Understanding The Different Dementia Types

If you or someone you care about is worried that dementia might be developing, it can feel overwhelming. You may be asking a range of questions such as what kind of dementia is it? What can we expect? Are there tailored dementia care services available that can assist in day-to-day life? 

In this article, we will break down: the different types of dementia, the main types of dementia, signs to look for, what a diagnosis involves and how expert dementia care can support quality of life. 

What Is Dementia? 

Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions characterised by decline in cognitive abilities. This decline might affect memory, thinking, behaviour, or ability to perform everyday tasks. It is not a single disease but a syndrome made up of many possible causes. Knowing which type of dementia is present is important for treatment, support and planning. 

Dementia Type: Why Understanding The Form Matters 

Identifying the specific dementia type can help in several ways: 

• Tailoring care approaches (for example, supporting communication in Lewy body dementia, or managing vascular risk). 

• Anticipating progression and planning ahead. 

• Accessing appropriate treatments or symptom-management therapies (where available). 

• Helping families understand what to expect. 

Major Types Of Dementia 

Below, you will find a list of some of the most common types of dementia you may come across: 

Alzheimer’s Disease 

This is the most common form of dementia. It often begins with subtle memory loss, difficulty finding words, misplacing items, and problems with planning or organising. Over time, the effects become more widespread across many cognitive domains. Alzheimer’s disease is usually progressive, meaning symptoms gradually worsen over years. 

Vascular Dementia 

Vascular dementia is caused by problems in the blood supply to the brain (for example, after a stroke or due to small vessel damage). The onset may be more stepwise — you might see sudden changes after a vascular event, or fluctuations in ability. You may see problems with attention, planning, slower thinking, rather than memory loss being the first symptom. 

Lewy Body Dementia 

Lewy body dementia involves abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain. Hallmark features include visual hallucinations, fluctuations in attention or alertness, parkinsonism (rigidity, tremor), and sleep disturbances. Memory can be affected too, though sometimes less severely at the start compared to Alzheimer’s disease. 

Frontotemporal Dementia 

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which regulate behaviour, personality, language and social conduct. You may see marked changes in behaviour, disinhibition, apathy, or speech difficulties long before memory loss becomes evident. This type often affects people at a younger age (for example in their 50s or 60s). 

Mixed Dementia 

Mixed dementia refers to a case where more than one type of dementia is present simultaneously. Commonly, Alzheimer’s disease may coexist with vascular changes. Symptoms may be complex or overlap, making diagnosis more challenging. But recognising a mixed element can help target vascular risk factors (e.g. blood pressure, cholesterol) as part of care. 

Less Common Types And Rarer Forms 

There are also rarer dementia types such as Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, corticobasal degeneration, primary progressive aphasia, normal pressure hydrocephalus, and others. These tend to have more distinctive or rapid courses and require specialist assessment. 

Common Signs And Symptoms To Look Out For 

While every person is different, here are some general red flags: 

• Increasing memory lapses (forgetting recent events, repeating questions) 

• Difficulty following conversations, planning or organising 

• Challenges with language (finding words, naming objects) 

• Confusion about time or places 

• Mood or personality changes: apathy, irritability, withdrawal 

• Problems with movement, balance or coordination (more common in vascular or Lewy body dementia) 

• Visual hallucinations (in Lewy body dementia) 

• Behavioural changes (especially in frontotemporal dementia) 

If you notice one or more of these persisting or worsening over time, it is advisable to seek medical advice. 

The Diagnostic Process 

Getting a diagnosis involves several steps: 

1. Medical and history assessment 
   A clinician (often a GP or specialist neurologist/psychiatrist) will take a full medical history, ask about symptoms, onset, progression, medications and vascular risk factors. 

2. Cognitive testing 
   Standardised tests (e.g. memory, language, executive function) help detect cognitive deficits and patterns. 

3. Imaging scans 
   MRI or CT scans of the brain may detect strokes, shrinkage of brain areas, or other structural changes. 

4. Laboratory tests 
   Blood tests rule out treatable causes (e.g. thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies). 

5. Specialist referral 
   In many cases patients are referred to memory clinics, neurologists or old age psychiatrists for further evaluation. 

Often, a diagnosis is based on combining all this information. In some cases, the precise subtype remains uncertain, particularly early on or in mixed cases. 

What To Expect After Diagnosis And How Care Helps 

Receiving a diagnosis can feel like relief and fear mixed together. It gives clarity but also brings uncertainty. Support and expert dementia care can make a significant difference: 

• Tailored care plans that consider the type of dementia, the individual’s strengths, preferences and needs 

• Structured routines, cognitive stimulation, therapies and meaningful activities 

• Environmental design (lighting, layouts, signage) to reduce confusion 

• Emotional and psychological support for the person and their family 

• Training for carers in communication, behaviour management, and safety 

At Silverline Care, we are committed to delivering high quality elderly dementia care grounded in compassion, respect and expertise. Our teams are trained in dementia understanding and responsive support. We believe every person deserves dignity, engagement and comfort throughout their journey. 

Tips For Families While You Wait For Diagnosis Or Care Planning 

• Keep a record of symptoms, when they began, what worsens or improves 

• Encourage small cognitive activities (puzzles, conversations, reminiscence) 

• Maintain social contact and meaningful routines 

• Seek support groups and advice (for carers and people living with dementia) 

• Explore your options early – home care, day support, residential dementia care 

Silverline Care Identify Dementia Symptoms And Provide Tailored Dementia Care 

Dementia is not a single condition but a set of syndromes caused by different brain pathologies. Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia are among the common types. Recognising which type is present helps shape care, plan for the future, and improve quality of life. At Silverline Care we offer expert elderly dementia care services tailored to each individual’s needs and preferences. 

If you suspect dementia in yourself or someone close, or wish to explore high quality dementia care, please contact Silverline Care today on 0141 736 1275. Alternatively, fill out our contact form and we will be in touch in due course. We are here to guide, support and care through every step.