Understanding Dementia

The Different Types and How They Show Up in Daily Life

Dementia is a word that can feel heavy—especially when it involves someone we love. One very important thing to note is that there is no cookie cutter with dementia and no crystal ball.  Every single person with dementia is different and will have different symptoms, different severity, and will live with dementia for different lengths of time. One thing is for sure, dementia is a progressive disease, so preparing and adapting over time is so important as a caregiver. There are over 100 different types of dementia. Understanding the common types of dementia and how they present can help us navigate this journey with more confidence and compassion. Let’s dive in because knowledge is power! 

1. Alzheimer’s Disease – The Most Common Type

When people hear “dementia,” they often think of Alzheimer’s. This type is the most common and typically starts with short-term memory loss. A loved one may forget appointments, misplace things, or ask the same question multiple times. As it progresses, they might struggle with recognizing familiar faces, finding the right words, or even remembering how to do everyday tasks like making a cup of tea.

How it might look in daily life:

• Mom forgets she already asked how your kids are doing.


• Dad starts getting lost on his usual walk around the block.


• Grandma can’t quite follow a recipe she’s made for years.


2. Vascular Dementia – The One Tied to Stroke or Poor Circulation

This type of dementia is linked to issues with blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke. It tends to affect problem-solving, decision-making, and attention span rather than memory in the early stages. Your loved one might have sudden mood swings, struggle with organizing their thoughts, or find it harder to focus on conversations.

How it might look in daily life:

• A usually meticulous parent starts missing bill payments.


• Grandpa seems frustrated and has a hard time following a game of cards.


• Your aunt has moments of confusion that come and go more dramatically than usual forgetfulness.


3. Lewy Body Dementia – The One with Hallucinations and Sleep Issues

Lewy body dementia (LBD) can be a bit tricky because it often overlaps with Parkinson’s disease. People with LBD may see things that aren’t there, have vivid dreams, or act out in their sleep. They also may experience moments of extreme confusion, followed by periods where they seem completely fine.

How it might look in daily life:

• Your dad swears he saw a cat in the house, but you don’t have one.


• A loved one seems fully alert one day but very confused the next.


• They have trouble moving smoothly or experience tremors like Parkinson’s disease.


4. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) – The One That Changes Personality First

Unlike Alzheimer’s, which starts with memory loss, FTD primarily affects behavior and personality. People with this type may act impulsively, make inappropriate comments, or show a lack of empathy. It’s often misdiagnosed as a mental health issue at first.

How it might look in daily life:

• A once-polite parent starts saying things that seem shockingly blunt.


• A responsible loved one suddenly spends recklessly or engages in risky behavior.


• They struggle with language—mixing up words or using phrases that don’t quite make sense.


5. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome – The One Linked to Alcohol or Nutritional Deficiencies

This type of dementia is caused by a severe deficiency of thiamine (Vitamin B1), often due to chronic alcohol use, malnutrition, or other health conditions that affect nutrient absorption. It can cause severe memory loss, confusion, and difficulty coordinating movements.

How it might look in daily life:

• A loved one has gaps in memory but seems unaware of them.


• They tell exaggerated or completely made-up stories to fill in the blanks (confabulation).


• Their balance and coordination seem noticeably off.


6. Mixed Dementia – The Combination Platter

Sometimes, dementia doesn’t fit neatly into one category. Many people, especially older adults, may have a mix of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, leading to a blend of symptoms. This can make diagnosis trickier, but recognizing a combination of memory issues and problem-solving difficulties can be a clue.

7. Other Types – The Less Common Ones

There are a few other types of dementia that are less common but still important to mention:

• Parkinson’s Disease Dementia – Similar to Lewy body dementia but developing after years of Parkinson’s symptoms.


• Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) – A rare and rapidly progressing form of dementia.


• Huntington’s Disease – A genetic disorder that leads to dementia along with movement problems.


What Can You Do?

If you’re noticing signs of dementia in a loved one, the best step is to talk to a doctor, both a primary care physician and possibly a neurologist.  While there’s no cure, early intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. 

Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Create a Safe Environment: Reduce fall risks, label important items, and establish a consistent routine.


• Encourage Brain and Physical Activity: Simple puzzles, music, and gentle exercise can help maintain cognitive and physical function.  Seeking assistance from physical, occupational, and speech therapists can assist in these areas and help plan for future needs.


• Be Patient and Adapt Communication: Use clear, simple language, and give your loved one extra time to process thoughts.


• Seek Support: Join caregiver support groups, contact healthcare professionals, and consider home health and respite care when needed.


• Take Care of Yourself Too: Caregiving is demanding—don’t forget to prioritize your own well-being so you can continue to provide the best care possible.


By approaching dementia with understanding and preparedness, we can ensure our loved ones feel supported and valued at every stage of their journey.

Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, but knowledge is power. The more we understand, the more we can provide support, patience, and love—something that will always matter more than any diagnosis.

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