How does mixed dementia affect the brain

How common is Mixed Dementia? How is it diagnosed? What kind of treatment is available? Outcomes Many researchers believe that by increasing our understanding of mixed dementia, coupled with recognizing that vascular changes are the most common coexisting brain change, we may reduce the number of people who develop dementia. Helpful Downloads. Further Information. Video: "Understanding Dementia and Brain Health", a video primer about these diseases. Give Today. Mixed dementia is a condition in which brain changes of more than one cause of dementia occur simultaneously.

About Causes and risks Symptoms Treatment Diagnosis. NIA-funded Memory and Aging Project reveals mixed dementia common Data from the first volunteers in this research study show that more than 50 percent of those whose brains met pathological criteria for Alzheimer's had pathologic evidence of one or more coexisting dementias.

Mixed dementia symptoms may vary, depending on the types of brain changes involved and the brain regions affected. In many cases, symptoms may be similar to or even indistinguishable from those of Alzheimer's or another type of dementia. In other cases, a person's symptoms may suggest that more than one type of dementia is present. Researchers expect to gain a greater understanding of mixed dementia symptoms as long-term studies continue to shed light on the relationship between cognitive function and underlying brain abnormalities.

The most common coexisting abnormality was previously undetected blood clots or other evidence of vascular disease. Lewy bodies were the second most common coexisting brain change. Alzheimer's Association. Mixed dementia. Mixed dementia: A review of the evidence. Dement Neuropsychol. Published Your Privacy Rights.

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Thanks for your feedback! As well as an inaccurate diagnosis, this can lead to the diagnosed person missing out on interventions that could be helpful for the unrecognised condition. The symptoms of mixed dementia can vary depending on the part of the brain affected. If the person has two types of dementia the symptoms can be more noticeable and appear to progress more rapidly.

There are three options: Donepezil, Rivastigmine or Galantamine. However if vascular dementia is also suspected there is evidence that lifestyle changes and regular monitoring and treatment of blood pressure problems can prevent or slow the progression of the mixed dementia.