Other Kinds Of Dementias You May Not Know About
1. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
Frontotemporal dementia affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which control personality, behaviour, and language. People with FTD may not show any memory loss at first. Instead, they often experience changes in personality, social behaviour (like lack of empathy or tact), or language difficulties. It usually strikes at a younger age than Alzheimer's and can be particularly troubling because individuals may appear apathetic or inappropriately disinhibited, which can be mistaken for psychiatric illness.
2. Lewy body dementia (LBD)
LBD is the second most common form of progressive dementia after Alzheimer's and includes symptoms like visual hallucinations, fluctuating alertness, and Parkinsonism (tremors, stiffness, and slow movement). Memory loss is less prominent early on, but sleep disturbances, acting out dreams, and severe sensitivity to antipsychotic medications are common. The mix of cognitive and motor symptoms makes it especially complex and challenging to manage.
3. Vascular dementia
Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after strokes or small vessel disease, vascular dementia primarily affects thinking speed, problem-solving, and attention rather than memory early on. Symptoms depend on the area of the brain impacted and can appear suddenly or develop gradually. It's often preventable or manageable by addressing heart and blood vessel health.
4. Mixed dementia
Some individuals have more than one type of dementia, commonly Alzheimer's combined with vascular dementia or Lewy body dementia. This mix can make diagnosis difficult and symptoms more variable, involving a combination of memory loss, judgment issues, visual disturbances, and mobility challenges.
5. Parkinson's disease dementia
People with Parkinson's disease may eventually develop dementia, characterised by issues with attention, planning, language, and memory. Hallucinations and paranoia may occur in later stages. The cognitive decline usually appears a year or more after the onset of motor symptoms, differentiating it from Lewy body dementia.
6. Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
Though not always classified strictly as dementia, NPH mimics dementia with symptoms such as trouble walking (shuffling gait), urinary incontinence, and cognitive impairment. It is caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles. Unlike most dementias, NPH can sometimes be reversed with surgical intervention (shunt placement).
7. Huntington's disease dementia
Huntington's is a genetic disorder that causes degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and includes movement disorders, mood swings, and eventually dementia. Cognitive decline in Huntington's involves difficulty with organising, prioritising, and focusing rather than memory problems initially.
These lesser-known types of dementia are worrying because they may not be recognised early and may present symptoms mistaken for depression, anxiety, or even laziness. Early diagnosis and management can help slow progression and improve quality of life, making awareness crucial.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Toothpaste & balms can affect brain health: Doctors
1 2 3 4 Nagpur: In a shocking link between everyday hygiene products and neurological health, doctors and neuroscientists raised fresh concerns about ingredients commonly found in toothpaste, balms, and essential oil-based products that may silently impact the brain over time. Observations made during World Brain Week prompted researchers to highlight the potential neurotoxic effects of substances such as camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus — common components found in daily-use products. Experts suggest checking labels and avoiding the overuse of strong aromatic products. "Many of these ingredients can cross the blood–brain barrier via the buccal mucosa, bypassing liver metabolism," said Dr Thomas Mathew, vice dean at St John's Medical College, Bengaluru. "Repeated exposure, especially every 24 to 48 hours, can lead to a phenomenon called chemical kindling, where brain neurons become hyperexcitable, possibly triggering seizures, migraines, or other neuropsychiatric disorders," Mathew said. Patients with unexplained headaches, seizures, anxiety, and even depression showed improvement simply by switching their toothpaste or stopping the use of certain balms, revealed Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram, trustee of the World Federation of Neurology. "These are not allergic reactions but neurostimulation effects. We've seen cluster headaches and migraines vanish within days of stopping using particular brands," he added. A landmark case series published recently in The International Journal of Head and Face Pain also documented cluster headaches linked to toothpaste use, which resolved upon discontinuation of a particular brand. Experimental studies in zebrafish showed that even brief exposure to