As your parent ages, it’s important to stay informed about dementia, especially since the risk increases with age. While Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia are well-known, other memory disorders can also affect seniors. In this second part of our series, we’ll explore these less common forms of dementia, their causes, and symptoms.
Memory Disorders: 8 Less Common Types of Dementia
Young-Onset Dementia
Young-onset dementia is diagnosed in people under 65. It can take the form of Alzheimer’s or frontotemporal dementia. Symptoms often mirror older adults’ symptoms but appear when work and family responsibilities are significant. Risk factors include genetics and lifestyle. Diagnosis is challenging due to its rarity in younger individuals.
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Mild cognitive impairment involves memory or thinking issues that are more noticeable than typical aging but don’t disrupt daily life. MCI may develop into dementia, but this doesn’t always happen. Risk factors include age, genetics, and medical conditions. Those with MCI often notice mild memory loss while still maintaining their independence.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
CJD is a rare, rapidly progressive brain disorder caused by prions—abnormal proteins that damage the brain. Symptoms include memory loss, vision problems, and muscle stiffness, with fatal outcomes usually within a year. CJD affects about one in a million people annually. There is no cure, and treatments focus on easing symptoms.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
NPH occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain, causing memory issues, walking difficulties, and incontinence. Its symptoms can resemble those of other dementias, making diagnosis difficult. Surgery to insert a shunt to drain the excess fluid can significantly improve symptoms in many cases.
Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD)
Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to ARBD, which causes memory loss and cognitive problems. If caught early, ARBD may not worsen if alcohol use stops. Symptoms include confusion, learning difficulties, and behavior changes. Early treatment, including alcohol cessation and proper nutrition, can help manage the condition.
Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
Parkinson’s disease dementia can develop in those with Parkinson’s following the onset of motor symptoms. Symptoms include memory loss, slow thinking, and concentration issues. Parkinson’s dementia is caused by the same process that affects movement, involving the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Treatment focuses on both motor and cognitive issues. Parkinson’s is one of the more tragic memory disorders.
Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA)
PCA is a rare type of dementia that impacts visual processing. People with PCA struggle with reading, recognizing faces, and judging distances, even though their memory may still be intact. The cause is often linked to Alzheimer’s but can be related to other brain changes as well.
Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)
PPA affects language abilities, causing difficulty with speaking, forming sentences, and understanding words. It is caused by the degeneration of brain areas responsible for language. Unlike other dementias, PPA starts with language problems before memory loss becomes significant.
If you’re concerned about any of these symptoms in your parent, early diagnosis is crucial for better treatment. Speak with a healthcare professional to get the right support.
If you haven’t already done so, check out part one of this series for information on more common types of dementia.
Innovative, Experienced, and Trusted Senior Living Community
Looking for exceptional service and care for your loved one? We welcome you to our senior living communities, where the health and well-being of our residents are our top priority. Please visit our contact page, and we’ll answer your questions.
Thanks for visiting!
