Dementia is a broad term for a range of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and reasoning. While Alzheimer’s is the most well-known type, there are several other forms of dementia, each with distinct causes and symptoms. The Timberley, an assisted living and memory care community for seniors in Acworth, GA, is committed to providing compassionate care and education for families navigating a dementia diagnosis.
Types of Dementia and Their Causes
Who does dementia impact? The Georgia Department of Public Health reports 130,000+ people in the state have some form of dementia. These are the types of dementia:
- Alzheimer’s Disease – The most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80 percent of cases. It occurs when proteins abnormally build up in the brain, causing brain cell damage and loss.
- Vascular Dementia – Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain due to strokes or other vascular conditions.
- Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) – Triggered by deposits of abnormal proteins (Lewy bodies) in the brain, affecting cognition, movement, and behavior.
- Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) – Results from degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes, leading to significant personality and behavior changes.
- Mixed Dementia – A combination of two or more dementia types, such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
- Parkinson’s Disease Dementia – Develops in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, affecting cognitive function over time.
- Huntington’s Disease Dementia – A hereditary condition that causes progressive cognitive decline alongside motor symptoms.
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) – A rare and rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder caused by abnormal proteins called prions.
Memory care, offered by communities like The Timberley, provides a comforting environment for residents with all types of dementia. But before receiving a diagnosis, what are the signs and symptoms that a loved one may have begun experiencing cognitive decline?
Common Symptoms of Dementia
While symptoms vary depending on the type of dementia, common indicators include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Difficulty with problem-solving or planning
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble finding words or following conversations
- Poor judgment and decision-making
- Changes in mood, personality, or behavior
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
When navigating the changes often associated with dementia, it’s important to understand that family and friends of loved ones may also need support and guidance. While this is necessary at every stage of the journey, more specific help is available when the exact type of dementia is diagnosed.
How Dementia is Measured and Diagnosed
Diagnosing dementia requires a thorough evaluation, often involving the following:
- Medical History & Physical Examination – A doctor reviews the patient’s medical background and conducts a neurological assessment.
- Cognitive and Neuropsychological Tests – Evaluations such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) measure memory, reasoning, language, and attention.
- Brain Imaging – MRI or CT scans detect changes in brain structure, strokes, or tumors.
- Blood Tests – Rule out conditions such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disorders that may mimic dementia symptoms.
- Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture) – In some cases, cerebrospinal fluid analysis helps detect abnormal protein levels linked to Alzheimer’s.
- Dementia Fast Scale (FAST Scale) – The dementia fast scale, also known as the fast scale for dementia, is used to assess dementia stages on the fast scale and track disease progression.
After the type of dementia is diagnosed, there are many resources available to give you or a loved one a much higher quality of life. The Timberley offers programs that stimulate brain function, promote physical and emotional health, and plenty of social interaction.
Compassionate Dementia Care at The Timberley
The team at The Timberley understands the challenges that come with a dementia diagnosis. Every day, they support residents and their families through its unique, comprehensive memory care program. By offering personalized care, engaging activities, and a secure environment, seniors with dementia experience an improved quality of life.
Take the Next Steps Toward Quality Memory Care
A dementia diagnosis isn’t always easy. You don’t have to take this journey alone. The Timberley offers a fulfilling, worry-free lifestyle for you or a loved one in the metro Atlanta area. A compassionate approach to senior living is here and available – schedule a tour of our memory care community today!
