{"id":3333,"date":"2024-03-06T17:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T17:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=3333"},"modified":"2026-01-08T11:57:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T19:57:18","slug":"understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Dementia: A helpful guide for health professionals"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Types_of_Dementia\" >Types of Dementia&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Symptoms_of_Mild_Alzheimers_disease\" >Symptoms of&nbsp;Mild Alzheimer&#8217;s disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Symptoms_of_Moderate_Alzheimers_disease\" >Symptoms of&nbsp;Moderate Alzheimer&#8217;s disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Symptoms_of_Severe_Alzheimers_disease\" >Symptoms of&nbsp;Severe Alzheimer&#8217;s disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Vascular_Dementia\" >Vascular Dementia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Lewy_Body_Dementia\" >Lewy Body Dementia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Frontotemporal_Dementia\" >Frontotemporal Dementia<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Psychosis_in_Dementia\" >Psychosis in Dementia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#The_Benefits_of_Early_Dementia_Diagnosis\" >The Benefits of Early Dementia Diagnosis&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Healthcare_Team_Collaboration_and_Caregiver_Support\" >Healthcare Team Collaboration and Caregiver Support&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Treatment_and_Management\" >Treatment and Management<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Ethical_Considerations\" >Ethical Considerations&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Future_Directions_in_Dementia_Research\" >Future Directions in Dementia Research&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#References\" >References&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mind encompasses so much of who we are within it, housing our feelings, thoughts, judgment, languages, and memories. It keeps these cognitive functions intact as long as our neurons are firing properly and remain connected. But what happens if those connections between them begin to malfunction and nerve cells die off? Those changes in the brain lead to what&#8217;s known as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/notes\/Dementia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dementia<\/a>. It&#8217;s important to note that dementia is a general term for disorders that fall under its umbrella, such as Alzheimer&#8217;s disease, Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Frontotemporal_dementia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Frontotemporal dementia<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Memory loss, confusion, difficulty managing daily tasks, and getting lost are examples of symptoms that patients living with dementia may face. Dementia can cause mild issues with daily living or lead to a person becoming completely dependent on others to take care of their needs. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although it tends to affect people who are over 65 years old, it&#8217;s important to remember that dementia is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alzheimers.gov\/alzheimers-dementias\/what-is-dementia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">not a normal part of aging<\/a>&nbsp;and needs to be addressed by a healthcare professional.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9081392\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">There are currently more than 55 million people with dementia worldwide, with about 10 million new cases each year.<\/a>&nbsp;At this point, there&#8217;s still no cure for dementia, but it&#8217;s imperative for healthcare professionals to understand the symptoms and treatment options that are available. The research on dementia prevention is ongoing, but encouraging patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle, learn about the risk factors, and address different ways to reduce them is truly a critical step in the right direction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Some actionable steps to reduce&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7392084\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dementia risk factors:<\/a>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep systolic blood pressure of 130 or below from age 40 and beyond\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protect ears from loud noises to reduce hearing loss\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourage patients to use hearing aids if necessary\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prevent head injury\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce alcohol consumption\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce obesity \u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourage good sleep hygiene\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid smoking \u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Receive both primary and secondary education<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Dementia\"><\/span>Types of Dementia&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that we have a general overview of dementia let&#8217;s start discussing the different types of dementia, beginning with the most common one,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Alzheimer_disease\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alzheimer&#8217;s Disease<\/a>. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alzheimer&#8217;s disease affects three key cognitive areas: memory, language, and learning. The decline seen within these areas is gradual and often over the course of several years. There are important changes that occur in the brain leading to this disease, such as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=v5gdH_Hydes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">amyloid plaques<\/a>, which are a collection of misfolded proteins in between nerve cells that disrupt normal function, as well as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors\/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease#key\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">neurofibrillary tangles<\/a>, which are accumulations of the tau protein within neurons that impairs the communication between them. When neurons lose connection to one another and eventually die, this leads to brain atrophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Now, let&#8217;s delve into signs and symptoms. &nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Memory loss is one of the first presenting symptoms in patients with Alzheimer&#8217;s disease. Other&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Alzheimer_disease\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">signs and symptoms<\/a>&nbsp;present depending on the severity of the disease. Check them out below.