Dementia Types: What They Are, How They Differ, and What You Need to Know
When people talk about dementia, a group of brain disorders that cause memory loss, confusion, and trouble with daily tasks. Also known as neurocognitive disorder, it's not one disease—it's a collection of conditions with different causes, symptoms, and progression. Many assume dementia means Alzheimer’s, but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. Other types, like vascular dementia, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain from strokes or damaged vessels, can look very different. Then there’s Lewy body dementia, linked to abnormal protein deposits that affect movement, vision, and alertness, and frontotemporal dementia, which targets personality and language before memory. Each one hits the brain in its own way, and knowing the difference matters—for diagnosis, care, and planning.
Alzheimer’s is the most common, making up 60-80% of cases, and usually starts with memory lapses. Vascular dementia often comes after a stroke or series of small brain injuries, with symptoms that jump or worsen in steps. Lewy body dementia can mimic Parkinson’s with tremors and rigid muscles, plus hallucinations that feel real. Frontotemporal dementia might show up in someone’s 50s, changing how they act—making them impulsive, rude, or emotionally flat—long before they forget names. These aren’t just "bad memory" versions of each other. They need different approaches. Some respond to memory aids, others need movement therapy or behavioral strategies. Medications that help Alzheimer’s might do nothing—or even hurt—someone with Lewy body dementia.
What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve dealt with these conditions firsthand. You’ll read about drug interactions that can make dementia worse, how lifestyle changes slow decline, what supplements to avoid, and how to spot early signs that doctors might miss. There’s no fluff here—just clear, science-backed info that helps you understand what’s really happening, whether you’re caring for someone or noticing changes in yourself. These aren’t theoretical articles. They’re tools for making smarter decisions, one day at a time.
Dementia Types: Vascular, Frontotemporal, and Lewy Body Explained
Vascular, frontotemporal, and Lewy body dementia are three distinct types of dementia with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Learn how to tell them apart and why accurate diagnosis matters.
- December 5 2025
- Tony Newman
- 8 Comments