If you notice an older loved one suddenly seeming more forgetful than usual, your first thought may be dementia. It’s a reasonable assumption: Around 50 million people worldwide live with dementia, a number projected to increase to 152 million by 2050. Dementia itself is an umbrella term for a particular group of symptoms, which include difficulties with memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive skills, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
That number doesn’t include people living with a possible precursor to dementia: mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These are cognitive changes, such as forgetfulness or losing their train of thought, that are serious enough to be noticed by the individual and their loved ones, but not enough to affect their ability to independently complete daily activities. Up to 18 percent of people aged 60 or over have MCI, and of those, an estimated 10 to15 percent will progress to dementia each year.
There are many different kinds of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form—more than 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s—but there are other types, too, including vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Parkinson’s disease dementia. There is also mixed dementia, which is a combination of different disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, notes Gary Small, MD, Chair of Psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey, and a member of TheKey’s Scientific Advisory Board.
If you have a loved one with any form of dementia, it can seem overwhelming. Understanding the type they have, however, can help—especially when it comes to getting them the care they need. Read on to learn about the different types of dementia, who is most at risk, the warning signs, how the disease is treated, and how you can best support your loved one.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia in the U.S., accounting for at least two-thirds of cases in people aged 65 and older.
What’s happening within the brain: Alzheimer’s is characterized by an accumulation of abnormal protein deposits called beta-amyloid and neurofibrillary tau tangles in the areas of the brain that control memory and thinking, explains Dr. Small, co-author of The Memory Bible. The accumulated amyloid deposits clump together and form plaques, which may block brain cell signaling and activate immune system cells that trigger inflammation and devour disabled cells.
Who’s most at risk: Most cases of Alzheimer’s are among older adults, affecting 5 percent of people aged 65 to 74, 13 percent of people aged 75 to 84, and 33 percent of those 85 and older.
Symptoms: Alzheimer’s dementia symptoms initially present as problems with short-term memory, says Dr. Small. There’s a gradual onset and gradual cognitive decline.
Care: Prescription treatments such as cholinesterase inhibitors may help manage symptoms. Family caregivers should focus on supportive, person-centered care and encourage independence wherever possible.
This is one of the most common causes of dementia. In fact, about 5 to 10 percent of people with dementia have vascular dementia.
What’s happening within the brain: Blood vessels supplying oxygen and nutrients to brain cells become damaged, often due to strokes or mini-strokes.
Who’s most at risk: Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms:
Care: Care often focuses on treating cardiovascular conditions while simplifying communication and daily routines.
Frontotemporal dementia occurs in approximately 5 to 15 percent of dementia cases.
What’s happening within the brain: Proteins such as tau accumulate in the frontal and temporal lobes, causing damage that leads to behaviour and language changes.
Who’s most at risk: FTD often appears earlier than Alzheimer’s, commonly affecting people in their 40s, 50s, or early 60s.
Symptoms: Personality changes, loss of inhibition, poor judgment, and trouble speaking or understanding words.
Care: There is no cure for FTD. Behavioural support, calm communication, and speech-language support can help improve quality of life.
Lewy body dementia affects about 1.4 million people in the U.S.
What’s happening within the brain: Abnormal protein deposits called alpha-synuclein disrupt brain chemicals and communication.
Symptoms:
Care: Occupational, physical, and speech therapy may help. Validation and emotional reassurance are important when hallucinations occur.
Up to 80 percent of people living with Parkinson’s disease will develop dementia symptoms over time.
Symptoms: Changes in memory, concentration, judgment, hallucinations, and movement challenges.
Care: Care focuses on balancing both cognitive and movement difficulties. Structured routines, clutter-free spaces, and pacing tools like music or metronomes may help.
These dementias progress very quickly—sometimes within weeks or months—and are extremely rare.
Symptoms: Rapid cognitive decline, speech difficulties, mood changes, and movement problems.
Care: Since there is no cure in many cases, care focuses on symptom management and emotional support for patients and families.
| Dementia | Cause | Symptoms | Care |
| Alzheimer’s | Protein plaques and tangles in the brain. | Memory loss, confusion, poor judgment. | Medication and supportive care. |
| Vascular | Reduced blood flow to the brain. | Decision-making and balance problems. | Cardiovascular management and communication support. |
| Frontotemporal | Damage to frontal and temporal lobes. | Behaviour and language changes. | Behavioural and speech support. |
| Lewy body | Alpha-synuclein protein buildup. | Hallucinations and movement issues. | Therapies and emotional reassurance. |
| Parkinson’s | Loss of movement-control nerve cells. | Movement and memory difficulties. | Movement support and cognitive care. |
| Mixed | Combination of dementia causes. | Varies by condition. | Symptom-focused care. |
Source: Alzheimer’s Association
Is Your Family Considering Home Care?
We can help you understand your options and determine the best plan for your family, your budget, and your loved one's care needs. Give us a call at 1-844-655-0880 and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.