Dementia

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. It is a progressive brain disease that results in the decline of cognitive and functional abilities due to the buildup of abnormal beta-amyloid and tau proteins. This disease is not a normal aspect of aging and can lead to memory loss and a gradual decline in cognitive and functional abilities, from normal aging to mild cognitive impairment and eventually dementia. The underlying Alzheimer's disease is the cause of the dementia.

Vascular dementia is a type of cognitive decline caused by inadequate blood flow to the brain, resulting in reduced memory, concentration, and other cognitive functions. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can be caused by a single stroke or a series of minor strokes. It can also be linked to underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Treatment focuses on preventing deterioration by treating the underlying cause, and using drugs for Alzheimer's may also help. Managing underlying conditions can improve outcomes and delay further decline.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to a dopamine deficiency. Symptoms, such as tremors, stiffness, and balance problems, develop slowly and progress differently in each individual. Treatment involves medication to increase or substitute dopamine, and may need to be adjusted as the disease advances. Surgery, such as deep brain stimulation, may be considered for advanced cases. The disease can also cause cognitive changes and psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, which require separate treatment.

Dementia with Lewy bodies is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the accumulation of abnormal alpha-synuclein proteins in the brain. This buildup leads to damage of brain cells, resulting in a wide range of symptoms. In addition to the more common symptoms of memory loss, people with dementia with Lewy bodies may experience problems with movement and balance, such as stiffness or tremors. They may also experience fluctuations in their level of alertness, including daytime sleepiness, confusion, or staring spells. Furthermore, they may have trouble sleeping at night, or they may experience visual hallucinations.

FTD refers to a set of disorders characterized by changes in language and/or behavior, caused by progressive brain cell loss in the frontal or temporal lobes. The frontal lobe damage can lead to alterations in personality and social behavior, sometimes resulting in unexpected changes from the person's normal behavior. On the other hand, when the brain cell damage primarily affects the temporal lobe, communication difficulties tend to be the most prominent symptom.