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"997\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/trying-to-read-but-distracted.png?w=1024\" alt=\"An illustration of a person trying to read but distracted.\" class=\"wp-image-3344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/trying-to-read-but-distracted.png 1657w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/trying-to-read-but-distracted.png?resize=300,292 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/trying-to-read-but-distracted.png?resize=768,748 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/trying-to-read-but-distracted.png?resize=1024,997 1024w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/trying-to-read-but-distracted.png?resize=1536,1496 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms_of_Mild_Alzheimers_disease\"><\/span>Symptoms of&nbsp;Mild Alzheimer&#8217;s disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Impaired judgment\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Memory loss\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty keeping track of dates\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Issues handling finances\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wandering and getting lost in familiar areas\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forgetting newly learned information\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased aggression and\/or anxiety\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Issues with problem-solving\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Changes in mood and\/or personality\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms_of_Moderate_Alzheimers_disease\"><\/span>Symptoms of&nbsp;Moderate Alzheimer&#8217;s disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduced attention span\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased memory loss and confusion\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty recognizing family and friends occasionally\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of ability to learn new things\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty with daily tasks such as getting dressed\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sleep pattern changes\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Changes in mood\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hallucinations or delusions\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Withdrawal from social activities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms_of_Severe_Alzheimers_disease\"><\/span>Symptoms of&nbsp;Severe Alzheimer&#8217;s disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Loss of ability to communicate\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No awareness of recent events or experiences\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problems swallowing\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased sleeping\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of bladder and bowel control\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of interest in eating\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weight loss<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you can imagine, the progression of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease is troubling for both the patient and their loved ones. As patients progress through different dementia stages, they&#8217;ll need increased supervision and assistance with critical parts of daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next, let&#8217;s discuss how Alzheimer&#8217;s gets&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/alzheimers-and-dementia\/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet#diagnose\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">diagnosed<\/a>. A doctor will begin by evaluating a patient by gathering a thorough medical history, conducting a neurological and physical exam, and interviewing someone close to the patient, such as a family member or friend. Our loved ones are often the first to notice the early symptoms of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease and can often attest to changes in personality, behavior, and overall health.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another part of the evaluation will include blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid testing to rule out other possible causes of a patient&#8217;s symptoms. Then, there needs to be an assessment of a patient&#8217;s memory and cognitive function. There are quite a few screening tools that can be used, such as the Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE), Mini-Cog, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and the Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration (BOMC). Each tool has a different scoring system and aims to measure distinct cognitive areas such as attention, recall, orientation, and language. If the results are indicative of cognitive impairment, the doctor will refer the patient to a neuropsychologist for further evaluation. Brain scans such as CT, MRI, or PET scans may also be helpful in evaluating patients with suspected Alzheimer&#8217;s disease to look for any brain abnormalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vascular_Dementia\"><\/span>Vascular Dementia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, on to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/vascular-dementia\/vascular-dementia-causes-symptoms-and-treatments#:~:text=Vascular%20dementia%20refers%20to%20changes,and%20number%20of%20vascular%20changes.