Dementia is a general term that describes a decline in cognitive abilities that affects a person's daily life.
There are different types of dementia, each with its own causes, symptoms and progression.
In this blog post, I will explain some of the most common types of dementia and how they affect the person and their legal capacity.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for about 60-80% of all cases. It is caused by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits called amyloid plaques and twisted fibers called tau tangles in the brain. These damage the brain cells and interfere with their communication. Alzheimer's disease usually affects memory first, especially the ability to form new memories. As the disease progresses, other cognitive functions such as language, reasoning, judgment and orientation are also impaired. People with Alzheimer's disease may also experience mood and personality changes, such as depression, anxiety, apathy and agitation. Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative and irreversible condition that worsens over time. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but some treatments can help manage the symptoms and slow down the decline.
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, accounting for about 10-20% of all cases. It is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain due to conditions such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. This deprives the brain cells of oxygen and nutrients and leads to their death. Vascular dementia can affect different cognitive functions depending on which part of the brain is damaged. Some common symptoms include memory loss, confusion, difficulty with planning and problem-solving, impaired judgment and attention, and mood and behavior changes. Vascular dementia can have a sudden or gradual onset and can progress in a stepwise or continuous manner. The course and severity of vascular dementia depend on the underlying cause and the extent of brain damage. Some risk factors for vascular dementia can be prevented or controlled by adopting a healthy lifestyle and managing chronic conditions.
Lewy body dementia is another common type of dementia, accounting for about 10-15% of all cases. It is caused by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. These affect the brain cells that control movement, memory and thinking. Lewy body dementia can cause symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease, such as memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment and language skills. However, it can also cause symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, stiffness, slowness and balance problems. People with Lewy body dementia may also experience visual hallucinations, fluctuations in alertness and attention, sleep disorders and sensitivity to certain medications. Lewy body dementia is a progressive and incurable condition that worsens over time. There is no specific treatment for Lewy body dementia, but some medications can help manage some of the symptoms.
Frontotemporal dementia is a rare type of dementia that affects about 5-10% of all cases. It is caused by the degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for personality, behavior, language and social skills. Frontotemporal dementia usually affects younger people than other types of dementia, typically between 45 and 65 years old. Frontotemporal dementia can cause different symptoms depending on which part of the brain is affected. Some common symptoms include changes in personality and behavior, such as loss of empathy, inhibition, motivation and social awareness; difficulty with language skills, such as speaking, understanding, reading and writing; and problems with executive functions, such as planning, organizing and reasoning. Frontotemporal dementia is a progressive and irreversible condition that worsens over time. There is no cure for frontotemporal dementia, but some medications can help manage some of the behavioral symptoms.
These are some of the most common types of dementia that affect millions of people around the world.
Dementia can have a significant impact on a person's legal capacity, which is their ability to make decisions and act on them in accordance with the law. A person with dementia may lose their legal capacity partially or completely as their condition progresses.
This can affect their rights and responsibilities in various areas of life, such as health care, finances, property and personal affairs.
As a guardianship lawyer, I help people with dementia and their families to protect their legal interests and ensure their well-being.
If you or someone you know has dementia or is at risk of developing it, it is important to plan ahead and seek legal advice as soon as possible