6. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships: The Sight Conundrum in Mixed Dementia
A less known but equally impactful symptom of mixed dementia is the difficulty understanding visual images and spatial relationships. This can include problems with reading, judging distances, and determining color or contrast, which can result in difficulties with driving or recognizing faces.
This symptom typically indicates damage to the occipital lobe, the primary visual processing area in the brain. Both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia can cause damage in this area, leading to visual-spatial difficulties.
In Alzheimer’s disease, the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the occipital lobe can disrupt the functioning of neurons, leading to issues with visual processing. Similarly, in vascular dementia, if a stroke affects areas of the brain responsible for visual processing, it can result in a host of visual and spatial difficulties.
The trouble with visual and spatial understanding can severely impact an individual’s ability to perform routine tasks such as driving, reading, or even walking without stumbling. Therefore, any persistent issues in this area warrant medical attention. (6)
