The Many Different Dimensions of Dementia

By CarePatrol of Baltimore

Most of us have heard of Alzheimer’s disease and have a sense of the debilitating effects that it has on a person. What many people don’t know, however, is that there are more than 10 types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s is just one iteration.

At CarePatrol, we work with many clients seeking memory care. As memory care consultants and senior placement specialists, the CarePatrol Team needs to be well-versed in the different types of dementia. The CarePatrol Team must have a deep understanding of the communities in our region that specialize in, or have accommodations to meet, the needs of the various types and intensities of dementia patients. For this reason, the Founder of CarePatrol Baltimore recently became certified as a dementia care trainer!

Read on below to learn more about dementia and how to handle it, or contact us now for the compassionate care you and your family deserve.

Dementia Symptoms

Memory loss is a primary indicator of dementia. Other symptoms such as depression, confusion, and coordination problems may also be present. In all cases, this is caused by changes in the brain cells and nerve cells that may also affect personality, behavior, and the ability to perform basic tasks. The changes, often caused by disease, are typically not reversible and affect language and decision-making in addition to memory, depending on the areas of the brain that are impacted.

For memory care placement, it is important to have a whole picture of the symptoms being displayed by the patient. Not all patients exhibit all symptoms of their type of dementia, and in some cases, it is not possible to formally diagnose dementia.

At CarePatrol, we do a thorough intake assessment to have a complete understanding of the individual. The symptoms become more important to understand as we work towards the safest living solution. The primary symptoms of dementia we look to accommodate and factor into the decision-making process include:

Disorientation and Confusion

Memory problems and poor judgment are one of the earliest and most common symptoms of dementia. Clearly defined areas, circular hallways to avoid dead ends, and visual labeling are necessary aspects for a safe environment for patients exhibiting these symptoms.

Language Difficulty

Forgetting words, using unusual words, losing track of conversation, and lost ability for reasoning and judgment are common in dementia patients. These symptoms require caregivers to be patient and empathetic, often having to repeat themselves over and over and provide gentle direction for simple tasks.

Hallucinations and Visual Problems

Understandably, this symptom can create panic and confusion in the patient. Experience dealing with hallucinations prepares a community for what your loved one is going through.

Sleep Disturbances

Difficulty falling asleep, waking in the night, sleepwalking, and falling asleep suddenly during the day can all wreak havoc on a patient. Safety as well as overall health is at risk with patients who suffer from sleep disturbances.

Behavioral Problems with Violent or Sexual Undertones

As the disease progresses, people suffering from dementia may begin thinking someone else is their spouse or thinking a care provider is a home intruder. Inappropriate behaviors like these are often one of the symptoms that cause patients not to be accepted to a care center. Lewy Body Dementia and Vascular dementia patients are often not accepted at some communities because of these behavior problems. Knowing the extent of the symptoms and the capabilities of the community is the best way to find a good fit for the patient.

Wandering

6 in 10 people with dementia will wander according to the Alzheimer’s Association. This very common symptom of dementia requires extra safety precautions such as enclosed outdoor areas, tracking bracelets, key-coded doors and elevators, and alert systems. This is one of the highest areas of difficulty for memory care communities to manage.

Increased Fall Risk

Difficulty in walking, weakness, and tremors are all common symptoms of dementia. Fainting is also a possibility. Thus, it is imperative that communities remove all fall hazards and have their rooms set up with fall prevention in mind. This may mean rug removal, no wires to trip over, and repairing uneven floors.

Different Types of Dementia

The different types of dementia include the following:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Vascular dementia
• Lewy body dementia
• Parkinson’s disease dementia
• Frontotemporal dementia
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Mixed dementia
• Normal pressure hydrocephalus
• Huntington’s disease

Different types of dementia are caused by different issues in the brain and nervous system, like a lack of blood flow (Vascular), an attachment of proteins to nerves in the brain (Parkinson’s, Lewy body), and bleeding in the brain (Wernicke). It can also be caused by a combination of causes.

Dementia Comorbidities

Some of the above symptoms are caused by Alzheimer’s and related dementias, but some are a comorbidity in need of their own treatment program separate from the dementia. One example is depression. Depression often goes hand-in-hand with dementia, but it is a wholly separate disorder and requires its own treatment plan.

How is Dementia Diagnosed?

There is no one test to determine if someone has dementia. Doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia based on an assessment of day-to-day function, behavior, family history, and medical history as well as a physical exam. Brain scans can also be used to rule out stroke-related damage and other conditions that may cause dementia-like symptoms.

Risk Factors for Dementia

Risk factors are lifestyle choices and aspects of your genetics that make developing dementia more likely. These include:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor diet/nutrition
• Depression and social isolation
• Traumatic brain injuries/chronic traumatic encephalopathy

People who have family members with dementia are more likely to develop dementia themselves. In addition, women are more likely to develop dementia than men are.

Caring for Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

In addition to managing the symptoms of dementia and creating a safe environment, it is important to provide cognitive stimulation, a healthy diet of prepared meals, and encouragement to eat, as well as a means of activity appropriate for the patient. Also, be informed about how they handle difficult behaviors. You do not want a memory community that relies only on anti-psychotic medications. Discuss whether advanced care is available and how the care plan will be tailored to meet your loved one’s individual needs and preferences.

Contact CarePatrol for Reliable Memory Care, Resources, and Support

Dementia is usually a progressive disorder. There are many considerations that go into memory care placement, and the decision can be overwhelming for families and individuals alike.

If you are noticing cognitive decline in your loved one and worry they may be developing dementia, reach out for a consultation now. We are here to help you and your loved one maintain a great quality of life and manage symptoms of dementia with patience and compassion.