Common Types of Dementia and How the Dementia Care Professionals at Visiting Angels in Hoboken, NJ Can Help

Over time, while we are aging, minor memory changes tend to occur. However, there is a difference between the normal aging process and having dementia. If you have noticed that you or a loved one are having a hard time remembering recent events, misplacing everyday items, or sometimes forget names for a moment, please don’t worry— these are all signs of normal aging. Although, if you do notice symptoms such as seriously impaired thinking, memory, and problem-solving that interferes with daily living, reach out to a medical professional, because these are signs of dementia.

When these types of symptoms arise, dementia care is here to help.

Symptoms of Dementia in Seniors

Seniors with dementia can experience a range of symptoms such:

• Communication challenges
• Reasoning difficulties
• Problem-solving issues
• Motor function limitations
• Disorientation
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Personality changes (i.e., dementia and anger)

With dementia care, all of these symptoms can be looked after and taken care off with the assistance of a trained care professional with Visiting Angels of Hoboken.

Types of Dementia

Dementia is not a disease itself, rather it is a condition that is caused by a variety of different diseases, which all use different dementia care. The most common types of diseases are:

• Alzheimer’s Disease
  Alzheimer’s disease is responsible for 60-80% of all dementia cases, this disease typically causes memory loss, language issues, and unpredictable behavior. Many individuals struggling with Alzheimer’s tend to also display erratic changes in behavior, often leaving the individual confused and frightened, or erratic and angry, sometimes rapidly switching between these extremes. Researchers haven’t found the root cause of Alzheimer’s, but they have found that there is a link between genes that can be passed from parent and child. Reach out to learn how a Visiting Angel caregiver can provide Alzheimer’s care for your loved one.

• Vascular Dementia
  Vascular dementia appears when the blood vessels that provide oxygen to the brain are damaged; it is possible for the damage to be gradual and progress over time due to numerous narrowed blood vessels and/or small blockages or bleeds in the brain, it can also have a sudden onset after experiencing vascular brain injuries such as a stroke. Vascular dementia differs from Alzheimer’s because memory loss is not a commonly pronounced symptom; instead, the most common symptoms of vascular dementia are sluggish thinking, trouble solving problems or making decisions, unsteady gait, and difficulty concentrating or focusing.

• Lewy Body Dementia
  Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s are similar because they are both common causes of progressive dementia. Men experience Lewy Body dementia more often than women; it can also have a sudden onset while progressing quickly. The following are common symptoms of Lewy Body: impaired thinking and memory, difficulty remaining alert or maintaining attention, stiffness and slowness of movement, visual hallucinations, and changes to sleep and behavior. It is also common for Lewy Body to cause your bodily systems to become dysregulated, which tends to lead to circulatory or digestive problems such as changes to blood pressure, dizziness, and constipation.

• Mixed Dementia
  It is not uncommon for a person with dementia to have two or more underlying diseases that are contributing to their symptoms, an example would be someone living with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia Care for Seniors in Hoboken, Kearny, and Nearby Cities

There are reversible conditions that can mimic dementia symptoms, which is why it is imperative to get the correct medical diagnosis. Reach out to your loved one’s doctor if you notice any of symptoms, their doctor will let know if dementia care would be a good fit. Especially talk to them if your senior has a risk factor for dementia such as:

• Family history
• Poor diet
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking or alcohol use
• Cardiovascular disease
• Sleep apnea
  

If you're interested in more information about how in home care or dementia care can help your senior loved one call Visiting Angels of Hoboken at 201-533-1415.