Understanding the Different Types of Dementia

When someone you love starts showing signs of memory loss or confusion, it can feel like the ground shifts beneath you. One moment you're brushing off small changes, the next you're trying to make sense of what's happening, and what might come next. That’s where things often get overwhelming, especially when the word dementia enters the conversation.

There are several different types of dementia, and they don’t all look or progress the same way. Some affect memory early on, while others change behavior or movement first. That’s why understanding the different types of dementia is so important.

Let’s break down the most common types of dementia and explore their differences.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Typically, Alzheimer’s begins with mild memory loss that gradually worsens over time.

In the early stages, someone might forget recent conversations or misplace everyday items. As the condition progresses, it can affect language, problem-solving, and basic tasks like getting dressed or preparing meals.

One of the defining features of Alzheimer’s is how it changes the brain slowly and steadily. These changes are caused by abnormal protein build-ups that damage and kill brain cells. While there is no cure yet, early diagnosis helps families prepare and explore treatment options that may slow the progression of symptoms or improve quality of life.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia develops when blood flow to the brain is reduced or blocked, often after a stroke or series of mini-strokes. This decreased blood flow damages brain cells, leading to symptoms that develop suddenly or worsen in a stepwise pattern.

Unlike Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia often affects planning, judgment, and attention more than memory at first. People may struggle with organizing tasks or making decisions, and they may experience confusion or a slowed thinking process.

Because this form of dementia tied to cardiovascular health, treating conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes reduces further risks.

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is distinguished by the accumulation of irregular protein deposits, known as Lewy bodies, in the brain. These deposits interfere with brain function, causing a range of cognitive, motor, and behavioral symptoms. Common signs include visual hallucinations, fluctuating alertness, and Parkinson’s-like stiffness or tremors.

People with LBD may also experience sleep disturbances and difficulty with attention and problem-solving. Because its symptoms overlap with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, diagnosis can be tricky.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) normally affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain in loved ones between the ages of 50 and 70. Because these regions of the brain are responsible for personality and language, early signs usually include impulsiveness, apathy, and social withdrawal.

Unlike Alzheimer’s, memory loss might not be the first symptom. Instead, language difficulties, such as trouble finding words or understanding conversations, can appear early. Because FTD affects communication and behavior, it can be challenging for families and caregivers to navigate these changes.

Parkinson’s Disease Dementia

Parkinson’s disease dementia appears in people who have lived with Parkinson’s for several years. While Parkinson’s primarily affects movement, many eventually experience cognitive decline, including memory loss, slowed thinking, and difficulty concentrating. Motor symptoms, such as tremors and stiffness, usually appear first, followed by changes in cognition.

Treatments focus on managing both movement and cognitive symptoms to maintain quality of life.

Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA)

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a unique form of dementia that affects the brain’s visual processing areas. People with PCA may experience difficulty reading, judging distances, or recognizing objects, despite having normal eyesight. Memory and thinking skills often remain intact in the early stages, which distinguishes it from other forms of dementia.

Because symptoms are less about memory and more about vision and perception, PCA is often misdiagnosed.

Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease is an inherited condition that causes the unremitting breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Signs often appear in loved ones between the ages of 30 and 50, starting with involuntary movements, mood changes, and cognitive decline. Over time, individuals may develop symptoms of dementia, including difficulty thinking clearly or making decisions.

Because Huntington’s is genetic, families often face complex emotional and caregiving challenges. Although there is no cure, care can be provided to improve comfort and manage symptoms as the condition progresses.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is caused by an accumulation of fluid in the brain. It can lead to walking problems, urinary incontinence, and cognitive changes that closely resemble dementia. What makes NPH unique is that it may be treatable through surgical intervention, such as placing a shunt to drain excess fluid.

NPH can easily be mistaken for Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, so receiving a thorough medical evaluation is important. In some cases, early treatment can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare and fast-moving form of dementia triggered by abnormal proteins called prions. Prions rapidly damage brain cells, leading to sudden changes in thinking, coordination, and behavior. In most cases, the condition progresses quickly, often within a year.

Because of how rapidly it develops, CJD is particularly difficult for families. Symptoms may include confusion, memory loss, mood changes, and muscle stiffness. A prompt diagnosis can help families understand what to expect and make time-sensitive care decisions.

Mixed Dementia

If a loved one has two or more types of dementia simultaneously, most commonly Alzheimer’s disease combined with vascular dementia, they have what’s referred to as mixed dementia. Because the symptoms overlap, diagnosis can be complex, and the progression may be unpredictable.

People with mixed dementia might experience memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with making plans or decisions, but the way these symptoms develop varies. Recognizing that multiple factors may be at play helps tailor care more effectively.

The Importance of Personalized Support

Dementia affects everyone differently. As changes become more noticeable—whether in memory, mood, or mobility—understanding the different types of dementia is key to getting the care that fits for your loved one, and everyone else involved. Whether you need part-time assistance or full-time support, working with experienced, compassionate professionals can make daily life safer.

When the time comes, work with a team that truly understands dementia and prioritizes people's needs. At Caring Hearts Premier Home Care, we provide thoughtful senior care at home in Orange County and Los Angeles County, California. Our caregivers are prepared to assist with medication management, personal hygiene, and other daily needs.

If you're feeling unsure about what kind of support might be best, don’t wait to ask questions. A quick conversation can help you find the right care for your family.