Acknowledgment: Funded by the European Union (AI4HOPE, 101136769). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Health and Digital Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
This work was funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee [Grant No. 101136769].
© 2024 by AI4HOPE Consortium
What is Dementia
ABOUT
Dementia is an umbrella term for the loss of memory and thinking ability caused by different diseases that damage the brain. Dementia is the leading cause of disability and dependency in older adults, affecting nearly 8 million people in the EU. Every person with dementia is unique, and symptoms vary depending on the type and individual factors like personality and social context.
All forms of dementia are progressive and life-limiting. Typical symptoms include memory loss, disorientation, mood changes, resulting in diminished everyday functioning. Symptoms start mildly but worsen over time.
TYPES
The Main Types of Dementia, Highlighting their Causes, Key Symptoms, and How they Differ
About 1 in 10 people with dementia have mixed dementia - most often a combination of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
When dementia develops before age 65, it’s called young onset dementia. It is more common than previously thought, with Alzheimer’s being the most frequent cause. Younger people are more likely to have visual processing, language, or decision-making issues early on, but symptoms eventually resemble those of older adults with dementia.
Alzheimer’s dementia is the most common form, accounting for over 50% of cases. It is caused by Alzheimer’s disease, first described in 1906, and is linked to a build-up of certain proteins in and around brain cells. These disrupt communication between cells and reduce important brain chemicals, leading to the death of brain cells. Symptoms typically begin with memory loss and confusion and later affect language, reasoning, and movement. People may also experience personality changes and difficulties with basic tasks. In advanced stages, walking, sitting, and swallowing may become difficult. Alzheimer's dementia is terminal, though progression rates vary.
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, accounting for 15–20% of cases. It results from impaired blood flow to the brain, often due to stroke, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. Unlike Alzheimer’s, memory loss is often not the first symptom. Early signs include problems with reasoning and speed of thinking.
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the third most common type, responsible for 10-15% of cases. It is caused by abnormal protein deposits known as Lewy bodies, which also occur in Parkinson’s disease. Early symptoms include visual hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and changes in mood and attention, often fluctuating. Movement issues like tremors and rigidity are also common. As DLB advances, memory loss and problems with regulating body functions develop.
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is less common and usually affects people aged 40-65. It results from damage to the frontal and temporal lobes, often due to protein build-up. The behavioural variant of FTD affects emotional control and behaviour, while primary progressive aphasia leads to language and speech difficulties in early stages. In later stages, both forms may include memory loss and problems with daily activities.
Palliative Care for People with Dementia
CARE
As a progressive syndrome affecting cognition, behaviour and independence, dementia can strongly impact the quality of life of people affected. People with dementia and their supporters should thus have access to palliative care solutions right after diagnosis and throughout the entire patient journey. A palliative approach to dementia may greatly benefit from recent technological advancements, for instance in the field of artificial intelligence.
Dementia
An overview of dementia, its various types, symptoms, progression, and the importance of palliative care throughout the course of the disease.
For more information about dementia, please visit alzheimer-europe.org.