Types of Dementia and Treatment Options in Delhi

Dementia is a term for a group of symptoms such as impaired thinking, memory, and the capacity to carry out daily tasks are together referred to as dementia. Over time, the disease worsens. Not everyone will develop it as they age, although it primarily affects those who are older. 

Dementia is a syndrome which is characterised by destruction of nerve cells and the brain tissue over the time, ultimately resulting in deterioration in cognitive function. This is more than one might anticipate from the normal effects of biological ageing. Although there is no impact on consciousness, mood, emotional regulation, behaviour, or motivation changes generally accompany—and sometimes precede—the deterioration in cognitive performance.

In addition to the individuals who have dementia, dementia also affects their families, caretakers, and society as a whole in physical, psychological, social, and economic ways. There is often a lack of awareness and understanding of dementia, which results in stigmatization and delayed diagnosis and care.

Every year, around 10 million new dementia cases arise. A number of illnesses and traumas that impact the brain can cause dementia. As 60–70% of dementia cases may be caused by Alzheimer disease, it is the most common cause of dementia. Among older adults worldwide, dementia is one of the main causes of disability and dependency and its seventh leading cause of death. Both directly and indirectly, dementia disproportionately affects women. In addition to providing 70% of the care hours for individuals with dementia, women also have higher disability-adjusted life years and dementia-related death rates.

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What is Dementia?

Dementia is a state of an individual's mental function and not a specific disorder. It results in decline in mental function from a higher level that is severe enough to interfere with day-to-day activities. The person’s ability to think, remember, reason, maintain his/her personality, as well as keeping the mood and behavior in control is compromised.  It’s estimated that about 50% of people aged 85 and older suffer from dementia. Medications may help in slowing the mental decline.

Main Types of Dementia

Following the 3 major classes of dementia:

• Primary dementia: These are the diseases and conditions where dementia exists as the main illness.
• Secondary dementia: It manifests due to another disease or condition.
• Reversible dementia: It is characterised by dementia-like symptoms caused by other illnesses or causes.

Following are the common types of dementia (primary):

• Alzheimer’s disease: This is the most common type of dementia. Your brain accumulates tau and amyloid proteins, two aberrant proteins. These proteins interfere with your brain's nerve cells' ability to communicate with one another. Nerve cells die, starting in one area and spreading as more nerve cells die in other areas. Short-term memory loss, disorientation, and behavioural and personality abnormalities are among the symptoms. As the disease advances, problems with walking, talking, and recalling past events manifests. Up to 10% of those over 65 and roughly 50% of those over 85 suffer from Alzheimer's disease, as it primarily affects the elderly population. One significant risk factor behind this type of dementia is family history. Around 60% to 80% of people with dementia suffer from this type of dementia.
• Vascular dementia: The second most prevalent kind of dementia is vascular dementia. It happens due to diseases including atherosclerosis and strokes that obstruct and damage the blood vessels inside the brain. Memory issues, disorientation, and difficulty focussing and finishing tasks are some of its characteristic symptoms. The deterioration may occur gradually (after a string of minor strokes) or abruptly (after a big stroke). High blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol are the main risk factors. Vascular dementia affects 15% to 25% of dementia patients.
• Lewy body dementia: This disorder is caused by the accumulation of protein clusters, known as Lewy bodies, in the nerve cells of your brain. Nerve cells get damaged by Lewy bodies. Movement and balance issues, altered sleep patterns, memory loss, trouble with planning and problem-solving, and visual hallucinations and delusions are some of the symptoms associated with this type of dementia. Lewy Body dementia accounts for 5–10% of dementia cases.
• Frontotemporal dementia (FTD): Damage to your brain's frontal and temporal lobes may result in this type of dementia. The accumulation of aberrant proteins in these regions causes brain damage. It is characterised by impaired language skills (talking or understanding), forgetting the meaning of common words), loss of physical coordination, altered social behaviour, and personality changes. FTD commonly impacts individuals between the ages of 45 and 64 and is a prominent cause of early dementia. FTD accounts for 5–6% of all dementias.
• Mixed dementia: This dementia is a combination of two or more different kinds of dementia. Most commonly vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease dementia manifest together. People 80 years of age and older are most likely to suffer from it. Because many symptoms of each form of dementia overlap or because the symptoms of one dementia may be more visible than those of another, diagnosis of this type of dementia becomes challenging. Those with mixed dementia experience a faster deterioration than those with just one form.

Symptoms of Dementia Disease

• Cognitive Changes
  • Memory loss
  • Problems communicating or finding words
  • Trouble with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving
  • Impaired reasoning or problem-solving
  • Trouble in performing complex tasks
  • Trouble with planning and organizing
  • Poor coordination and uncontrolled movements.
  • Confusion and disorientation
• Psychological Changes
  • Personality changes
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Altered behavior
  • Paranoia (increased suspicious behavior)
  • Hallucinations (experiencing unreal things)

Causes of Dementia

Following are the main causes of dementia:

1. Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (most common cause of dementia), Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body formation, or any damage to frontotemporal dementia
2. Vascular conditions
3. Brain injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) or repetitive head trauma (e.g., in sports or accidents).
4. Certain infections like HIV/AIDS, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and syphilis can damage brain tissue, leading to dementia.
5. Deficiency of vitamin B12, folate, or thiamine 
6. Metabolic and endocrine disorders such as thyroid imbalances, liver disease, kidney dysfunction, or prolonged uncontrolled diabetes
7. Chronic alcohol or substance abuse
8. Side effects of certain medications 
9. Genetic disorders such as early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease
10. Brain tumors or lesions

Dementia Treatment in Delhi

Delhi's top hospitals and specialised neurology clinics provide comprehensive and cutting-edge dementia care. To enhance quality of life, skilled neurologists offer individualised treatment that includes supportive therapies, cognitive rehabilitation, and medication management. Patients receive comprehensive care that is suited to their needs because of access to cutting-edge facilities and multidisciplinary teams.

Conclusion

Acknowledging your dementia diagnosis early on helps you and your family make preparations for a meaningful quality of life together and organise your healthcare, financial, and legal objectives and desires. Your healthcare team includes expert neurologists and rehabilitation specialists. You may also get help from support groups. Support groups are a great way to exchange care advice and find solace in knowing that you're not alone.

If you think you or your loved ones are dealing with forgetfulness or dementia symptoms, then reach out to our experts at IBS Hospital providing the best dementia treatment in Delhi. Book your appointment now!

FAQs

Q1: How is dementia diagnosed?
A: Diagnosis involves cognitive tests, brain imaging (MRI/CT), blood tests, and neurological evaluations by specialists.

Q2: What treatment options are available for dementia in Delhi?
A: Delhi offers medication management, cognitive rehabilitation, behavioral therapy, and supportive care at leading hospitals and clinics.

Q3: Which hospitals in Delhi specialize in dementia care?
A: Top hospitals in Delhi provide specialized dementia care with expert neurologists, geriatric specialists, and advanced facilities.

By -Dr Aaksha Shukla | December 20, 2024 | 9 Min Read