Talking from my experience Yes it is very hard to understand about crypto currencies especially when it does not have any fixed set of rules. Reading a lot of forums and investments have helped me understand a little about it but still I feel I do not have any idea about the capabilities of a infact just few currencies.
At first, it is very hard to understand especially when you are the only one whos studying it. But if you will pay attention on it, it could be easier for you to understand it.