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vascular dementia<\/a>. As the name suggests, blood vessels are involved in causing this type of dementia, but how exactly? Conditions that damage blood vessels and interfere with oxygen delivery to the brain lead to abnormalities, with a particular focus on the white matter of the brain, which are often detected with MRI scans in patients with vascular dementia. These abnormalities interfere with the brain&#8217;s ability to transfer signals amongst different regions, eventually leading to cognitive decline.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Stroke:_Clinical_practice\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Strokes<\/a>&nbsp;and small vessel disease lead to changes in the brain that increase the risk of developing vascular dementia. Other risk factors that are associated with vascular dementia include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Hypertension:_Pathology_review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hypertension<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2023\/01\/18\/nclex-question-of-the-day-type-2-diabetes-mellitus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2023\/01\/18\/nclex-question-of-the-day-type-2-diabetes-mellitus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Diabetes<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Obesity_and_Health_Risks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Obesity_and_Health_Risks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Obesity<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smoking\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Old age\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Hyperlipidemia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Hyperlipidemia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">High lipid levels<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Video_Case_Study_-_Atrial_Fibrillation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Video_Case_Study_-_Atrial_Fibrillation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Atrial fibrillation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s important to note that there is an overlap among the dementia symptoms within the types of dementia, such as confusion, getting lost in familiar areas, sleep pattern changes, hallucinations, delusions, impaired judgment, and withdrawal from social activities. Therefore, these symptoms will also present in vascular dementia. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In terms of diagnosis, there are several ways to evaluate a patient. The first step is obtaining a detailed medical history and a physical exam. Inquiring about high blood pressure or prior strokes gives healthcare professionals more insight into what may be causing the cognitive decline. Next, assessing the cognitive areas using applicable screening tools is also necessary. Finally, an MRI or CT scan will allow the provider to determine any changes to the brain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"518\" height=\"463\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/patient-confuse.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3343\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/patient-confuse.png 518w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/patient-confuse.png?resize=300,268 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 518px) 100vw, 518px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lewy_Body_Dementia\"><\/span>Lewy Body Dementia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Lewy_body_dementia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lewy Body Dementia<\/a>, also referred to as dementia with Lewy bodies and caused by irregular deposition of the alpha-synuclein protein, has a gradual onset. This type of dementia leads to issues with movement, thought, behavior, and mood. The accumulation of Lewy bodies within the brain also affects the production of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine, which impair their normal functions within the brain. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Diagnosing it can be challenging, and clinicians may unknowingly&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lbda.org\/is-it-lbd-or-something-else\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">misdiagnose<\/a>&nbsp;Lewy body dementia as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Parkinson_disease\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Parkinson&#8217;s<\/a>&nbsp;or Alzheimer&#8217;s disease due to the symptom overlap with these disorders. Lewy body dementia symptoms include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visual hallucinations\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fluctuations in concentration and alertness throughout the day\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty swallowing\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shuffling walk\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stiff muscles\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tremors\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restless leg syndrome\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insomnia\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depression\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paranoia\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delusions \u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dizziness\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fainting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Due to shared symptoms among these diseases, there are quite a few ways to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/lewy-body-dementia\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20352030#:~:text=These%20imaging%20tests%20may%20support,transporter%20uptake%20in%20the%20brain.