Capacity & Confusion:

Major Forms of Dementia

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DISEASE CAUSE SYMPTOMS
Alzheimer’s Lack of chemical in brain causing “neurofibrillary tangles” Onset age: 60 – 80 Slow and steady progression of dementia
Vascular or multi-infarct dementia Multiple infarctions (strokes) from rupture of small vessels; linked to hypertension Onset age: 55 – 70 Step-wise progression of dementia
Parkinson’s Deficiency of dopamine (chemical in brain) Onset age: 55 – 65 Mild dementia along with tremor; rigidity; abnormal body movements
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Increase in fluid in lateral ventricles Dementia along with incontinence and gait disturbance
Wernicke-Korsakoff Thiamine deficiency from alcoholism and poor nutrition Psychosis; disorientation; hallucinations; ataxia
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Non-inflammatory virus; changes in brain Onset age: 50 – 60; rapidly progressive
Pick’s Disease Neurological disease involving frontal and temporal regions of cortex Often confused with Alzheimer’s Disease; memory disturbance; apathy; poor personal hygiene; decreased attention span
Lewy-Bodies Disease Neurological Resembles Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease; dementia and abnormal body movements
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