Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia symptoms can range from traditional parkinsonian effects, such as loss of spontaneous movement, rigidity (muscles feel stiff and resist movement), tremor, and shuffling gait, to effects similar to those of
Alzheimer's disease, such as acute confusion, loss of memory, and loss of (or fluctuating) cognition.
Visual hallucinations may be one of the first Lewy body
dementia symptoms to develop, and patients may suffer from other psychiatric disturbances such as delusions and
depression. Lewy body dementia usually occurs in older adults, although younger people can be affected as well.
Frontotemporal Dementia
Because structures found in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain control judgment and social behavior, people with frontotemporal dementia often have problems maintaining normal interactions and following social conventions. People with frontotemporal dementia may steal or exhibit impolite and socially inappropriate behavior, and they may neglect their normal responsibilities.
Other common symptoms of frontotemporal dementia include:
- Loss of speech and language
- Compulsive or repetitive behavior
- Increased appetite
- Motor problems such as stiffness and balance problems.
People with frontotemporal dementia may experience memory loss, although it typically appears late in the disease.
Pick's Disease
The symptoms of Pick's disease are very similar to those of
Alzheimer's disease and may include:
- Inappropriate social behavior
- Loss of mental flexibility
- Language problems
- Difficulty with thinking and concentration.
There is currently no way to slow the progressive degeneration associated with Pick's disease. However, medication may be helpful in reducing aggression and other behavioral problems, and in treating depression.
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