Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive deterioration of cognitive functions, memory loss and changes in personality. Over the years, different types of Alzheimer's have been identified that present differently and affect patients in different ways. In this article, we will explore the 9 types of Alzheimer's disease classified and described, with the aim of better understanding this disease that affects millions of people around the world.
1. Late Sporadic Alzheimer's
The most common type of Alzheimer's disease, Late Sporadic Alzheimer's usually occurs after age 65 and has no clear genetic cause. Patients with this type of Alzheimer's experience progressive memory loss, difficulty performing everyday tasks, changes in speech and language, and alterations in spatial orientation.
Main symptoms:
- Short-term memory loss
- Difficulty remembering names and recent events
- Temporal and spatial disorientation
- Difficulty performing simple tasks
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2. Early Familial Alzheimer's
Early Familial Alzheimer's is a hereditary form of the disease that occurs in people under 65 years of age. This type of Alzheimer's is associated with specific genetic mutations that significantly increase the risk of developing the disease. Symptoms and disease progression may vary depending on the genetic mutation inherited.
Symptoms and characteristics:
- Early and progressive memory loss
- Changes in personality and behavior
- Difficulties in language and communication
- Impairment of motor skills
3. Vascular Alzheimer's
Vascular Alzheimer's is a form of dementia caused by problems in blood flow to the brain. This type of Alzheimer's occurs when the blood vessels that supply the brain are damaged, interfering with the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. Risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
Main features:
- Sudden onset of symptoms
- Stepwise progression of the disease
- Balance and gait problems
- History of strokes or mini strokes (TIA)
4. Mixed Alzheimer's
Mixed Alzheimer's is a combination of vascular-type Alzheimer's disease and late-onset Alzheimer's, resulting in mixed symptoms and manifestations. Patients with Mixed Alzheimer's may experience changes in memory, attention difficulties, reasoning problems, and progressive cognitive decline.
Notable features:
- Brain lesions characteristic of Alzheimer's and of vascular dementia
- Variable progression of the disease
- Risk factors for vascular disease
- More complex diagnosis and specialized treatment
5. Lewy Body Alzheimer's
Lewy Body Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that shares neuropathological characteristics with Alzheimer's, but has different clinical manifestations. Lewy bodies are abnormal aggregates of proteins that accumulate in brain cells and cause symptoms of cognitive impairment, visual hallucinations, fluctuations in mental status and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Characteristic symptoms:
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Muscle rigidity and tremors
- Sleep problems and rapid eye movements during REM sleep
- Increased sensitivity to side effects of medications
6. Frontotemporal Alzheimer's
Frontotemporal Alzheimer's is a form of dementia that primarily affects the regions of the brain responsible for emotional control, personality, and social behavior. Patients with this variant of Alzheimer's can experience drastic changes in personality, disinhibition, apathy, compulsive behaviors and loss of empathy.
Clinical and behavioral manifestations:
- Alterations in speech and language
- Impairment of impulse control
- Inability to regulate emotions
- Problems of social interaction and inappropriate behavior
7. Post-traumatic Alzheimer's
Post-traumatic Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that develops as a result of a traumatic brain injury, such as those caused by car accidents, falls or sports injuries. People who have suffered severe head trauma have a higher risk of developing this type of Alzheimer's, which can manifest years after the traumatic event.
Key characteristics:
- Onset of the disease in middle or late life
- Documented history of traumatic brain injury
- Gradual progression of dementia symptoms
- Impairments in memory, language and cognitive abilities
8. Parkinsonian Alzheimer's
Parkinsonian Alzheimer's is a form of dementia that occurs in patients who also suffer from Parkinson's Disease. This combination of neurodegenerative disorders results in the appearance of dementia symptoms, such as fluctuations in cognitive status, memory impairment, and motor problems characteristic of Parkinson's.
Common clinical manifestations:
- Slow and rigid movements
- Tremor at rest
- Balance and gait problems
- Memory loss and progressive cognitive impairment
9. Simple Alzheimer's
Simple Alzheimer's, also known as mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease, is an early stage of the disease characterized by alterations in memory and other cognitive functions. Although not all cases of mild cognitive impairment progress to Alzheimer's, it is important to monitor symptoms and perform regular evaluations to detect possible changes in cognitive function.
Main characteristics:
- Mild but noticeable memory loss
- Difficulty remembering recent information
- Problems performing complex cognitive tasks
- Increased risk of developing Alzheimer's in later stages