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">evaluate<\/a>&nbsp;a patient for Lewy body dementia in order to distinguish it from other conditions. As always, it begins with a thorough medical history and physical exam. Patients should have at least two of the following symptoms: &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Frequent visual hallucinations\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>REM sleep behavior disorder\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fluctuating alertness and ability to think clearly\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Symptoms resembling Parkinson&#8217;s disease (tremors, shuffling walk, rigid muscles)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other essential evaluations include a neurological exam, cognitive function assessment, blood\/urine tests, brain scans, and a polysomnogram to evaluate sleep. Polysomnograms are useful in diagnosis because Lewy body dementia is commonly associated with various sleep disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aside from the behavioral changes, memory loss, and overall cognitive decline of dementia, these conditions also lead to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alzheimers.org.uk\/about-dementia\/symptoms-and-diagnosis\/symptoms\/communicating-and-dementia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">communication challenges<\/a>. As dementia progresses, patients can begin to have difficulty speaking, incorrectly using words, or repeating certain ones, which often leads to patients feeling frustrated, embarrassed, and socially withdrawn. Communication is vital between patients and their caregivers; when words fail, body language and facial expressions can help foster communication. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frontotemporal_Dementia\"><\/span>Frontotemporal Dementia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Frontotemporal_dementia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Frontotemporal dementia<\/a>&nbsp;(FTD) is a group of disorders that are caused by the degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain primarily in patients between the ages of 45-64, and can be attributed to the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/frontotemporal-disorders\/what-are-frontotemporal-disorders-causes-symptoms-and-treatment#:~:text=Frontotemporal%20disorders%20(FTD)%2C%20sometimes,work%2C%20or%20difficulty%20with%20walking.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&nbsp;<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/frontotemporal-disorders\/what-are-frontotemporal-disorders-causes-symptoms-and-treatment#:~:text=Frontotemporal%20disorders%20(FTD)%2C%20sometimes,work%2C%20or%20difficulty%20with%20walking.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">abnormal collection of Tau and TDP-43 proteins and loss of neurons<\/a>. There are two types of Frontotemporal dementia, including behavioral frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA). The most common type is the behavioral variant, and as the name suggests, the symptoms primarily involve changes in behavior, as well as personality and judgment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Symptoms include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lack of empathy or sympathy\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of interest or concern\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Saying inappropriate things or acting impulsively\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overeating\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exploring objects orally\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty with attention, problem-solving, and planning\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Issues with language and\/or movement may also develop in patients with this variant as the disease progresses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) causes challenges with speech and comprehension. There are three types of primary progressive aphasia, each impacting language differently. In&nbsp;<strong>semantic PPA<\/strong>, patients can&#8217;t understand the meaning of certain words and exhibit difficulty recognizing well-known objects and people.&nbsp;<strong>Logopenic PPA&nbsp;<\/strong>causes patients to have a hard time finding the right words while speaking; however, their comprehension remains intact. Lastly,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theaftd.org\/what-is-ftd\/primary-progressive-aphasia\/nonfluent-agrammatic-ppa-nfvppa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&nbsp;<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theaftd.org\/what-is-ftd\/primary-progressive-aphasia\/nonfluent-agrammatic-ppa-nfvppa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>agrammatic PPA<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;causes issues with grammar; patients may not use connecting words such as \u201cto\u201d, \u201cfrom\u201d, they may also use incorrect verb tenses, or mix up the order of words in a sentence. Memory tends to stay intact in most patients with primary progressive aphasia.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/frontotemporal-dementia\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20354741\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&nbsp;<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/frontotemporal-dementia\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20354741\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">diagnosing Frontotemporal dementia<\/a>, there are a few tests to do after a thorough clinical history and physical exam, including blood tests to rule out other conditions, a sleep study to rule out<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Sleep_apnea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&nbsp;<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Sleep_apnea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">obstructive sleep apnea<\/a>&nbsp;as symptoms may overlap, neuropsychological testing to evaluate memory and reasoning, and MRI and PET scans to look for atrophy or degeneration in the brain. Though these tests are helpful, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made until after a patient has passed away and an autopsy is performed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"997\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/patient-looking-distressed.png?w=1024\" alt=\"An illustration of a patient dealing with psychosis, looking very distressed.