to perform routine tasks. The various types of dementia include:

Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common form of dementia, occurs when abnormal protein deposits in the brain interfere with normal brain function, causing brain cells to die. Symptoms include memory loss, and changes in physical and cognitive abilities, behavior, and emotions.

Vascular Dementia (VaD) is caused by insufficient blood flow to the brain, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell death. VaD may occur suddenly after a stroke that blocks brain blood vessels, or gradually through multiple minor strokes or other conditions affecting smaller blood vessels. Symptoms include confusion, difficulty with speech or comprehension, impaired judgment, and vision problems, with progressive cognitive decline over time.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies is characterized by abnormal protein deposits, known as Lewy bodies, in the brain’s nerve cells. These deposits disrupt brain communication, leading to a decline in thinking, reasoning, and independence. Symptoms include fluctuating levels of alertness, memory loss, visual hallucinations, tremors, rigid muscles, and difficulty interpreting visual information.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) often affects younger individuals more than other forms of dementia. It primarily impacts the frontal and temporal lobes, which control personality and behavior. Brain cells may change in size. Symptoms include changes in personality, behavior, speech, and language, and patients may experience forgetfulness, motor skill challenges and swallowing difficulties.

While there is currently no cure for dementia, and symptoms typically worsen over time as brain cells are damaged, there are ways to manage the condition.

At Amica, we are committed to providing personalized care for residents living with dementia. We work closely with each resident to develop care plans tailored to their specific needs, helping to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Our goal is not only to slow the progression of dementia but to create an environment where residents feel supported and engaged. By focusing on each individual’s abilities and preferences, we provide meaningful, enriching experiences that promote dignity, independence, and comfort for those navigating the challenges of dementia.

Amica Credit Mills, opening late summer 2025, will offer two dedicated floors of Memory Care to support local seniors. To learn more, visit amica.ca/creditmills or call 905-858-7777.