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By Aliyah Baruchin, HealthAtoZ writer
Dementia affects memory and other mental abilities. People with dementia may forget their own addresses; become confused as to what month, day or year it is; ask the same questions over and over; or become unable to keep themselves safe, clean and well nourished.
The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. It accounts for 50 percent to 70 percent of all dementia cases. Unless dementia is caused by a treatable condition, it can't be cured. Treatable conditions include:
- Dehydration
- Thyroid problems
- Head injuries
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Very high fevers
People with incurable dementias need long-term care. Over time, they become unable to walk, sit up, speak, swallow or know those around them. In the early stages, patients with dementia can be cared for at home. Later, most of them are moved to skilled nursing facilities. This is because they need medical care and help with standing, bathing, dressing and eating.
Other types of dementia include:
- Vascular dementia, also known as multi-infarct dementia (MID). MID is the second most-common type of dementia. It is caused by a series of strokes. The blood supply to part of the brain is cut off and damages brain tissue. This condition usually occurs in people between the ages of 60 and 75.
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI causes trouble with language, memory or other mental skills. However, such problems don't interfere with a person's daily life. Someone with MCI has an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's.
- Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's affects movement and causes stiffness and tremors. It also affects walking, speech and muscle control. People in the late stages of Parkinson's often have dementia.
- Pick's disease. Pick's affects the front and side lobes of the brain. The first symptoms are often changes in judgment, personality or social interactions.
- Dementia with Lewy bodies. Several types of dementia, including Parkinson's disease, involve Lewy bodies. These are abnormal proteins in the brain's nerve cells. This condition causes confusion and memory problems. It may also cause hallucinations, daytime sleepiness and movement disorders.
- Huntington's disease. Huntington's kills nerve cells in one area of the brain. Symptoms include problems with memory and decision making. Other symptoms are mood swings, balance problems and involuntary movements.
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