toothpaste triggered aggression, anxiety, and hyperactivity, suggesting potential impact on the brain. "The concern is not that these products affect everyone, but that they could be contributing to unexplained neurological symptoms in susceptible individuals," said Dr Meshram. "We need collaborative research and funding to explore safe alternatives like water or saline-based oral hygiene products." The spotlight also fell on oral health as a window to brain health. New studies linked gum disease and poor dental hygiene with higher risks of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and even stroke. "Regular flossing was associated with up to 22% reduction in ischemic stroke risk," noted Dr S Sen, a researcher from the US. As evidence grows, neurologists are urging both the public and policymakers to consider the hidden neuro-health impacts of seemingly benign daily products, and to explore safer, inert alternatives. THE BRAIN & BALM CONNECTION Common balms and hair oils may contain brain-stimulating chemicals Some toothpaste ingredients can trigger headaches, seizures, and anxiety A zebrafish study showed toothpaste exposure causes hyperactivity and aggression Oral health and gum disease may increase the risk of stroke and Alzheimer's Experts urge consumers to check labels and avoid the overuse of strong aromatic products
India Today
16 hours ago
- India Today
Understanding frontotemporal dementia, the disease Bruce Willis is battling
When Hollywood icon Bruce Willis was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), it wasn't just another celebrity health update it was a moment of global heartbreak. For decades, Willis played characters who defied odds, cracked jokes under pressure, and carried the weight of the world with a smirk. To imagine him now struggling to find words or understand emotions feels deeply personal for many beyond the emotional impact lies a serious medical reality: FTD is one of the most common causes of early-onset dementia, yet it remains widely misunderstood, frequently misdiagnosed, and largely IS FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA?Frontotemporal Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of neurodegenerative disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, regions responsible for personality, language, decision-making, behavior, and emotional regulation. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, which initially presents with memory loss, FTD often begins with changes in personality or language abilities. "While Alzheimer's typically causes memory problems, FTD starts with behavior, mood, or speech issues," says Dr. Sonia Lal Gupta, a senior neurologist. "It affects the part of the brain that makes us who we are how we interact socially, empathize, or express ourselves."Dr. Lal Gupta emphasizes that early signs can be subtle. 'Many families dismiss it as stress, depression, or a midlife crisis,' she says. 'But when someone begins behaving out of character, becomes socially inappropriate, or has trouble with language, it's time to consider a neurological evaluation.' TYPES OF FTDThere are several clinical subtypes of FTD, with overlapping symptoms:1. Behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD):Most common form; marked by changes in behavior, disinhibition, apathy, and lack of empathy.2. Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA):Involves a gradual loss of language skills-difficulty naming objects, forming sentences, or understanding conversations.3. FTD with motor neuron disease (like ALS):In some cases, FTD co-occurs with movement disorders, including Parkinsonism or CAUSES FTD?FTD is caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the frontal and/or temporal lobes. This shrinkage leads to the loss of function in those regions. It's often sporadic, but up to 40% of cases have a genetic link, caused by mutations in specific genes like MAPT, GRN, or is not linked to lifestyle factors like smoking or poor diet, and currently, there is no cure or disease-modifying treatment. Most treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.'Public figures sharing their diagnosis helps remove the stigma,' says Dr. Arvind Iyer, a senior neuropsychiatrist in Mumbai. 'FTD is not just 'getting old'—it's a serious condition that needs timely intervention. The more we talk about it, the earlier we can catch it, and potentially improve quality of life.'WHO DOES IT AFFECT?FTD primarily strikes people between 40 and 65 years of age, though it can appear later. This makes it especially devastating, as it often affects people at the peak of their careers and family life."FTD is under-recognized because we don't expect dementia in people in their 40s or 50s," explains Dr. Arvind Iyer, a neuropsychiatrist. "In many cases, patients are misdiagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, or even burnout before FTD is considered."KEY SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FORadvertisementEarly behavioral symptoms may include:Loss of social tact or