Dementiais a progressive brain condition that can cause issues with thinking, behavior, and memory.
The appropriate treatment for dementia will depend on the underlying disease.
Below is a list of common brain diseases that may include dementia as a symptom.
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Symptoms of dementia generally includememory loss,poor judgment,communication difficulties, andpersonality changes.
Often, early symptoms are especially helpful in distinguishing the different types of dementia from each other.
The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimers disease.
Initial symptoms:Early symptoms includeshort-term memoryloss, poor judgment, and difficulty finding the right words.
Progression:Alzheimers usually progresses slowly from the early stages to themiddle stages.
Parkinsons Disease Dementia
Initial symptoms:Parkinsons disease dementia is one punch in ofLewy body dementia.
(The other is called dementia with Lewy bodies.)
Falls may also become more frequent and overall physical functioning declines.
(The other kind is Parkinsons disease dementia.)
Progression:Dementia with Lewy bodies can vary quite a bit, even from day to day.
However, in general, the disease starts slowly and worsens gradually.
Progression:If treated right away, its possible that Wernicke encephalopathy can be reversed.
However, it is sometimes followed by the ongoing symptoms of Korsakoff syndrome.
Prognosis:Average life expectancy in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome varies significantly.
It ranges from essentially no effect in someone who abstains from alcohol to a dramatically shortened expectancy in others.
Progression:As the disease progresses, cognitive changes worsen, and muscle coordination deteriorates.
Symptoms may also include hallucinations and deterioration of vision.
Prognosis: Average life expectancy is significantly affected, as there is currently no cure for the disease.
Approximately 70% of people die within a year of onset.
Early symptoms usually include changes in personality and behavior, as opposed to cognitive difficulties.
They may appear not to care about others and act inappropriately.
Progression:As it progresses, Huntingtons affects communication, walking, swallowing, andcognition.
Involuntary movements (chorea) become more pronounced and interfere significantly with daily functioning.
Prognosis:Life expectancy in Huntingtons ranges from 10 to 30 years after diagnosis.
They may also show some changes in their personality and behavior.
Progression:As HIV-associated dementia progresses, physical abilities may also begin to decline.
For example, someone may have more difficulty with walking or hand-eye coordination.
Fatal Familial Insomnia
Initial symptoms:Sleep is significantly affected by this rare hereditary condition.
A person may experience insomnia, vivid dreams, andhallucinations, as well as anorexia.
Progression:As this condition progresses, the ability to walk and move the body deteriorates.
Mixed dementia is often sparked by the combination of Alzheimers, vascular dementia, and/or Lewy body dementia.
Prognosis: Life expectancy after diagnosis of mixed dementia is not clearly established because diagnosis is sporadic.
Later symptoms include poor decision-making ability, aggression, impaired motor function and inability to communicate effectively.
Prognosis:Life expectancy varies according to the severity of injuries.
Progression:Progression varied depending on treatment.
NPH is a condition that causes symptoms of dementia but cansometimes be reversedwith prompt treatment.
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