AstridGuide – Dementia & Alzheimer Guide

Dementia: Different Classification & Unusual Forms

Generally, Dementia is a condition of memory loss. People who have Dementia often realize the symptoms of the condition only during its middle stages. There are different kinds or groups of Dementia. Several diseases are also associated with the condition.

The different classifications of Dementia below group the disorders with common features.

Cortical Dementia – This is the classification of Dementia where the outer layer of the brain or the brain’s cortex is the main portion affected by the brain damage. Problems with memory, thinking, language and social behavior can be due to cortical Dementia.

Subcortical Dementia – With subcortical dementia, the parts of the brain which are affected are those below the cortex. This category of dementia can also bring about memory loss, degradation in thinking ability as well as changes in movement and emotions.

Progressive Dementia – As its term implies, this kind of Dementia does not get any better as time goes by. Over time, the condition of a person with a progressive dementia gets worse. The disease gradually alters and decreases different cognitive abilities.

Primary Dementia – This classification of Dementia is not brought about by any other forms or diseases. An example of this kind of dementia is the famous Alzheimer’s disease. Primary dementia happens by itself without any factors causing it to occur.

Secondary Dementia – Contrary to primary Dementia, this is one that is brought about by an injury or another physical disease. An example of this would be an accident causing serious head and brain damage, hence memory loss.

There are types of Dementia that fall under two or more Dementia classifications. Alzheimer’s disease, for one, is considered a cortical and progressive Dementia.

There are also forms of Dementia that are rare or unusual. Here are some examples of uncommon types of Dementia:

Lewy Body Dementia – Within the brain cells, there are some areas where abnormal staining occurs. These areas are referred to as lewy bodies. These are either found alone or combined with senile plaques of Alzheimer’s in the cerebral cortex. People afflicted with Lewy Body Dementia may show symptoms of paranoid delusions or hallucinations, episodes of confusion, or gait disturbance.

Pick’s Disease – People with Pick’s disease have swollen and abnormal brain cells in the frontal and temporal lobes. The effect of Pick’s disease on a person varies. It can change the person’s personality and sexual behavior. It can also cause speech defects such as echolalia, failure to identify objects and routine development.