Around the world, nearly 10 million new cases of dementia are reported each year. Overall, more than 7 million Americans are affected by dementia. Lack of awareness, complexity and denial of the disease make caring for someone with dementia challenging.
At SAGE we are dementia care experts.
While all forms of dementia may appear to affect families the same, each has their own uniqueness and requires specific understanding and training. By applying our expertise to creating successful care situations, SAGE is committed to walking the dementia journey with each family.
While Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, we also specialize in care for individuals with Parkinson’s, Lewy Body, Vascular and Frontotemporal dementia.
Alzheimer’s
In the United States, more than 6 million people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Early symptoms often include difficulty remembering recent events and conversations. In advanced stages, Alzheimer’s can lead to significant cognitive decline, loss of independence, and changes in personality and behavior.
Helpful links
Alzheimer’s Association, National Institute on Aging (NIA), Alzheimers.gov
Parkinson’s
Nearly one million Americans are currently living with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease.
While not always, many people with Parkinson’s disease eventually develop cognitive problems, including dementia. Found in later stages, memory loss, decreased cognitive function and worsening reasoning are common dementia signs. Tremors, muscle rigidity and balance instability combined with dementia make Parkinson’s disease challenging to everyday life.
Helpful links
Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Parkinsons Foundation
Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy Bodies Dementia (LBD), distinct in that cognitive impairment forms within the first year of motor symptoms, affects approximately 1.4 million Americans.
Similar to Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia (LBD) is caused by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain, and is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease.
Several key symptoms including visual hallucinations, REM sleep behavior disorder, confusion and disorientation are common with LBD.
Helpful links
Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA), Mayo Clinic, National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Vascular Dementia
Vascular Dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. This leads to brain cell damage and reduced brain function. Vascular dementia is notable as it can follow a stroke or several mini-strokes.
Muscle weakness, poor balance and coordination problems combined with mood swings, depression and anxiety make everyday life challenging.
Helpful links
Family Caregiver Alliance, Mayo Clinic, American Stroke Association
Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) typically occurs at a younger age than other forms of dementia, often between the ages of 40 and 65.
FTD is a group of brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
These areas are associated with personality, behavior, and language. In FTD, parts of these lobes shrink, leading to a range of symptoms depending on which areas are affected.
Helpful links
The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, Mayo Clinic, FTD Disorders Registry
