Aging is the natural order of life. However, in today’s fast-paced world where time and space can disappear in the ether of technology, it is easy to forget that it is the most natural state of our development as human beings.

However, sometimes the affects of aging can manifest at an earlier age and these may seem more advanced than would normally be expected.   Sometimes this is referred to as "dementia".

Understanding that there are many different types of dementia can be a very important first step to feeling more in control and better-equipped to help you or your loved ones continue to live as full a life as possible.

Early diagnosis is key as there are a number of emerging medications that have proven to slow the progression of this disease. 

So what is Dementia?

Dementia is a brain disorder that can result in memory problems, difficulty in doing day-to-day activities, mood swings, and personality changes. Millions of people are affected by dementia every day, and their symptoms are determined by what type of dementia they have, and how far it has progressed.

What Causes Dementia?

Dementia can be caused by many things, including a brain infection, the death of neurons and cells, or a brain injury, such as a stroke or a trauma.

Common Types of Dementia

Though Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, others can have just as devastating an effect. Here are a few of the common types:

• Alzheimer's: This accounts for 70 percent of all dementia cases.  An estimated 614,000 people in England currently have dementia, representing 1.2% of the population. According to official projections this will increase by 70% to more than 1 million in the next 20 years.
• Vascular Dementia: A type of dementia caused by strokes, this usually begins rapidly and can progress very quickly.
• Dementia with Lewy Bodies: Lewy bodies are protein deposits in the brain that can mimic the effects of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
• Frontotemporal Dementia: Also known as Pick's disease, this type of dementia affects personality first, and can often strike at a younger age than the other common types.

Ten most common symptoms:-

The disease usually begins with small changes in a person's behaviour and memory but eventually can include decreased judgement and reasoning, difficulty performing daily tasks, changes in mood and losses in language abilities.

Some of the most common signs, which are often noticed, are:

• forgetfulness – forgetting names of people or everyday items;
• loss of short term memory - forgetting what you did or were told or read a short time ago
• difficulty following what people are saying or understanding relatively simple instructions and retaining them
• difficulty making decisions
• finding people are commenting on your forgetfulness
• some people may become suspicious of others and appear withdrawn
• mood swings may be more obvious
• judgement impairment may present, for example,  wearing inappropriate clothing for the prevailing weather
• reduced interest in everyday activities e.g. household chores.

Other Types of Dementia

There are a few lesser-known types of dementia. They might not occur as often as those listed above, but when they can be just as devastating.

• Dementia Caused by Infectious Disease: Dementia related to HIV/AIDS, encephalitis, neurosyphilis, meningitis, and other infections might be reversible or treatable if caught early enough.
• Traumatic Injury: A significant injury to the brain increases the chances of dementia, but it is rare, appearing in less than 5 percent of all dementia cases.
• Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease: This form of dementia usually begins with spasms throughout the body. A slow-moving virus in the body causes it, and once symptoms appear, progression is usually rapid.
• Huntington's Disease: An inherited disease, Huntington's can cause problems with memory, changes in personality, and mood swings. Some eventual problems include lack of coordination and involuntary twitching.
• Alcohol Dementia: This type of dementia can lead to cognitive problems as result of the toxic effects of long-term alcohol abuse.

Next Step

If you feel you or a family member maybe experiencing some of the symptoms shown above make an appointment with your Doctor in the first instance.