Common Types of Dementia
Alzheimer’s Disease
The most common type of dementia, accounting for 70% of cases. It is characterised by the buildup of proteins in the brain that lead to the destruction of brain cells and connections.
Primary Symptoms: Memory loss, confusion and difficulty with communication.
Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty with problem-solving, learning new information, and judgment.
Behavioural Symptoms: Mood swings, agitation, aggression, apathy.
Physical Symptoms: Weight loss, sleep disturbances, tremors.
Vascular Dementia
Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to a stroke or series of small strokes. This can cause problems with reasoning, planning, judgement, and other cognitive functions.
Primary Symptoms: Sudden onset of cognitive decline, difficulty with speech and language.
Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty with attention, memory, and processing speed.
Behavioural Symptoms: Depression, anxiety, irritability.
Physical Symptoms: Weakness, paralysis, or numbness in limbs.
Photo credit: Margaret Thatcher Foundation
Frontotemporal Dementia
Caused by the degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which can lead to changes in personality, behaviour, and language abilities.
Primary Symptoms: Changes in personality, behaviour, and language.
Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty with executive function, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Behavioural Symptoms: Apathy, disinhibition, impulsivity, obsessive behaviours.
Physical Symptoms: Weight gain, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances.
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore
Lewy Body Dementia
Characterised by the presence of Lewy bodies, which are abnormal protein deposits in the brain. This can cause fluctuations in cognitive abilities, as well as visual hallucinations and Parkinson’s-like symptoms.
Primary Symptoms: Fluctuating cognitive function, visual hallucinations, sleep disturbances.
Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty with attention, memory, and processing speed.
Behavioural Symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions, agitation, aggression.
Physical Symptoms: Parkinson-like symptoms (rigidity, tremors, bradykinesia).
Photo credit: Eva Rinaldi
The above is for general information only and is not intended to be used for diagnostic purposes.