Dementia is a broad term that has been used to describe a group of illnesses that cause a progressive decline in functioning. If you suffer from dementia, you will experience a gradual loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and emotional reactions. Although dementia is more common in the elderly, it is important to remember that dementia is not a normal part of aging.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia that can affect you. According to HelpGuide.org, it is a serious brain disorder that is degenerative and will progress to death. You go through stages of mild forgetfulness and, eventually, experience widespread neurological impairment. The disease causes chemical and structural changes in the brain that lead to death of critical cell structures and eventual loss of personality and body system failure.
Vascular Dementia
This is the second most common form of dementia, states HelpGuide.org. It is caused by a blockage in the blood supply to the brain that leads to a lack of oxygen and nutrients to specific areas of the brain. HelpGuide.org notes that this type of dementia affects more men than women, more often between the ages of 60 and 75. The most common form of vascular dementia is caused from transient ischemic attacks, or ministrokes. Over time, the damage caused to the brain will interfere with basic cognitive functioning. The best way to prevent this type of dementia is to reduce the risk of stroke.
Huntington's Disease
The Alzheimer's Association says changes caused by a defect in a single gene will lead to the destruction of nerve cells in certain areas of the brain. Although it is an inherited genetic defect, in 1 to 3 percent of cases, there is no other family member with the disease. Symptoms include involuntary movements, loss of memory, concentration issues and problems with balance and coordination. There is no current treatment.
Wernicke-Korsakoff's Syndrome
This is a two-stage disorder that has an identified cause. The Alzheimer's Association states that Wernicke-Korsakoff's is caused by a deficiency of thiamine, or vitamin B1. When the levels of thiamine are too low, the brain cells are not able to generate enough energy to function. The first stage is encephalopathy, followed by chronic psychosis. The Alzheimer's Association states that the most common cause is alcoholism, but it can also be triggered by cancer, AIDS or high levels of thyroid hormone. You will experience confusion, permanent gaps in memory, muscle weakness and the tendency to make up information you cannot remember later.
AIDS-Related Dementia
A complication of AIDS is dementia, which may be caused by an indirect infection of nerve cells by the HIV virus. Alzheimer's Australia lists symptoms that can include difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, unsteady gait, poor coordination, depression, apathy, reversing numbers or words, spastic gait, loss of interest, psychosis, and loss of attention span.
Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration
This is an umbrella term used to describe a group of disorders that attack the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. The Mayo Clinic states that a portion of the lobes may shrink. You may undergo dramatic changes in personality, leading to socially unacceptable behavior, impulsivity or loss of the ability to use and understand language.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
This is a rare disease that rapidly results in death. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that it affects about 1 out of 1 million people each year. It is related to an acquired protein defect that results in escalating damage and destruction to the brain cells. Your first symptoms are affected memory, thinking and reasoning. Problems continue with affected movement, depression and agitation; this will typically result in death within one year of diagnosis, notes the Alzheimer's Association.