\" class=\"wp-image-3342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/patient-looking-distressed.png 1658w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/patient-looking-distressed.png?resize=300,292 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/patient-looking-distressed.png?resize=768,748 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/patient-looking-distressed.png?resize=1024,997 1024w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/patient-looking-distressed.png?resize=1536,1495 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Psychosis_in_Dementia\"><\/span>Psychosis in Dementia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we&#8217;ve learned about the symptoms associated with the various types of dementias, you may have noticed that delusions and hallucinations have been mentioned a few times. While these symptoms are most commonly associated with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2023\/12\/04\/understanding-psychosis-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">psychosis<\/a>, they can also occur in the context of dementia.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dementia patients often experience visual hallucinations and tend to have the delusion that their caregiver is trying to harm them. This type of delusion can be due to an inability to recognize their caregivers from memory impairment or difficulties with vision and is often very challenging for both patients and caregivers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These symptoms cause paranoia, anxiety, agitation, and fear for patients. While caregivers may find dealing with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/pubs\/afp\/issues\/2006\/0215\/p647.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dementia-related psychosis<\/a>&nbsp;frustrating and challenging, they may find it helpful and stress-reducing to attend support groups and fully understand that the patient&#8217;s actions aren&#8217;t intentional but due to the evolution of their symptoms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Benefits_of_Early_Dementia_Diagnosis\"><\/span>The Benefits of Early Dementia Diagnosis&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, dementia is irreversible, but getting an early diagnosis is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/alzheimer.ca\/en\/about-dementia\/do-i-have-dementia\/how-get-tested-dementia-tips-individuals-families-friends\/10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">beneficial<\/a>&nbsp;to both patients and their families. It can help patients and their loved ones know what to expect as the disease progresses and give patients the opportunity to make informed decisions about their care before their cognitive abilities decline significantly. Early diagnosis also gives families more time to make long-term care decisions, like whether they&#8217;ll receive residential or at-home care, and establish a financial plan. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Healthcare_Team_Collaboration_and_Caregiver_Support\"><\/span>Healthcare Team Collaboration and Caregiver Support&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Managing the different aspects of dementia and a patient&#8217;s co-existing conditions may improve patient outcomes, provide more support for families, and support a well-rounded healthcare plan. A collaborative&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alzheimers.gov\/professionals\/health-care-providers#the-role-of-health-care-providers-in-dementia-care-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">healthcare team<\/a>&nbsp;should include a primary care physician, psychiatrist, neurologist, clinical psychologist, social worker, neuropsychologist, nurse, and home health aide(s).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s important to take into account that caregivers carry a lot of the weight of a loved one living with dementia. Watching someone they once knew so well gradually lose essential aspects of their memory and personality and change their overall behavior is very difficult. There are&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alz.org\/help-support\/caregiving\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">support resources for caregivers<\/a>, and they include options like support groups, helplines, and educational classes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treatment_and_Management\"><\/span>Treatment and Management<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dementia is treated with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alz.org\/alzheimers-dementia\/treatments\/medications-for-memory?_gl=1*1a511hc*_ga*NTg4NTY0ODU0LjE3MDc0OTc0MzE.*_ga_QSFTKCEH7C*MTcwNzU1MjgzNy41LjAuMTcwNzU1Mjk1My42MC4wLjA.*_ga_9JTEWVX24V*MTcwNzU1MjgzNy41LjAuMTcwNzU1Mjk1My42MC4wLjA.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">medication<\/a>&nbsp;and non-pharmacological options like acetylcholine and glutamate, which are both neurotransmitters involved with memory and judgment. Certain dementia medications, known as cholinesterase inhibitors and glutamate modulators, aim to prevent the breakdown or modulate these neurotransmitters to treat the symptoms associated with cognitive issues and decline. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For sleep-related issues associated with dementia (especially insomnia), a medication targeting the sleep-wake cycle is helpful. Antipsychotics mitigate agitation in dementia patients but shouldn&#8217;t be used with patients with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of death. Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants are also added to the treatment regimen when needed to deal with depressive or anxiety symptoms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alz.org\/alzheimers-dementia\/treatments\/treatments-for-behavior?_gl=1*1f8whzc*_ga*NTg4NTY0ODU0LjE3MDc0OTc0MzE.*_ga_QSFTKCEH7C*MTcwNzU1MjgzNy41LjEuMTcwNzU1MzA2MS42MC4wLjA.*_ga_9JTEWVX24V*MTcwNzU1MjgzNy41LjEuMTcwNzU1MzA2MS42MC4wLjA.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Non-pharmacological approaches<\/a>&nbsp;are also helpful in ensuring that both the patient and caregiver feel safe and supported. The behavioral changes that dementia patients experience are distressing, but there are a few approaches that may be helpful:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Curate a calm and clutter-free environment\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide breaks for the patient between lots of stimulation\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Palliative_%26_hospice_care:_Nursing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">palliative care<\/a>\u00a0to focus on maximizing patient comfort \u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid confrontation (e.g., don&#8217;t correct their view of reality)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Speech therapy for patients with language and communication difficulty\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alternate communication tools such as a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brain.northwestern.edu\/pdfs\/ftdppaconference\/identifyingcommunicationstrategiesforppa.