At Paintbrush Assisted Living, we recognize how concerning a condition like dementia can be. However, dementia isn’t what people usually think it is. Dementia is actually an umbrella term used for a group of progressive neurological disorders that impact multiple bodily functions, not just cognitive abilities. In fact, dementia refers to a group of conditions characterized by cognitive decline, with main types including Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal, and mixed dementia. Each type is different and requires specialized dementia care for safety and symptom management. In this blog, we will cover the different types of dementia and the care they require. Lastly, we will also cover how we at Paintbrush Assisted Living offer memory care programs that support person-centered care.
1. Alzheimer’s Disease
It’s the most common type of dementia, affecting around 60–80% of cases worldwide. Characterized by a slow, progressive decline in memory, language, and cognitive function, it causes brain cells to degenerate, die, and shrink due to abnormal protein buildup within and around them, primarily beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. It primarily affects older adults over 65, disrupting their daily lives and prompting them to begin needing professional care and assistance.
Symptoms
- Memory Loss
- Planning/Problem-Solving
- Disorientation
- Language Difficulties
- Visual/Spatial Problems
- Social Withdrawal
- Mood Shifts
- Personality Changes
- Misplacing Items
- Difficulty with Routine Tasks
- Reduced Motor Skills
- Physical Decline
Care Needs
Alzheimer’s care requires structured plans focused on personalized treatment, centered on safety, convenience, and overall wellness. For this, memory care is a valuable tool, as it provides residents with personalized care plans that simplify tasks and help manage problematic behaviors. The community adjusts care plans as residents’ needs evolve.
2. Vascular Dementia
It’s the second most common type of dementia that typically occurs after a stroke, a series of strokes, small vessel disease, or chronic hypertension. It causes a gradual decline in one’s cognitive functioning, often marked by periods of decline followed by stabilization and then further decline, rather than a slow, steady progression. It manifests as a decline in thinking, memory, and reasoning skills, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, which eventually damages brain tissue. As a result, it reduces planning and judgment abilities.
Symptoms
- Executive Dysfunction
- Slowed Thinking
- Confusion & Disorientation
- Memory Lapses
- Language Issues
- Apathy/Depression
- Personality Changes
- Agitation
- Delusions/Hallucinations
- Unsteady Gait/Balance Issues
- Urinary Issues
- Movement Difficulties
Care Needs
Vascular dementia care focuses on managing cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol, to prevent further strokes. Additionally, medication management, exercise, and a calm environment are promoted to help slow progression. Strict medication management promotes brain and heart health, while a calm, structured environment fosters a positive mood, preventing issues like depression.
3. Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)
It’s another progressive, incurable brain disorder characterized by the abnormal buildup of alpha-synuclein proteins (Lewy bodies) that damage brain cells. It manifests as a progressive decline in mental, physical, and behavioral functions, characterized by fluctuating cognitive function. This is common in older adults over 50 and interferes with their daily lives.
Symptoms
- Fluctuating Cognition
- Visual Hallucinations
- Parkinsonism (Movement Issues)
- REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)
- Executive Function Deficits
- Memory Loss
- Neuropsychiatric Changes
- Autonomic Dysfunction
- Severe Medication Sensitivity
- Unexplained Falls
Care Needs
Caring for Lewy body dementia requires managing severe fluctuations in cognition, vivid hallucinations, Parkinsonian motor symptoms, and autonomic dysfunction (blood pressure). Key elements include building robust safety protocols to prevent falls and manage medication sensitivity. Additionally, it entails creating structured, calming routines to handle sundowning.
4. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
This type of dementia tends to affect people earlier than other types of dementia and is common in adults in their 40s to 60s. It involves a group of disorders that cause degeneration and damage to the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain, affecting personality, behavior, and language. Key signs include uninhibited behavior, emotional indifference, and language loss, with no known cure.
Symptoms
- Inappropriate Behavior
- Apathy & Loss of Empathy
- Compulsive Behaviors
- Dietary Changes
- Lack of Insight
- Difficulty Speaking
- Loss of Meaning
- Reduced Vocabulary
- Movement Issues
- Physical Decline
Care Needs
Managing Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) requires a multifaceted approach that targets personality changes, behavioral disinhibition, and language loss, rather than focusing solely on memory loss. Key measures include establishing structured, calm routines to reduce behavioral outbursts, providing high-level supervision, and using specialized communication methods to address language issues. At times, specialized environments may also be used to reduce frustration.
5. Mixed Dementia
Mixed dementia involves more than one type of dementia, leading to a more complex pattern of cognitive decline. Most commonly, Alzheimer’s disease occurs alongside vascular dementia, causing symptoms that may progress faster than a single type of dementia. This often results in significant memory loss, executive dysfunction, slow thinking, severe confusion, and motor skill impairment.
Symptoms
- Memory Loss & Confusion
- Executive Dysfunction
- Slowed Thinking
- Language Difficulties
- Behavioral & Mood Changes
- Vascular/Motor Issues
- Hallucinations/Delusions
- Incontinence
Care Needs
This type of dementia requires a highly customized, comprehensive approach to managing the dominant symptoms. Key measures include safety protocols, structured behavioral management routines, and specialized cardiovascular monitoring. All of this helps manage unpredictable, rapid cognitive decline that requires close attention.
Get Personalized Dementia Care With Paintbrush Assisted Living
At Paintbrush Assisted Living, we understand how overwhelming it can be for a family to manage the increasing responsibilities of caring for a loved one with dementia. While each type has its own impact, all dementias cause progressive, irreversible damage to brain cells, leading to cognitive decline.
Dementia is a complex condition that requires specialized, strategic care provided by memory care communities like ours at Paintbrush Assisted Living. Our professional staff is trained to provide tailored memory care programs that offer compassionate care to all residents.
We believe in fostering whole-person wellness, not just offering cognitive support. As part of our holistic care program, we provide residents with personalized care assistance designed to meet their individual needs. To learn more about our care plans, amenities, and services, contact us today.
