Full list of symptoms of 4 most common forms of dementia | The Sun

YOU might assume that dementia is just dementia – but in fact, there are as many as 200 forms of the disease, four of which show up most commonly in patients.

Dementia is actually an umbrella term under which various diseases fall, all of which are a result of damage to the brain, and many of which share similar symptoms.

Memory loss is the classic symptom most of us would clock, but difficulty concentrating, becoming confused over everyday tasks or where you are and struggling to remember words or follow a conversation are all early warning signs to keep an eye on.

Then there are four key types of dementia to know:

1. Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and according to the NHS, symptoms include:

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  • memory problems, such as regularly forgetting recent events, names and faces
  • asking questions repetitively
  • increasing difficulties with tasks and activities that require organisation and planning
  • becoming confused in unfamiliar environments
  • difficulty finding the right words
  • difficulty with numbers and/or handling money in shops
  • becoming more withdrawn or anxious

2. Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia comes in second place, but it is possible to suffer Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, which can be called "mixed dementia".

The symptoms can be similar, but memory loss in the early stages of vascular dementia is less pronounced than in Alzheimer's patients.

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Onset of symptoms can can also be sudden and swiftly worsen. But they can also take time to develop, appearing over several months or even years.

The NHS says to look out for:

  • https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/2063002/what-casues-stroke-main-signs-symptoms/stroke-like symptoms: including muscle weakness or temporary paralysis on one side of the body (these symptoms require urgent medical attention)
  • movement problems, like difficulty walking or a change in the way a person walks
  • thinking problems, meaning having difficulty with paying attention, planning and reasoning
  • mood changes, so depression and a tendency to become more emotional

3. Dementia with Lewy bodies

Another type of dementia where symptoms can overlap with Alzheimer's disease is dementia with Lewy bodies – it's far less well known though.

However, with this one, the NHS says a person may also struggle with…

  • periods of being alert or drowsy
  • fluctuating levels of confusion
  • visual hallucinations (seeing things that are not there)
  • becoming slower in their physical movements
  • repeated falls and fainting
  • sleep disturbances

4. Frontotemporal dementia

Alzheimer's disease is still the most common type of dementia in people under 65, but a higher percentage of people in this age group may develop frontotemporal dementia than older people. 

In fact, most frontotemporal dementia cases are diagnosed in those aged 45-65.

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Sufferers in the early stages, notes the NHS, may exhibit:

  • personality changes which can include a reduced sensitivity to other peoples' feelings, making pan individual seem cold and unfeeling
  • lack of social awareness – that could mean making inappropriate jokes or showing a lack of tact, though some people may become very withdrawn and apathetic
  • language problems – difficulty finding the right words or understanding them
  • becoming obsessive – such as developing fads for unusual foods, overeating and drinking

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