Types of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s illness is a progressive neurological condition. Because of it, a person loses his ability to work. The sickness primarily affects memory, cognitive abilities, and the ability to perform daily tasks. It is considered the most common cause of dementia among the elderly. This disorder is often associated with memory impairment, but it manifests itself in different forms and variations. These differences play a crucial role in helping the patient. This helps healthcare providers diagnose and manage illness more effectively. Ultimately, this makes individualized care more accessible for people who struggle with it.

We will delve into various manifestations of the sickness. We will help you learn the main types of Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on their distinctive attributes, manifestations, and potential risk factors.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of primary dementia of old age. Doctors characterize it as a gradual onset of memory impairment and higher cortical functions. A complex of neuropathological symptoms may also occur.

Unfortunately, this is an incurable sickness. It leads to the impossibility of mental activity and the destruction of the intellect. Most often, it develops in people over 65 years old. However, modern medicine makes it possible to slow down the speed of its development.

Currently, the question remains open: why does Alzheimer’s illness occur? Several theories try to explain the development of the disorder.

Causes of Alzheimer’s disease:

• hereditary predisposition;
• atherosclerosis;
• oxygen deficiency;
• deposition of beta-amyloid in brain cells;
• decrease in the level of acetylcholine;
• chromosomal disorders;
• specific reactions of immunity;
• exposure to toxic substances;
• injuries (psychological, craniocerebral);
• viruses.

There are different types of Alzheimer’s.

Many researchers include slow depression, high blood pressure, low intelligence, diabetes, etc., as risk factors for the illness.

The first manifestation of Alzheimer’s sickness is a decrease in memory, attention, mental capacity, the ability to form and implement motor skills, etc.

There are three main stages of Alzheimer’s illness – early (mild), middle (moderate), and late (severe). Sometimes, the preclinical stage and the stage of moderate-severe dementia are distinguished separately.

How Many Types of Alzheimer’s Are There?

We can classify Alzheimer’s disorder into several main types. But there are two most common classifications. The first classification is divided into two types:

• Early-onset Alzheimer’s sickness. This type of Alzheimer’s usually occurs in people under the age of 65. Some cases of early-onset Alzheimer’s illness have a genetic component.
• Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. It is the most common form and usually affects people over 65. It progresses slowly and is not always associated with a vital genetic component.

In addition to these main types, there are also variations within Alzheimer’s disease. They rely on clinical and pathological signs. They include:

• Familial Alzheimer’s disorder. This is a rare early-onset form of Alzheimer’s disease. Specific genetic mutations pass it down in families. 
• Unusual options. Some people with Alzheimer’s illness may show unusual symptoms or patterns of progression.
• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It is a transitional stage in which people notice a decline in cognitive functions. But at the same time, people do not meet the criteria for a complete diagnosis of Alzheimer’s sickness.
• Mixed dementia. Some people may experience a combination of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

It’s important to note that these types and variations can sometimes blur the lines. Alzheimer’s research is ongoing, and how many types of Alzheimer’s are there often depends on them.

Different Types of Alzheimer’s Disease

Understanding the types of this illness is essential for its prevention. For example, people at risk for a specific type can take timely measures to prevent the sickness. As we have already mentioned, it is impossible to cure it entirely, but if you care for yourself, you can notice it quickly and stop its rapid progress. It is necessary to think about the preventive measures for Alzheimer’s disorder, even at a young age. For this, it is essential to understand the types of Alzheimer’s disease. Some of them occur earlier, some later. One species depends on genetics, and the other does not. Therefore, it is essential to consider all these nuances before taking appropriate measures. The main types of this illness are presented below.

Sporadic Alzheimer’s disease

This is the most common form of the sickness, which accounts for the majority of cases. As a rule, it occurs in people over 65 and has no clear genetic cause.

Scientists have yet to study the exact cause of the sporadic illness thoroughly.  Researchers believe that a complex interaction of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors results in it. This is one of the different types of Alzheimer’s, which is the most common.

Familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD)

FAD is a rare form of the disorder.  Specific genetic mutations inherit it in the family. It usually appears earlier in life, often in the 30s, 40s, or 50s.  Mutations in specific genes cause FAD and lead to the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain. 

Alzheimer’s disease in the early stages

This type of illness appears before the age of 65. Early-onset Alzheimer’s sickness can be sporadic. But it is often associated with familial genetic mutations.

Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease

Late-onset Alzheimer’s disorder is the more common form. It usually occurs after 65 years. It is usually not associated with known familial mutations.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Cognitive changes characterize MCI, but they are not severe enough to classify it as Alzheimer’s illness.  Some people with MCI develop Alzheimer’s sickness, while others do not progress further.

Rapidly progressive Alzheimer’s disease

This is a rare and aggressive form of Alzheimer’s disease. It progresses faster than the typical form.  This is associated with a faster cognitive decline and more significant impairment. 

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA)

PCA is a type of Alzheimer’s illness that mainly affects the back of the brain. This can lead to vision impairment, reading difficulties, and problems with spatial awareness.

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)

FTLD is a group of disorders that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It is not classified as Alzheimer’s sickness. However, it has some similarities, including progressive cognitive decline.

It is important to note that the exact cause, progression, and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disorder can vary from person to person. The final diagnosis is often based on a combination of several factors.

Conclusion

In summary, there are many types of Alzheimer’s disease. This illness is a complex neurological disorder. These differences between types of disorder include:

• forms with early and late onset,
• family illness
• atypical options,
• mild cognitive impairment,
• mixed dementia
• rare variants.

They contribute to the diversity of experiences among those affected by the sickness.

Recognizing and distinguishing between these types is essential for healthcare professionals. This helps to establish an accurate diagnosis and correct treatment. For people, knowledge about this is also necessary. They will help prevent or reduce and slow down the disorder’s symptoms. The understanding of Alzheimer’s illness continues to evolve. New research is shedding light on new subtypes and potential treatments.

This disorder is complex and cannot be managed without the help of specialists. Contact Lone Star Neurology Clinic, and we will help you.

FAQ

How many types of Alzheimer’s Disease are there?

There are several types and varieties of Alzheimer’s disease:

• early start
• late start
• familial, atypical variants,
• mild cognitive impairment,
• mixed dementia.

Are the symptoms of all types of Alzheimer’s Disease the same?

Symptoms can vary in different types of Alzheimer’s disease. But some share common traits, such as memory loss and cognitive decline.

How is the specific form of Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a specific form of Alzheimer’s disease usually includes:

• clinical assessment,
• cognitive testing,
• medical history review,
• sometimes brain imaging.

Is there a cure for any form of Alzheimer’s Disease?

There is no specific cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and improving the person’s quality of life. Research into possible drugs and effective treatments continues.