How many types of dementia are there?

There are more than a hundred different diseases that can cause the symptoms of dementia. However, most people with dementia have one of four common types: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, or frontotemporal dementia.

What are the most common types of dementia?

By far the most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Together, these two types account for over 90% of cases. It’s actually not uncommon for people to have both of these types of dementia at the same time; this is known as mixed dementia.

What type of dementia is fatal?

All types of dementia can eventually result in death. This is because these diseases progressively destroy brain tissue. Eventually, the nervous system becomes unable to function well enough to keep the person alive.

How does dementia kill you?

People with dementia can die in a few different ways. The loss of brain tissue eventually affects functions like swallowing, which can lead to a person being unable to eat and drink enough or to choke on food or liquids. Falls also become much more common and may be severe. Infections, including pneumonia, kidney infections, and wound infections, are another common cause of death for people with dementia.

How long can you live with dementia?

The course of dementia can be difficult to predict. Studies have shown that, on average, it takes about four years from the time of diagnosis until a person needs to live in an institution (such as a nursing home), and five years from diagnosis until death. However, the disease progresses differently in different people, and it may move significantly faster or slower in a particular individual.

What is the most severe form of dementia?

Most forms of dementia are progressive, meaning that they get worse over time. Because of this, dementia will eventually become severe in almost all cases. Severe dementia can also be known as advanced dementia, late-stage dementia, or end-stage dementia. This takes years in most cases, but there are some types of dementia that can progress much more quickly.

How do they test for dementia?

The diagnosis of dementia is based primarily on tests of your cognitive abilities. In addition, doctors often use blood tests and imaging tests (such as a CT scan) to look for particular conditions that can cause dementia.

How to prevent dementia?

Almost everyone is looking to reduce their risk of dementia. Research has discovered a few different ways that you can do this. Getting enough sleep, exercising for at least 20 minutes per day, and quitting harmful habits like smoking and drinking will all help to reduce your chances of developing dementia. If you have high blood pressure, keeping this under control will help to protect you from vascular dementia.

How to treat different types of dementia?

There is no cure for dementia, but there are ways to help manage symptoms. There are medications that may help to slow progression in some patients, although these can have significant side effects. In addition, occupational therapy, which is focused on routine daily tasks, can help to reduce the risk of falls and manage behavioral symptoms. Modifying the environment and simplifying daily tasks can also help people with dementia.