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a0<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brain.northwestern.edu\/pdfs\/ftdppaconference\/identifyingcommunicationstrategiesforppa.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">communication notebook<\/a>\u00a0with pictures of loved ones, activities, and common objects for patients to point to when they have difficulty speaking or finding the correct word<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ethical_Considerations\"><\/span>Ethical Considerations&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every patient deserves both informed consent and for their autonomy to be respected. Dementia, however, poses a tough challenge for physicians, as dementia patients are often cognitively impaired, which can affect their decision-making capacity. There are tests to assess cognitive function and decision-making capacity, but interviewing the patient remains critical for determining their status and ability to consent. Fortunately, patients with mild or mild to moderate cognitive impairment often still possess the capacity to give their consent for medical treatment. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the end, there&#8217;s a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/13607863.2023.2264216\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">delicate balance<\/a>&nbsp;between respecting a dementia patient&#8217;s autonomy while also prioritizing their safety. Since capacity may fluctuate depending on the severity of the disease, it may be useful for patients to communicate their medical decisions through a healthcare proxy or an advance directive. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1024\" width=\"926\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/doctor-presenting.png?w=926\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/doctor-presenting.png 3469w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/doctor-presenting.png?resize=271,300 271w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/doctor-presenting.png?resize=768,849 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/doctor-presenting.png?resize=926,1024 926w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/doctor-presenting.png?resize=1389,1536 1389w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/doctor-presenting.png?resize=1852,2048 1852w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 926px) 100vw, 926px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Future_Directions_in_Dementia_Research\"><\/span>Future Directions in Dementia Research&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are promising advancements in treatment options, interventions, and even new areas of study of dementia. For Alzheimer&#8217;s disease, there are new drugs on the horizon that slow cognitive decline, known as anti-amyloid drugs, which target the harmful amyloid plaques that build up in the brain and remove them. For patients involved with the clinical trials for this drug, slowing the progression of the disease has&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alzheimers.org.uk\/blog\/three-promising-drugs-for-treating-alzheimers-disease-bring-fresh-hope\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">improved their quality of life.<\/a>&nbsp;Though this treatment is promising, the side effects are under investigation, and insurance approval for using them is limited. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There&#8217;s also new research investigating the use of a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2024\/01\/22\/health\/alzheimers-blood-test-screening-study\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">blood test<\/a>&nbsp;to assess the levels of beta-amyloid protein and tau protein, which is helpful when investigating cognitive impairment in patients since it may lead to earlier diagnosis of the disease, or offer a way to rule it out, leading providers to search for other underlying causes of cognitive impairment. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An exciting area of study involves research on posterior cortical atrophy. Patients with it present difficulty differentiating between moving and stationary objects, accurately judging distances, and problems writing. What&#8217;s interesting about posterior cortical atrophy is that&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucsf.edu\/news\/2024\/01\/426986\/could-bizarre-visual-symptoms-be-telltale-sign-alzheimers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">94% of patients with it also had Alzheimer&#8217;s disease<\/a>, demonstrating that it&#8217;s essential for providers to learn more about this disease and accurately diagnose it since it can lead to an earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s crucial to raise awareness about dementia, its types, symptoms, and diagnostic approaches. While there&#8217;s no cure, early diagnosis and intervention can improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Additionally, ongoing research offers hope for better treatments and diagnostic methods in the future. By prioritizing dementia education, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and supporting patients and caregivers, we can work towards better managing and understanding this complex condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/create\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_7a5611.png?w=700\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3272\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_7a5611.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_7a5611.