Understanding the Different Types of Dementia
What is Dementia?
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can feel daunting — for the person affected and for those who love them. It’s natural to have questions and worries about what the future may hold.
The first thing to remember is that not all Dementias are the same. Each type affects people in different ways, and many continue to enjoy meaningful routines, relationships and independence with the right support.
“Dementia” isn’t a single disease. Rather, it describes a collection of symptoms that can affect memory, thinking, language and behaviour - and over time, these symptoms may become more noticeable.
The underlying cause is damage to the brain. Nerve cells gradually become less able to carry messages, and as more cells are affected, the brain’s ability to work properly declines.
Knowing the specific type of dementia a person has can help tailor support, treatment and the care environment — helping them live as well as possible for as long as possible.
The Main Types of Dementia
Below are the most common forms of dementia you may come across when supporting someone at home. Understanding the differences can help families and carers respond with greater confidence and compassion.
Alzheimer’s Disease
This is the most frequently diagnosed type of dementia. The earliest signs often involve difficulties with recent memory, finding words, or thinking clearly.
As it progresses, everyday tasks we take for granted — such as following a conversation, cooking a familiar meal or recognising familiar places — may become harder.
Vascular Dementia
The second most common type, vascular dementia arises from damage to the blood vessels that supply the brain.
Early signs often include difficulty with planning, organising, or making decisions rather than memory loss alone. Because it’s linked to blood flow, health conditions like strokes or heart disease may also need attention as part of the care plan.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
This form of dementia is caused by abnormal protein deposits in the brain known as Lewy bodies.
People living with DLB may experience fluctuations in alertness, vivid visual hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and movement difficulties similar to Parkinson’s disease.
Because symptoms can vary, gentle routines and consistent support can make a big difference.
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
A less common form, FTD tends to affect the front parts of the brain — areas responsible for personality, behaviour and language.
Early signs often involve changes in behaviour or speech rather than memory. Someone might act in ways that feel out of character or struggle to find the right words.
Understanding that these changes are part of the condition helps families respond with patience and empathy.
Mixed Dementia
Some people have more than one type of dementia at the same time — for example, both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
This is called mixed dementia. Recognising this is important because it helps shape a care plan that addresses the full range of symptoms and supports the person holistically.
Why Understanding the Type Matters
Every person’s journey with Dementia is unique.
Understanding the type (or types) can help families, carers and professionals to:
Tailor communication and support to the person’s needs (for example, someone with FTD may respond differently than someone with Alzheimer’s).
Identify health factors that may be managed, such as stroke risk or blood pressure.
Plan activities, routines and environments that reduce anxiety and build confidence.
Work together to preserve dignity, independence and quality of life.
At Bluebird Care, we know that a dementia diagnosis can be life-changing — not just for the person affected, but for their loved ones too. However, with compassionate, person-centred care and the comfort of familiar surroundings, many people continue to live well and meaningfully at home. Our carers receive dedicated dementia training and take pride in delivering dementia-friendly support, built on patience, understanding, and respect for each person’s unique story.
Key Takeaways
Dementia is not just memory loss — it can also affect language, reasoning, emotions and daily activities.
There are different types of dementia, and each person’s experience is individual.
Understanding the type can help families and care professionals provide more personalised, reassuring support.
For more information please visit: