“There are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers; those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers”
– Rosalyn Carter
Dementia affects anyone and according to some research, it affects 1 in 10 US Older People ages 65 and above. The former first lady, Rosalyn Carter, is the most beloved first lady and has now been diagnosed with Dementia.
Rosalyn Carter has a great impact on promoting Mental Health Awareness and supports Caregivers through her non-profit, The Rosalyn Carter Insititute for Caregivers.
She has been diagnosed with Dementia but the Carter Center didn’t mention any further details about her specific condition/diagnosis. There are several different types of dementia, each with unique characteristics.
Here are some of the most common types:
Alzheimer’s disease: This is the most common form of dementia, accounting for around 60-80% of cases. It is characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes.
Vascular dementia: This type of dementia occurs when there is damage to the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the brain. It often results from strokes or other conditions that affect blood flow to the brain.
Lewy body dementia: This type of dementia is characterized by the presence of abnormal protein deposits, known as Lewy bodies, in the brain. It shares some symptoms with Alzheimer’s disease, such as memory loss, but also includes visual hallucinations and fluctuations in alertness.
Frontotemporal dementia: This group of dementias affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in behavior, personality, and language. It often affects people at a younger age compared to other forms of dementia.
Parkinson’s disease dementia: People with Parkinson’s disease may develop dementia as the condition progresses. It involves symptoms such as movement difficulties, tremors, and cognitive decline.
Mixed dementia: This occurs when a person has more than one type of dementia. For example, a combination of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are other less common types of dementia as well. Each type has its own specific features and progression patterns.
Most states require training in caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), Caregiverlist provides ADRD training that meets your state training requirements.
