Understanding Dementia

“Dementia” describes brain changes that can interfere with daily life, and there are many types. Understanding and support can help people living with dementia live an enjoyable life.

A common condition that can affect older adults is dementia. What does that term really mean? The Alzheimer’s Association explains: “Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.” By their current estimates, Alzheimer’s affects 6.9 million Americans ages 65 and older.

It’s important to know that there are many types of dementia. In most cases, dementia brings on gradual change. For Alzheimer’s, there are several stages, from mild to severe. Here are the basics to know.

Types of Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of neurological conditions affecting the brain that worsen over time, explains CoAction on its Dementia Resources web page. Alzheimer’s disease is considered the most common.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s’ disease include disorientation, confusion, and behavior changes, says CoAction. It can progress over years and is not yet curable. Some medications, though, can slow its progress and help manage symptoms.

Other types of dementia include:

• Frontotemporal Dementia, which can affect behavior or ability to speak and understand others
• Lewy Body Dementia, which can cause impaired thinking and problems with movement, including tremors, stiffness, slowness, and difficulty walking, and hallucinations. Many people confuse Lewy Body Dementia with psychiatric disorders, leading to improper medication prescriptions and facility settings.
• Vascular Dementia, caused by a series of small strokes that restrict blood flow the brain needs in order to function well. This type of dementia is typically seen in individuals that have cardiovascular issues such as hypertension.
• Mixed Dementia, a combination of two or more types of dementia. As research advances, dementia experts are recognizing that many dementias are “mixed,” meaning they arise from multiple causes. In fact, we now understand that mixed dementia may be the norm, says the Alzheimer’s Association.

Recently, a new form of dementia called “LATE” dementia has been also identified. It comes from a misfolded protein in the brain (called TDP-43) and affects about 1 in 3 people over age 85. Learning about disease processes in the brain is helping researchers explore new ways to help prevent and manage dementia.

What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?

“Cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment may develop for years before dementia appears,” explains the National Institutes of Health. There are brain-health habits we can develop at any age to help protect cognitive health.

Explains the National Institute on Aging, “some changes in thinking are common as people get older.” For example, they say older adults may:

• Be slower to find words and recall names
• Have problems with multitasking
• Experience mild decreases in the ability to pay attention.

These experiences are not dementia but can be considered a behavioral “red flag” when these actions interfere with daily activities such as bathing, medication management, cooking, and more. People with mild cognitive impairment can still take care of themselves and perform their normal activities, says the National Institute on Aging.

And aging is not all bad news. Despite common brain changes with aging, older adults often have larger vocabularies. Their life experiences help them solve problems and learn new things, says the National Institute on Aging.

Not “Normal Aging”

Research from the Miken Institute tells us that many adults are more afraid of developing Alzheimer’s disease than they are of cancer, stroke, and heart disease combined. To many of us, dementia means losing independence or sacrificing our quality of life. There is stigma associated with dementia. The Dementia Outreach Specialist at CoAction is actively trying to change this perception. Many people who have a dementia diagnosis live meaningful and enjoyable lives with the right support around them.

Just because you are aging, will you develop dementia? No, says the National Institute on Aging: “Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Many people live into their 90s and beyond without any signs of dementia.” If you think you are experiencing signs of Alzheimer’s or other dementias, CoAction’s Dementia Outreach Specialist can perform a free memory screening and consultation.

Strengths in Dementia

What if dementia is in the picture? Rather than focus on what a person cannot do, it’s helpful to focus on strengths and what brings a person joy. “People living with dementia have abilities and strengths despite their disease,” says the Mayo Clinic. Often, emotional memories and experiences are strong. People living with dementia can still interpret tone, emotions, and positivity, even if they can’t remember your name or face. Also strong is the ability to learn new things through repetition.

In addition, people living with dementia can be highly engaged in the arts. Think music, singing, dancing, storytelling or painting. “Creativity and imagination are areas of strength for people with dementia,” says Mayo. They can help us feel relaxed and happy.

Learn More About Dementia

Many excellent resources can help you learn more about dementia.

• Frequently Asked Questions about Dementia from CoAction
• Additional Dementia Resources from CoAction address memory screening, support groups, helplines, and much more
• How is Alzheimer’s Disease is Diagnosed? from the National Institute on Aging
• How Alzheimer’s Changes the Brain (video) from the National Institute on Aging
• Steps to Take After a Dementia Diagnosis from the National Institute on Aging
• Treatments for Alzheimer’s from the Alzheimer’s Association
• Information about dementia stages and caregiving from the Alzheimer’s Association
• Supports for Caregivers: Finding Balance from CoAction

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with dementia, it’s good to learn as much as you can and work closely with your doctor. As cognitive function declines, many adults with dementia shift into a social and emotional experience that can be very rewarding.

Fun, creativity, and connections are important. With the right help and support, a life with dementia can still be a good life.