empathyInappropriate jokes or impulsive behaviorApathy or lack of motivationObsessive or repetitive behaviorsPoor personal hygieneChanges in eating habits (e.g., overeating or preference for sweets)In language-dominant FTD:Difficulty forming words (non-fluent aphasia)Trouble understanding or remembering namesLoss of vocabularySpeaking in short, broken sentencesAs the disease progresses, symptoms may overlap with those of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, making accurate diagnosis WHY EARLY RECOGNITION MATTERSCurrently, there is no single test for FTD. Diagnosis typically involves:Detailed neurological and neuropsychological evaluationsMRI or PET scans to detect brain atrophy or hypometabolismGenetic testing, especially for those with a family historyEarly diagnosis is essential to plan care, manage behavioral symptoms, and ensure the family receives support.A CAREGIVER'S REALITYCaring for someone with FTD is uniquely challenging. Patients may no longer express affection, recognize inappropriate behavior, or be able to communicate emotionally draining," shares Renu Verma, whose 68-year-old father was diagnosed with behavioral variant FTD. "He began hiding food, swearing at people, and ignoring family members. It felt like we were watching his personality melt away.""You mourn someone who's still alive," says Rajeev Sharma, caring for his older sister. "She can't follow a conversation. Her eyes are blank, but she's there. That's the hardest part."CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONSThere is no cure for FTD, but several treatments help manage symptoms:SSRIs (antidepressants) may help with mood swings or compulsive and language therapy for those with language therapy to help with daily and support groups for families and are also exploring disease-modifying drugs, genetic therapies, and clinical trials, but progress is still in early SILVER LINING: AWARENESS IS GROWINGBruce Willis's diagnosis has cast a much-needed spotlight on FTD. It reminds us that dementia is not just an "old age" issue it can strike early, steal identity, and leave families devastated. "Public awareness is essential. FTD is often ignored in the larger dementia conversation," says Dr. Gupta. "We need more training for doctors, more resources for families, and more research funding."advertisementFrontotemporal Dementia is a thief of personality, language, and connection. But awareness, empathy, and timely care can soften the blow. Bruce Willis may have stepped away from acting, but his real-life battle is teaching us something far more powerful: the importance of recognizing the invisible battles so many families are quietly your loved one is showing unusual behavior, personality shifts, or language struggles don't wait. Talk to a neurologist. Early help can make a lifetime of difference.- EndsTrending Reel
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
COVID-19 May Trigger Alzheimer's-Like Protein Buildup In Brain And Eyes, Study Finds
New research suggests that COVID-19 can lead to protein build-up similar to that seen in Alzheimer's patients, not just in the brain but also in the eyes. Elevated amyloid beta levels were found in the retinal tissue of people who had COVID-19, similar to Alzheimer's-like retinal conditions. Notably, Amyloid beta buildup is associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers analysed two proteins, neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The NRP1 protein may serve as an entry point for viruses into human eyes and brains. Researchers found that introducing an NRP1 inhibitor countered the amyloid beta increase caused by COVID-19's spike protein. The study, led by Yale University and published in Science Advances, sheds light on COVID-19 brain fog, which was a commonly reported symptom following infection. The researchers believe that amyloid beta may act as a bodyguard for the brain, indicating underlying danger. "There is growing evidence linking COVID-19 and brain fog, a commonly reported symptom following infection," senior author Brian Hafler, ophthalmologist at Yale School of Medicine, said as quoted by Science Alert. "While the mechanisms of brain fog after COVID-19 are not fully understood, scientists have found that SARS-CoV-2 can induce amyloid beta accumulation in the central nervous system." The research team is conducting clinical studies to determine if COVID-19 increases the long-term risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, to explore NRP1 inhibitors as potential therapeutics. The involvement of NRP1 in amyloid beta aggregation provides a specific molecular target for future investigation. Other viruses may trigger similar amyloid beta buildups, as there's a need for further research. This study contributes to understanding the complex relationship between COVID-19 and neurological health. "Our study showed that exposure to SARS-CoV-2, in particular spike protein, can lead to the formation of amyloid beta aggregates in both human retinal tissue and retinal organoids," Hafler says.
