Dementia is a medical condition that affects how the brain works. It is not a single disease but a group of symptoms related to memory loss, confusion, and changes in behaviour and thinking. These symptoms get worse over time and can affect daily life.
Many people still think of dementia as just memory loss, but it’s much more complex. There are different types of it, and each one affects the brain differently. So, in this article, we will understand what dementia is, its types, and the functions of the brain affected by it.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia happens when brain cells are damaged and can no longer function properly. This damage affects communication between different parts of the brain, making it harder to remember things, make decisions, or control emotions.
Dementia mostly affects older adults, but it is not a normal part of ageing. There are different types of dementia, and each type damages a different area of the brain. That is why symptoms can vary from one person to another.
Four Types of Dementia:
There are four common types of dementia, where dementia itself is the main condition. Other forms of dementia appear as a result of underlying medical issues, such as Parkinson’s disease or Huntington’s disease.
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular Dementia
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Frontotemporal Dementia
1. Alzheimer’s Disease:
Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain when two types of abnormal protein start to build up:
-
Plaques: These are sticky clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid. They build up in the spaces between brain cells, blocking communication and causing inflammation.
-
Tangles: Inside the brain cells, another protein called tau twists into tangles. These tangles disturb the cell’s transport system — think of it like traffic jams inside the brain. That makes it hard for brain cells to send signals or get what they need to survive.
Over time, these plaques and tangles cause brain cells to stop working properly, lose connections, and die. That’s what leads to memory loss, confusion, and the other symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
Read More: Dementia vs Alzheimer’s: Stages, Care Plan, & More!
2. Vascular Dementia:
Vascular dementia happens when the blood supply to the brain is restricted. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients that brain cells need to stay healthy.
-
Sometimes, this is caused by a stroke (when a blood vessel in the brain gets blocked or bursts).
-
Other times, it’s due to tiny clogs in smaller blood vessels, which can happen slowly over time.
When parts of the brain don’t get the blood they need, the brain cells in those areas get damaged or die. That can lead to problems with thinking, memory, planning, or even mood.
3. Dementia with Lewy Bodies:
In Lewy Body Dementia, a protein called alpha-synuclein starts to clump together inside brain cells, forming what are known as Lewy bodies. These clumps damage and kill certain brain cells, especially the ones that produce important chemicals like dopamine and acetylcholine.
Dopamine helps control movement and mood, while acetylcholine is key for memory, learning, and attention. When these brain chemicals decrease, it leads to problems like shaking, stiffness, confusion, memory loss, and changes in mood or alertness.
Although the exact reason why alpha-synuclein clumps is still unclear, factors like age, genetics, and other health conditions may play a role.
4. Frontotemporal Dementia:
Frontotemporal Dementia happens when the front and side parts of the brain (frontal and temporal lobes) start to shrink. These parts control things like personality, behavior, language, and decision-making.
The damage is caused by harmful proteins (like tau or TDP-43) building up inside brain cells. These proteins shouldn’t be there in that form — they clump up, damage the cells, and cause them to die.
FTD often affects people younger than other types of dementia, sometimes in their 40s or 50s, and it can run in families. About 40% of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) cases occur in people who have a close relative diagnosed with some form of dementia.
Functions of Brian Affected by Dementia:
This is how dementia affects your brain.
1. Memory:
One of the first signs of dementia is memory loss, especially short-term memory. This happens when areas like the hippocampus are damaged. People may forget names, recent conversations, or important dates.
2. Language and Communication:
Dementia can make it harder to find the right words or follow a conversation. This is linked to damage in the left side of the brain, which controls language skills.
3. Thinking and Reasoning:
Decision-making, problem-solving, and planning often become difficult. People may struggle to manage finances, follow steps in a recipe, or make choices they once handled easily.
4. Emotions and Behaviour:
Changes in mood, personality, or behaviour can occur. The frontal lobes, which help manage emotions and social behaviour, are often affected in certain types of dementia, like frontotemporal dementia.
5. Movement and Coordination:
Some types of dementia, like Lewy body dementia, also affect movement. This may lead to stiffness, shakiness, or trouble with balance.
6. Perception and Understanding the Surroundings:
People with dementia may misjudge distances, become confused by patterns, or mistake one object for another. This is often due to damage in the parietal lobe, which helps us understand space and visuals.
7. Attention and Concentration:
Focusing on a task or switching between tasks becomes harder. This can make activities like reading, cooking, or even holding a conversation more difficult.
8. Sense of Time and Orientation:
Many people with dementia lose track of time, forget what day it is, or get lost in familiar places. This is tied to general damage across areas that handle orientation and memory.
Helping Families Through the Journey of Dementia:
When a loved one has dementia, it can be an emotional and challenging journey for the entire family. Managing the complications that come along with the disease requires patience, understanding, and the right kind of support.
At considracare, we offer compassionate in-home care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, ensuring your loved one gets the care they truly need during this difficult time.
Our trained caregivers use Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) to manage behavioral changes and communication challenges with empathy, respect, and professionalism.
Book a free assessment today and find the right support for your loved one.
Final Thoughts:
Think of the brain as a control centre, with different parts managing different tasks—like memory, language, and emotions. Dementia is like a power outage in one of those areas. Depending on which area is affected, the person will show different signs.
Understanding the four common types of dementia is the first step in recognising the symptoms in your loved ones. By raising awareness, we can guide families toward the right and better care.
FAQ’s
1. What Is Dementia Caused By?
Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells, which disrupts how different parts of the brain communicate. This damage can result from several conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, strokes, or brain injuries. In some cases, it may be linked to genetic factors or other health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
2. What Happens to the Brain in Dementia?
In a brain affected by dementia, the overall structure begins to change. One major change is that the cortex, the outer layer of the brain, becomes thinner. This layer is responsible for thinking, planning, and remembering. As it shrinks, people may begin to lose even long-term memories.
3. How Does Dementia Affect Daily Life?
Dementia can change how a person handles routine activities, especially as it progresses. Even familiar tasks—like cooking a meal, shopping, or managing money—can become confusing or overwhelming. These challenges are often referred to as difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs).
4. What Part of the Brain Controls Memory?
The hippocampus plays a key role in memory. It’s located deep within the temporal lobe and is one of the first areas affected in Alzheimer’s disease. The hippocampus helps store new memories and also helps connect them to emotions and experiences.
Fakiha is an experienced writer at ConsidraCare with an optimistic interest in life. She has a proactive approach to improving health and wellness for seniors. She offers well-researched and thoughtful information to help individuals make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
