Book: What is dementia?

1. Introduction

In this topic we will start to outline what dementia is and how it affects people. This course is presented by The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. We have been working for over 30 years to support people with dementia.

The learning outcomes of this topic of the course are to:

Gain a better understanding of dementia by

• defining dementia
• outlining the different types of dementia
• recognising the different stages and symptoms of dementia

2. Defining Dementia?

Definition: Dementia is a term which describes a number of conditions that cause damage to brain cells. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. There are various types of dementia. It is important to understand that dementia is a progressive condition.

This video is available at: https://youtu.be/fmaEql66gB0

There are several different types of dementia. Let's continue by taking a look at some of them.

3. The different types of dementia

There are a number of different types of dementia. 

We will look at the main types in the following pages.

Getting a definitive diagnosis of the type of dementia does not happen for everybody. In the earlier stages differentiating the symptoms in the different types may be possible. It may also be possible to carry out diagnostic tests which can help to determine which type of dementia the person has. People can also have more than one type of dementia e.g. Alzheimer's disease and then develop Vascular Dementia.  As most dementia's progress the symptoms of the different types of dementia are often very similar.

3.1. Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease

This is the most common type of dementia, memory loss is usually the first symptom. More details in the video below.

This video is available at: https://youtu.be/wfLP8fFrOp0

3.2. Vascular Dementia

Vascular Dementia

This is the second most common type of dementia and occurs when blood supply to the brain is damaged. This can lead to strokes. Progression of the disease can happen in 'steps', rather than the gradual process in other forms of dementia.

This video is available at: https://youtu.be/GdkU5vCIpaU

3.3. Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal Dementia

This is a more rare form of dementia. Symptoms include changes to personality, behaviour and language skills.

This video is available at: https://youtu.be/QuJFLr5Ib9k

3.4. Dementia with Lewy bodies

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Shares some of the characteristics of both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Symptoms can include muscle stiffness, shuffling or trembling. 

This video is available at: https://youtu.be/hhE2dyeHP54

3.5. Early onset dementia

There is a wider range of diseases that cause early-onset dementia and a younger person is much more likely to have a rarer form of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of early onset dementia. Other forms are vascular dementia, frontal-temporal dementia, Lewy bodies dementia and Korsakoff’s syndrome, which is alcohol related dementia.

People with other conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease or HIV and AIDS, may also develop early onset dementia as part of their illness. Also, people with Down’s syndrome and other learning disabilities can develop dementia at an early age.

4. Signs and Symptoms of Dementia

Dementia is a progressive condition. The speed of progression varies between individuals. Unfortunately, there is no cure for dementia at the moment.

In this section we will outline the various stages a person with dementia may go through on their journey - from the early stages of the illness following diagnosis, to the middle stages, to the later, final stages.

Each stage can usually be recognised through the various symptoms associated with early, middle and late phases of dementia. However, it is important to state that this is not always possible, as different individuals react in different ways to the illness.

This video is available to watch at: https://youtu.be/-phkRq5XMR4