Key takeaways
- Dementia is an umbrella term, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, but there are many others.
- Each type of dementia has distinct features, progression patterns and care implications.
- An accurate diagnosis helps families understand what to expect and how to provide the most effective support.
- Whatever the diagnosis, the person behind it remains whole, capable of joy, and deserving of personalised care.
When someone receives a dementia diagnosis, the word itself can feel overwhelming enough. Then come the follow-up questions: What type? What does that mean? Is it the same as Alzheimer’s? What happens next?
These are important questions. Understanding the specific type of dementia a person is living with can shape care decisions, help families know what to expect, and open the door to more targeted support. Here, we break down some of the most common types of dementia and what makes each one distinct.
Dementia: the umbrella term
Dementia is not a single disease. It is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities. These symptoms are caused by damage to the brain but the underlying cause of that damage differs depending on the type of dementia.
There are over 100 different types of dementia. The most common in Australia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body disease and frontotemporal dementia. Some people live with more than one type at the same time, which is known as mixed dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for around 60 to 70 per cent of all cases. It is caused by the buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain, amyloid plaques and tau tangles,which damage and destroy brain cells over time.
Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s typically include:
- Memory loss, particularly of recent events
- Difficulty finding words or following conversations
- Getting confused in familiar places
- Changes in mood, especially low motivation or withdrawal
As Alzheimer’s progresses, a person may need increasing support with daily activities, communication may change significantly, and care needs become more complex. The progression is gradual, and the timeline varies considerably from person to person.
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is the second most common type and is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often following a stroke or a series of small strokes (sometimes called ‘silent’ strokes). Unlike Alzheimer’s, which tends to develop gradually, vascular dementia may appear more suddenly or in noticeable ‘steps’ following vascular events.
Common features include:
- Difficulty with planning, problem-solving and processing information
- Slowed thinking
- Challenges with concentration and attention
- Physical symptoms such as weakness or balance difficulties, depending on which areas of the brain are affected
Cardiovascular health, managing blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, plays an important role in slowing the progression of vascular dementia.
Lewy body disease
Lewy body disease, which includes both dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease dementia, is caused by abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain.
Its features can be quite distinct from Alzheimer’s and are important to recognise:
- Fluctuating alertness and attention, a person may seem quite clear at times and very confused at others
- Detailed visual hallucinations (often of people or animals), which can feel very real to the person
- Parkinson’s-like physical symptoms such as tremor, stiffness and changes in gait
- Acting out vivid dreams during sleep (REM sleep behaviour disorder)
People living with Lewy body disease can be sensitive to certain medications, particularly some antipsychotics, which makes accurate diagnosis especially important.
Frontotemporal dementia
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for personality, behaviour, language and decision-making. It is more likely than other types to affect people under the age of 65, and it is often one of the more misunderstood and misdiagnosed forms of dementia.
Unlike Alzheimer’s, memory may be relatively preserved in the early stages. Instead, families often first notice:
- Changes in personality or behaviour, a person may seem disinhibited, apathetic or unusually impulsive
- Loss of empathy or social awareness
- Difficulty with language, finding words, understanding speech or producing fluent sentences
- Repetitive behaviours or routines
FTD can be particularly challenging for families because the changes in behaviour can feel personal. Understanding that these changes are neurological, not a reflection of the person’s character or feelings toward you, is an important part of navigating this diagnosis.
Why does the type of dementia matter?
The type of dementia a person is living with can influence the care approach, the environment that best supports them, the medications that are safe and effective, and the kinds of activities and engagement that are most meaningful.
At Videri Australia, we support people living with a wide range of dementia diagnoses, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body disease and frontotemporal dementia. Our care is always shaped by the individual, their diagnosis, their history, their preferences and their strengths, not by a one-size-fits-all approach.
Whatever the diagnosis, the person behind it remains whole, curious and deserving of a vibrant life still to be lived.
If you or someone you love has received a dementia diagnosis and you’re trying to understand what it means, our team is here to help. We hold regular, free Demystifying Dementia workshops, and our Family Enquiry Team can answer your questions at any stage. Call us on 1300 015 406 or get in touch online.
