Types of Dementia Explained: A Carer’s Guide

According to Alzheimer’s Society, there are over 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and this number is expected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, accounting for around 60-70% of cases, there are other important types that families should understand.

This guide explains the main types of dementia, their key features, and what each one might mean for you and your loved one.

Alzheimer’s Disease

What it is:

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It is caused by the build-up of abnormal proteins in the brain, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These proteins damage and destroy brain cells, particularly in areas responsible for memory and thinking.

Common symptoms:

• Memory loss, especially recent memories (forgetting conversations, repeating questions)
• Difficulty planning or solving problems (struggling with familiar tasks like cooking or managing money)
• Confusion with time or place (losing track of dates, seasons, or where they are)
• Problems with words (struggling to find the right word or follow conversations)
• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
• Changes in mood or personality (becoming withdrawn, anxious, or suspicious)

How it progresses:

Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses slowly over many years. Early symptoms are mild and easy to dismiss as normal ageing. Over time, memory loss becomes more severe, and help is needed with daily activities such as dressing, washing, and eating.
In later stages, individuals may lose the ability to communicate, recognise loved ones, or manage physical functions.

Vascular Dementia

What it is:

Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes (including small, unnoticed strokes called “silent strokes”) or damage to blood vessels. When brain cells do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, they become damaged or die.
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, accounting for around 15-20% of cases.

Common symptoms:

• Problems with thinking speed and concentration (mental processing feels slower)
• Difficulty planning, organising, or making decisions
• Memory problems, though these may be less severe than in Alzheimer’s disease
• Confusion and disorientation
• Mood changes, including depression or emotional instability
• Physical symptoms such as difficulty walking, weakness, or loss of bladder control

How it progresses:

Vascular dementia can progress in a stepwise pattern, with sudden declines following strokes or blood vessel damage, followed by periods of stability. However, some people experience a more gradual decline similar to Alzheimer’s disease.
Early diagnosis and management of cardiovascular risk factors (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol) can help slow progression.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)

What it is:

Dementia with Lewy Bodies is caused by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies that build up in the brain. These deposits affect areas involved in thinking, movement, behaviour, and mood.
DLB accounts for around 10-15% of dementia cases and shares features with both Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Common symptoms:

• Fluctuating cognition (attention and alertness vary significantly from day to day or even hour to hour)
• Visual hallucinations (seeing things that are not there, such as people, animals, or patterns)
• Movement problems similar to Parkinson’s disease (tremors, stiffness, slow movement, shuffling walk)
• Sleep disturbances, including acting out dreams (REM sleep behaviour disorder)
• Memory problems, though these may be less prominent early on compared to Alzheimer’s disease
• Sensitivity to certain medications, particularly antipsychotic drugs

How it progresses:

DLB can progress more quickly than Alzheimer’s disease. The fluctuating nature of symptoms can be particularly challenging for families, as the person may seem better one day and worse the next.
Early recognition is important, as individuals with DLB can have severe reactions to some medications commonly used to manage behavioural symptoms in other types of dementia.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

What it is:

Frontotemporal dementia is caused by damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, areas responsible for behaviour, personality, language, and emotional regulation. It is less common than Alzheimer’s disease but is one of the most common causes of dementia in people under 65.

Common symptoms:

• Changes in personality and behaviour (becoming socially inappropriate, impulsive, or apathetic)
• Loss of empathy and emotional understanding
• Language difficulties (struggling to speak, find words, or understand language)
• Repetitive or compulsive behaviours (such as repeating phrases, routines, or eating the same foods)
• Loss of inhibition (saying or doing things that are out of character or socially unacceptable)
• Memory is often less affected in the early stages, unlike Alzheimer’s disease

How it progresses:

FTD tends to progress more quickly than Alzheimer’s disease. Because behavioural and personality changes often appear before memory problems, FTD can be misdiagnosed as a mental health condition such as depression or bipolar disorder.
The impact on personality and behaviour can be particularly distressing for families, as the person may seem like a different person.

Mixed Dementia

What it is:

Mixed dementia occurs when someone has more than one type of dementia at the same time. The most common combination is Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, but other combinations are possible, such as Alzheimer’s disease with Lewy body dementia.
Mixed dementia is more common than previously thought, particularly in older people. Post-mortem studies suggest that up to 45% of people with dementia may have had mixed pathology.

Common symptoms:

Symptoms depend on which types of dementia are present. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia might experience:

• Memory problems and confusion (from Alzheimer’s)
• Sudden changes in abilities following strokes (from vascular dementia)
• Difficulty with planning and problem-solving
• Mood and personality changes

How it progresses:

Mixed dementia can be harder to diagnose during life, as symptoms overlap. Progression may follow patterns of either type or a combination of both.
Identifying mixed dementia is important because treatment and management strategies may need to address multiple underlying causes.

Rarer Types of Dementia

There are several less common forms of dementia, including:

• Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA): Affects vision and spatial awareness before memory
• Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD): Causes movement problems and cognitive decline
• Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP): Affects balance, movement, and eye movement
• Alcohol-related dementia (Korsakoff’s syndrome): Caused by long-term alcohol misuse and vitamin B1 deficiency
• Dementia in Parkinson’s disease: Develops in some people with Parkinson’s disease

If your loved one has been diagnosed with a rarer form of dementia, ask for information and support specific to their condition.

What to Do After a Dementia Diagnosis

Receiving a dementia diagnosis is overwhelming. You may feel shocked, scared, or unsure where to turn. These feelings are completely normal.

Here are some practical steps to take after a diagnosis:

1. Ask Questions

Ask the GP or specialist about:

• What type of dementia has been diagnosed
• What to expect as it progresses
• What treatment or medication options are available
• Where to access support and information
• Write down questions before appointments and take notes or bring someone with you.

2. Access Support and Information

Contact specialist dementia organisations for guidance:

• Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect support line: 0333 150 3456
• Dementia UK Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline: 0800 888 6678
• Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602

These organisations offer free, confidential advice for people living with dementia and their families.

3. Plan for the Future

While your loved one still has capacity, consider:

• Setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney for health and welfare and finances
• Discussing wishes and preferences for future care
• Reviewing finances and benefits entitlements
• Making any legal or practical arrangements (wills, advance care plans)
• Planning ahead reduces stress and ensures their wishes are respected.

4. Connect with Others

Joining a support group or online community can help you feel less alone. Many families find comfort in connecting with others who understand what they are going through.
Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK run local support groups and online forums.

5. Look After Yourself

Caring for someone with dementia is physically and emotionally demanding. Make time for your own wellbeing, accept help when offered, and do not be afraid to ask for respite or additional support.

At Boutique Care Homes, we understand how important it is for families to feel supported. Whether you are caring for someone at home or considering future care options, we are here to listen, guide, and provide information without pressure.

SOURCES:
Alzheimer’s Society – Types of dementia: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia
NHS – Dementia guide: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/
Dementia UK – Types of dementia: https://www.dementiauk.org/understanding-dementia/types-of-dementia/
Alzheimer’s Research UK – Types of dementia: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/about-dementia/types-of-dementia/
Lewy Body Society: https://www.lewybody.org/
Rare Dementia Support: https://www.raredementiasupport.org/