Rarer forms of dementia
There are rarer forms of dementia that present specific symptoms and challenges that we have created information sheets to help with.
What are rarer forms of dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for over a 100 different illnesses and diseases. Common forms include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies.
However, some forms of dementia are rarer, keep reading this page to learn more.
Frontotemporal dementia
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a complex progressive condition of the brain which can affect behaviour, personality and language.
FTD occurs less often than other types of dementia like Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia. It is generally diagnosed in people between the ages of 45 and 65.
The three main types of FTD are:
- Behavioural variant FTD (bvFTD)
- Language variant FTD, including progressive non fluent aphasia (PNFA)
- Semantic dementia
Click on the links above to download our information sheet on each type of frontotemporal dementia.
Korsakoff's syndrome
Korsakoff’s syndrome is caused by lack of thiamine (vitamin B1), which affects the brain and nervous system. People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol are often thiamine deficient.
Unlike dementia, Korsakoff’s syndrome does not progress over time. It can be halted if the person is given high doses of thiamine, stops drinking alcohol and adopts a healthy diet with vitamin supplements.
To learn more, please download our information sheet by clicking the button below:
Parkinson's disease with dementia
Parkinson’s dementia is a condition that some people can experience as Parkinson’s disease progresses. It affects thinking and memory and can have a big impact on different aspects of life.
Everyone experiences Parkinson’s dementia in different ways. Symptoms can include:
- memory and concentration problems
- struggling to find the right word and names
- problems with decision making, planning activities or solving problems
- everyday activities such a dressing, cooking and shopping
- changes in appetite, energy levels and sleeping patterns.
- depression and anxiety – some people may find it difficult to control their emotions.
For more, please download our information sheet.
CADASIL
CADASIL is the most common genetic cause of stroke and vascular dementia in adults.
The name CADASIL is short for: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy.
Each part of the name relates to the cause or effect of the condition. Cerebral refers to the brain; Autosomal Domina
To learn more, please download our information sheet by clicking the button below:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and cognitive problems
MS is a neurological condition which affects people in different ways. Although not everyone will develop them, around 65% of people with MS experience mild cognitive symptoms.
Generally, people who are diagnosed with MS are between 20 and 40 years of age, but it can affect younger and older people too.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common difficulties are:
- learning and memory
- attention, concentration
- mental speed
- problem solving
- word-finding.
To learn more, please download our information sheet by clicking the button below:
HIV associated dementia and AIDS dementia complex
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can affect brain function and motor skills. This condition is known as HIV associated dementia and affects around 50% of people with HIV.
HIV associated dementia can be difficult to diagnose as other conditions, like depression, infections or side effects of medication can create similar symptoms.
HIV associated dementia may cause:
- poor concentration
- forgetfulness
- slowed movements
- personality changes.
- lack of coordination
AIDS Dementia Complex is typically seen in the later stages of HIV/AIDS. The symptoms vary widely from person to person.
AIDS Dementia Complex may cause:
- cognitive decline
- difficulty learning new things
- changes in behaviour
- forgetfulness/memory loss
- confusion
- difficulty finding words
- withdrawal from hobbies or social activities
- depression.
Posterior cortical atrophy
Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), also known as Benson’s syndrome, is a progressive degenerative condition which causes damage to brain cells at the back of the brain. This area of the brain processes what we see.
Symptoms can include changes in vision including:
- difficulty recognising familiar objects and faces
- increased sensitivity to bright lights or shiny surfaces
- double vision
- particular difficulty seeing in fading or low light conditions
- difficulty judging depth and speed
- stationary objects may appear to move
To learn more, please download our information sheet by clicking the button below:
More information on dementia
Dementia is not a natural part of the ageing process. It’s caused by illnesses that affect the brain and every person experiences dementia differently.
For more information, find out more by clicking the button below
Our community and support
Alzheimer Scotland offers support services and therapeutic activities all across the country. Find out how we support people living with dementia and their families and carers in the local community.