Mixed Dementia is a term used to describe a person who has more than one type of dementia. The most common form of mixed dementia is a combination of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. In some cases, Alzheimer's disease can also coexist with Lewy body dementia (LBD), which forms another type. Mixed dementia is also known as dementia-multifactorial or multifactorial dementia.
Mixed dementia is seldom diagnosed during life. However, scientific studies conducted on the brains of some affected people revealed that most people who are over 80 years old experience mixed dementia caused by Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and other chronic neurodegenerative diseases.
These two conditions cause some changes in the brain that trigger dementia symptoms. As a result, the person experiences a gradual decline in thought and information processing. This manifests as challenges with planning, problem-solving, and trouble with concentration.
This type of mixed dementia affects the part of the brain that controls physical mobility and sensory data processing. People with this condition experience sleep problems, visual hallucinations, and sudden disorientation.
Mixed dementia is a complicated condition because its symptoms dramatically vary. In many cases, symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s can appear, such as memory loss, confusion, and disorientation. Some signs may also suggest that more than one type of dementia exists in a person.
Most people with mixed dementia are diagnosed with only one type of dementia. Therefore, physicians also often offer prescription advice based on what's been discovered during diagnosis.
There is currently no cure nor FDA-approved medications to treat mixed dementia. However, some physicians may prescribe FDA-approved medications intended for Alzheimer's. Drugs and other treatments can help the person maintain cognitive ability for a more extended period.
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