A psychologist has illuminated the meaning of ‘mixed dementia‘ and dispelled common misconceptions. Dr Kelynn Lee, CEO of the Dementia Care Hub and a researcher focused on cognitive decline, recently responded to a follower’s question on TikTok.
The follower recently learned that their mother was diagnosed with mixed dementia and mistakenly thought this meant doctors were unsure about the exact type of dementia she had. However, Dr Lee clarified that this was not the case at all.
She said previously: “No. So, a mixed dementia is when a person has more than one type of dementia. Ok, so rather than just having Alzheimer’s disease, they will have Alzheimer’s disease plus vascular dementia, as an example.
“That’s probably the most typical one when we are talking about mixed dementias. So, no, it isn’t that they aren’t sure what it is, it’s the fact that it’s two types of dementia.”
Dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses various conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, all marked by a gradual decline in brain function. According to the NHS, over 944,000 people in the UK live with dementia, and the Alzheimer’s Society reports that one in 10 individuals has mixed dementia.
Mixed dementia, involving different forms of the condition, lacks a specific set of symptoms. Caregivers should familiarise themselves with the warning signs of each type, although the symptoms of one type are usually more noticeable than those of the others.
Official advice at Alzheimer’s Society adds: “Alzheimer’s disease with vascular dementia. This is the most common type of mixed dementia. It’s caused by a person developing Alzheimer’s disease and at the same time having diseased or damaged blood vessels supplying their brain.
“The two different types of disease combine to make symptoms worse than they would be on their own.” Currently, there’s no cure available for mixed dementia, though treatments exist to ease its symptoms, which can include confusion, memory loss, and difficulties with speech, amongst other issues.
Anyone who suspects that they or a loved one might be showing signs of dementia should consult their GP for guidance.
Potential early warning symptoms of dementia
Dementia symptoms differ depending on the specific type. However, in the early stages, common signs often include:
- Mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
- Memory loss
- Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- Being confused about time and place
NHS guidance adds: “These symptoms are often mild and may get worse only very gradually. It’s often termed ‘mild cognitive impairment’ (MCI) as the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia.
“You might not notice these symptoms if you have them, and family and friends may not notice or take them seriously for some time. In some people, these symptoms will remain the same and not worsen. But some people with MCI will go on to develop dementia.
“Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. This is why it’s important to talk to a GP sooner rather than later if you’re worried about memory problems or other symptoms.”
Visit the NHS website for more information.