Understanding the Different Types of Dementia

Dementia isn’t just one condition - it’s a whole family of disorders that affect memory, thinking, and behavior in different ways. If you're caring for a loved one with dementia, understanding its unique types can help you navigate the journey with confidence and tailor your support to their needs.  

Let’s dive into some of the most common types of dementia, what makes them distinct, and how you can create a care approach that truly makes a difference.

Alzheimer's Disease: The Slow Fade

What Happens?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, making up 60-80% of cases (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023). It starts slowly, often with small memory lapses—misplacing keys, struggling to find the right word - but gradually impacts problem-solving, language, and daily independence.  

How to Support a Loved One 

• Create a Daily Routine: Predictability brings comfort. A structured day helps reduce confusion.  

• Use Memory Aids: Visual cues, notes, and gentle reminders keep things on track.  

• Declutter & Simplify: A calm, safe home environment minimizes stress.  

• Reminisce Together: Old photos, music, and familiar scents can spark joy and connection.  

Vascular Dementia: When Blood Flow Disrupts Thinking

What Happens?

Vascular dementia - the second most common type - occurs when reduced blood flow damages brain cells (National Institute on Aging, 2021). This often happens after a stroke or due to conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Unlike Alzheimer’s, symptoms may appear suddenly and can worsen in steps rather than gradually.  

How to Support a Loved One 

• Manage Health Risks: Work with doctors to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes (National Institute on Aging, 2021).

• Encourage Movement: Gentle activities like walking and yoga support brain circulation.

• Stick to a Routine: Predictability reduces anxiety and supports cognitive function.  

Lewy Body Dementia: When Alertness Comes and Goes  

What Happens?  

Imagine tiny roadblocks randomly appearing in the brain - that’s Lewy body dementia (McKeith et al., 2017). It causes fluctuating confusion, hallucinations, and tremor-like movements. Some days, your loved one might seem clear and focused, while on others, they may be disoriented and struggling.

How to Support a Loved One

• Be Flexible: Cognitive clarity may change throughout the day—adjust your approach accordingly (McKeith et al., 2017).

• Ensure a Safe Space: Vision issues and movement problems can increase fall risks.

• Use Gentle Communication: Hallucinations can feel real - respond with calm reassurance. 

Frontotemporal Dementia: When Personality Shifts  

What Happens?  

This form of dementia affects the front and sides of the brain, leading to personality changes, impulsive behaviors, and language difficulties. It’s often mistaken for mental health conditions because memory problems may not be the first sign (Rascovsky et al., 2011).

How to Support a Loved One

• Be Patient with Changes: A loved one may act out of character - it’s the disease, not them (Rascovsky et al., 2011).

• Simplify Communication: Speak slowly and clearly; writing things down can help.

• Set Gentle Boundaries: Redirect inappropriate behaviors calmly and consistently.  

Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: When Thinking Slows Down  

What Happens?  

While Parkinson’s starts as a movement disorder, up to 50% of patients later develop dementia. It’s like gradual roadblocks forming in the brain, slowing down both movement and thinking (Williams-Gray et al., 2013).

How to Support a Loved One

• Balance Movement & Rest: Overexertion can worsen symptoms, so pacing is key (Williams-Gray et al., 2013).

• Use Visual & Verbal Cues: Step-by-step guidance helps with tasks like dressing and eating.

• Encourage Engagement: Music, storytelling, and light social activities stimulate the brain.  

Other Causes of Dementia: More Than Just Disease  

Dementia-like symptoms can sometimes be reversed if caused by:  

• Brain injuries (head trauma)  

• Vitamin B12 deficiency  

• Thyroid problems  

• Infections  

That’s why early diagnosis is crucial cases may be treatable!  

Navigating Treatment & Support  

Right now, there’s no cure for most types of dementia, but that doesn’t mean there’s no hope. Medications can help manage symptoms, and brain-friendly activities like puzzles, social engagement, and exercise can slow progression.  

Most importantly, caregivers need care too. Support groups, community resources, and guidance from organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association can help you feel less alone.  

Heartfelt Moment

Dementia is a tough journey, but you are not alone. Every small act of careevery smile, every gentle reminder, every comforting touchmatters. Science is making strides toward better treatments. Until then, your love and patience are the most powerful medicine of all.  

References 

Alzheimer’s Association. (2023). 2023 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s Association. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures

McKeith, I. G., Boeve, B. F., Dickson, D. W., et al. (2017). Diagnosis and management of dementia with Lewy bodies. Neurology, 89(1), 88-100.

National Institute on Aging. (2021, November 17). Vascular dementia: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vascular-dementia/vascular-dementia-causes-symptoms-and-treatments

Rascovsky, K., Hodges, J. R., Knopman, D., et al. (2011). Sensitivity of revised diagnostic criteria for the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia. Brain, 134(9), 2456-2477.

Williams-Gray, C. H., Mason, S. L., Evans, J. R., et al. (2013). The evolution of cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease. Brain, 136(7), 1978-1989.