Understanding Different Dementias
We often get asked about the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia. Dementia is the ‘umbrella’ term for a range of different neurological conditions that cause cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease. We often get asked about the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia.
While we’ve provided approximate percentages of cases, it’s important to note that overlapping symptoms among different types of dementia and challenges in obtaining accurate data make these percentages estimates rather than precise figures.
Let’s break it down together:
What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?
What are the different types of dementia?
Understanding these can make a big difference in navigating cognitive health. Let’s explore!
Types of Dementia
Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-70% of all dementia cases. It is characterized by the buildup of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular tau tangles in the brain, which disrupt communication between neurons. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language, and changes in behavior.
Vascular Dementia This type results from conditions that block or reduce blood flow to the brain, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. Common causes include strokes and other blood vessel conditions. Symptoms can vary but often include problems with planning, judgment, and memory. Vascular dementia accounts for about 15-20% of all dementia cases.
Lewy Body Dementia Lewy body dementia is caused by abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. These deposits, known as Lewy bodies, affect chemicals in the brain and lead to problems with thinking, movement, behavior, and mood. Symptoms can include visual hallucinations, movement disorders, and cognitive fluctuations. It affects around 5-10% of all dementia cases.
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) FTD involves the degeneration of nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are areas associated with personality, behavior, and language. Symptoms often include changes in personality and behavior, difficulty with language, and motor problems. FTD accounts for about 2-5% of dementia cases.
Mixed Dementia Some individuals have a combination of two or more types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. This can complicate diagnosis and treatment as symptoms may overlap. Mixed dementia is estimated to affect around 10-15% of all dementia cases in Australia.
Other Types There are several other less common types of dementia, including Huntington's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and normal pressure hydrocephalus, each with its own specific causes and symptoms.
The Bredesen Protocol for Alzheimer’s
Dr. Bredesen’s research has primarily focused on Alzheimer’s disease but has also shown promise for Lewy Body and Vascular Dementia. More research is needed to fully explore its potential benefits for other dementias, including Frontotemporal Dementia.
Supporting Information and Learn More
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW): Comprehensive data on the prevalence of dementia in Australia, including detailed statistics on the number of people affected, demographic breakdowns, and projections for future prevalence
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care: Insights into the prevalence rates of dementia among different age groups in Australia and highlights the higher rates of dementia among Indigenous Australian.
National Institute of Ageing (USA): Understanding Different Types of Dementia.