Dementia is often much more complex than it first appears. It’s more than one condition—it’s a group of complicated symptoms that cause cognitive changes. Dementia often causes a person to need professional support through lifestyles like memory care.
However, understanding more about dementia is key to helping a loved one. Though there are several types of dementia, 2 of the most common are frontotemporal dementia and Lewy Body dementia. These have key differences, causes, and symptoms that set them apart.
What Is Frontotemporal Dementia?
The frontotemporal lobe in the brain is crucial. It regulates your behavior, emotions, and language processing. Think of it as a sort of command center for your brain. It’s responsible for most executive and conscious actions.
With frontotemporal dementia, the cells in this area begin to shrink. Eventually, the area is compromised and can no longer function in full. This condition damages the cells and nerves further and further, progressively leading to worsened symptoms.
Unlike other types of dementia, frontotemporal dementia is usually diagnosed between the age of 40-65. This makes it unusual when compared to other variants, which are more likely to develop with each passing year.
What Causes Frontotemporal Dementia?
Frontotemporal dementia develops when the nerve cells throughout the lobe start to shrink or degenerate. This reduces brain tissue and causes structural abnormalities in the brain. As the condition progresses, it begins impairing cognitive function.
The likelihood of developing frontotemporal dementia increases if you:
- Excessively drink alcohol
- Smoke or use tobacco
- Are overweight or under-active
Though the exact cause of this condition is unknown, genetics also play an important role. It’s believed that around 20% of all cases are inherited through genetic makeup.
The Early Signs of Frontotemporal Dementia
Recognizing the early signs of frontotemporal dementia makes it much easier to seek treatment. If left unaddressed, these symptoms will worsen. Watch out for these signs in your loved one:
- Drastic changes in personality and behavior
- Difficulty in using or understanding language
- Impulsive or socially inappropriate actions
- Lack of empathy or emotional response
- Neglecting personal hygiene or grooming
If a loved one shows these symptoms, you should immediately schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional. This helps you make a plan for the future.
What Is Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy body dementia is another type of progressive dementia. It primarily affects thinking, behavior, and movement. This forms when abnormal protein deposits called “Lewy bodies” build up inside the brain.
It currently isn’t known why these protein deposits develop. They contain a protein called alpha-synuclein, which exists in the brain already. They can clump together to form these Lewy bodies which then disrupt how the brain processes and sends chemicals. As they grow, they begin altering brain functioning, leading to the onset of symptoms.
What Causes Lewy Body Dementia?
In Lewy body dementia, the protein buildups grow and start impairing quality of life. This condition is part of a larger group called “dementia with Lewy bodies,” which also contains Parkinson’s disease.
Lewy body dementia significantly changes how the brain processes and uses dopamine, a hormone essential for movement control. It can cause abnormal levels of dopamine, which leads to loss of muscle control, rigidity, and stiffness. The brain may send incorrect signals, leading to a range of varied symptoms.
The Early Signs of Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia can be challenging to self-diagnose. The symptoms can vary drastically depending on the size of the Lewy bodies, where they’re located, and how they’re affecting different parts of the brain.
However, Lewy body dementia usually causes a mix of the following:
- Changes in a person’s thinking and reasoning
- Fluctuating confusion or disorientation
- Realistic visual hallucinations
- Sleep disorders such as insomnia
- Shaking, tremors, and other physical changes
If your loved one showcases these symptoms, it’s time to take action. It can only be diagnosed with a professional’s help—this is the first step toward finding treatment for a loved one.
The Key Differences
Though they both affect the brain, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementia have some key differences. These are:
- The age of onset:
- Frontotemporal dementia typically develops between the age of 40 and 65.
- Lewy body dementia becomes more likely past the age of 65.
- The area of the brain:
- Frontotemporal dementia primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes in the brain.
- Lewy body dementia primarily affects the region of the brain responsible for movement.
- The causes:
- Frontotemporal dementia has a significantly stronger genetic link, with nearly 20% of all diagnosed cases being familiar.
- Lewy body dementia’s genetic factors are much less understood, as the condition is much harder to diagnose at first.
- The symptoms themselves:
- Frontotemporal dementia primarily causes changes in personality, behavior, and communication.
- Lewy body dementia primarily causes motor changes, physical challenges, and realistic visual hallucinations.
These differences are key to understanding your loved one’s condition.
How to Help a Loved One with Dementia
If a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it’s time to take action. Contact our team at The Landing of Poughkeepsie to talk about a transition to our Lilac Trace Memory Care lifestyle.
This is designed to respect and support your loved one in a way that makes a difference. We’ll work with your family to help—no matter where they are on their journey. Schedule a visit with us today to learn more!
