Types of Dementia: Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body, Vascular, Frontotemporal and More

“Dementia” isn’t one disease. It’s a general term for a decline in memory, thinking and reasoning serious enough to interfere with daily life. Many different conditions can cause it. In honor of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, here’s a guide to the most common types.

Alzheimer’s disease

The most common cause of dementia. It usually begins with trouble remembering recent conversations and events, then gradually affects language, judgment and the ability to handle daily tasks. Changes in the brain, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles, begin years before symptoms appear.

Lewy body dementias

Caused by abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein (Lewy bodies) in the brain. There are two related forms:

• Dementia with Lewy bodies, where thinking problems come first or at the same time as movement problems.
• Parkinson’s disease dementia, where a person has Parkinson’s movement symptoms for at least a year before thinking problems develop.

Common signs include alertness that changes from day to day, detailed visual hallucinations, acting out dreams during sleep, and stiffness, slowness or shuffling. People with Lewy body dementia can be very sensitive to some antipsychotic medicines, so an accurate diagnosis is important.

Vascular dementia

Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after strokes or from damage to small blood vessels. Symptoms can appear suddenly or progress in steps, and often include slowed thinking and trouble with planning and organization. Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes can lower the risk.

Frontotemporal dementia

Affects the front and side areas of the brain. It often starts at a younger age, sometimes in a person’s 50s or 60s, and may first show up as changes in personality and behavior, or as trouble with language, rather than memory loss.

Mixed dementia

Many older adults have more than one type, most often Alzheimer’s together with vascular changes or Lewy bodies.

Why the type matters

Knowing the cause helps doctors choose the right medicines, avoid ones that may cause harm, and helps families know what to expect. Ask the doctor which type of dementia your loved one has, and what that means for care. Memory care homes use this information to tailor daily care to each resident’s needs.

Have questions about memory care for someone you love? Call Generations Senior Living at (352) 474-2696 or schedule a tour of one of our three homes near The Villages.