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alzheimers.gov\/alzheimers-dementias\/what-is-dementia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.alzheimers.gov\/alzheimers-dementias\/what-is-dementia<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9081392\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9081392\/<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7392084\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7392084\/<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors\/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease#key\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors\/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease#key<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ganti, Latha; Kaufman, Matthew S.; and Blitzstein, Sean M.\u00a0<em>First Aid for the Psychiatry Clerkship, Fifth Edition.\u00a0<\/em>New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2018\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/alzheimers-and-dementia\/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet#diagnose\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/alzheimers-and-dementia\/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet#diagnose<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/vascular-dementia\/vascular-dementia-causes-symptoms-and-treatments#:~:text=Vascular%20dementia%20refers%20to%20changes,and%20number%20of%20vascular%20changes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/vascular-dementia\/vascular-dementia-causes-symptoms-and-treatments<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/lewy-body-dementia\/what-lewy-body-dementia-causes-symptoms-and-treatments#:~:text=Lewy%20body%20dementia%20(LBD)%20is,movement%2C%20behavior%2C%20and%20mood\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/lewy-body-dementia\/what-lewy-body-dementia-causes-symptoms-and-treatments<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lbda.org\/is-it-lbd-or-something-else\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.lbda.org\/is-it-lbd-or-something-else\/<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/lewy-body-dementia\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20352030#:~:text=These%20imaging%20tests%20may%20support,transporter%20uptake%20in%20the%20brain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/lewy-body-dementia\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20352030<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alzheimers.org.uk\/about-dementia\/symptoms-and-diagnosis\/symptoms\/communicating-and-dementia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.alzheimers.org.uk\/about-dementia\/symptoms-and-diagnosis\/symptoms\/communicating-and-dementia<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/pubs\/afp\/issues\/2006\/0215\/p647.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/pubs\/afp\/issues\/2006\/0215\/p647.html<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/alzheimer.ca\/en\/about-dementia\/do-i-have-dementia\/how-get-tested-dementia-tips-individuals-families-friends\/10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/alzheimer.ca\/en\/about-dementia\/do-i-have-dementia\/how-get-tested-dementia-tips-individuals-families-friends\/10<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alzheimers.gov\/professionals\/health-care-providers#the-role-of-health-care-providers-in-dementia-care-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.alzheimers.gov\/professionals\/health-care-providers#the-role-of-health-care-providers-in-dementia-care-<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alz.org\/help-support\/caregiving\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.alz.org\/help-support\/caregiving<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alz.org\/alzheimers-dementia\/treatments\/medications-for-memory?_gl=1*1a511hc*_ga*NTg4NTY0ODU0LjE3MDc0OTc0MzE.*_ga_QSFTKCEH7C*MTcwNzU1MjgzNy41LjAuMTcwNzU1Mjk1My42MC4wLjA.*_ga_9JTEWVX24V*MTcwNzU1MjgzNy41LjAuMTcwNzU1Mjk1My42MC4wLjA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.alz.org\/alzheimers-dementia\/treatments\/medications-for-memory<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alz.org\/alzheimers-dementia\/treatments\/treatments-for-behavior?_gl=1*1dj0e7v*_ga*NTg4NTY0ODU0LjE3MDc0OTc0MzE.*_ga_QSFTKCEH7C*MTcwNzU1MjgzNy41LjEuMTcwNzU1NDUxOS42MC4wLjA.*_ga_9JTEWVX24V*MTcwNzU1MjgzNy41LjEuMTcwNzU1NDUxOS42MC4wLjA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.alz.org\/alzheimers-dementia\/treatments\/treatments-for-behavior<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/13607863.2023.2264216\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/13607863.2023.2264216<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alzheimers.org.uk\/blog\/three-promising-drugs-for-treating-alzheimers-disease-bring-fresh-hope\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.alzheimers.org.uk\/blog\/three-promising-drugs-for-treating-alzheimers-disease-bring-fresh-hope<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2024\/01\/22\/health\/alzheimers-blood-test-screening-study\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2024\/01\/22\/health\/alzheimers-blood-test-screening-study\/index.html<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucsf.edu\/news\/2024\/01\/426986\/could-bizarre-visual-symptoms-be-telltale-sign-alzheimers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ucsf.edu\/news\/2024\/01\/426986\/could-bizarre-visual-symptoms-be-telltale-sign-alzheimers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The mind encompasses so much of who we are within it, housing our feelings, thoughts, judgment, languages, and memories. 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Those changes in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":175,"featured_media":3335,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27,22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3333","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-medicine","category-health-and-wellness"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Understanding Dementia: A helpful guide for health professionals - Osmosis Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-dementia-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Understanding Dementia: A helpful guide for health professionals - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The mind encompasses so much of who we are within it, housing our feelings, thoughts, judgment, languages, and memories. 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