Dementia is an umbrella term for a variety of diseases causing memory impairment. Identifying the type of memory disease a loved one has not only makes it easier to understand the person’s behavior, but it also helps ensure they receive highly-customized dementia care. Educating yourself about each disease also makes it easier to recognize symptoms in loved ones early to help slow memory loss progression. Use this guide as your starting point for increasing your dementia care awareness.

5 Dementia Types That May Require Dementia Care

1. Vascular

Vascular dementia is the second-most common type of dementia. It results from insufficient blood reaching the brain, such as when a person has a stroke or experiences other blood flow problems with the brain. Symptoms may be gradual or acute, with disorientation and confusion among the initial signs.

2. Alzheimer’s 

The most common and perhaps most well-known dementia type, Alzheimer’s disease causes abnormal protein deposits in the brain that interfere with brain cell communication. It includes symptoms such as forgetfulness, irritability and mood changes, confusion, misplacing items in odd places, and issues with walking and talking.

3. Lewy Body

Protein buildup in nerve cells characterizes Lewy Body dementia, a disease due to abnormal microscopic deposits in the brain that lead to disorientation and memory loss. The proteins are known as Lewy bodies. Insomnia, falling asleep during the day, fainting, and hallucinations are routine occurrences with this disease. 

4. Frontotemporal

Frontotemporal dementia is another umbrella term for dementia affecting the frontal lobe or temporal lobes of the brain. The diseases are often genetic and include changes in behavior or personality, motor function, and language abilities.

5. Mixed

Mixed dementia refers to individuals dealing with more than one type of dementia. A common combination is Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia symptoms, but it’s also possible to have Lewy body disruptions as a third complication. 

Dementia care is among the many compassionate services from Beehive Homes of Kalispell, the memory care facility serving residents throughout Montana’s Flathead Valley. Combining caring medical staff available 24/7 with comfortable surroundings, dietitian-approved meals, and laundry and housekeeping services, this facility is dedicated to keeping residents safe and happy. Call (406) 871-8667 or visit the assisted living center online to learn more about dementia care.