Types of Dementia

Dementia is not a single disease – it’s a term that describes a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and behaviour.
Each type has its own causes, symptoms, and progression, but all share one thing in common: they impact the way a person experiences daily life.

At The Olive Branch Medical, we believe knowledge brings comfort. Understanding the type of dementia your loved one has can help you provide better support, make informed choices, and offer care rooted in compassion.

1. Alzheimer’s Disease

The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for around 60–70% of all cases.
It develops gradually, starting with mild forgetfulness and progressing to challenges with communication, reasoning, and daily living.
Changes occur when abnormal protein deposits (plaques and tangles) build up in the brain, affecting how cells communicate.

2. Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes or small vessel disease.
Symptoms can appear suddenly after a stroke or develop slowly over time.
People may experience difficulty with planning, problem-solving, and concentration rather than just memory loss.

3. Lewy Body Dementia

In Lewy body dementia, abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies form in the brain.
This condition often causes changes in alertness, visual hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and movement difficulties (similar to Parkinson’s disease).
It tends to fluctuate – meaning symptoms may appear better some days and worse on others.

4. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Frontotemporal dementia primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain – areas responsible for behaviour, language, and personality.
It often appears earlier than other dementias, sometimes between the ages of 45 and 65.
Loved ones might first notice personality changes, loss of empathy, or unusual social behaviour before memory problems begin.

5. Mixed Dementia

In some individuals, more than one type of dementia occurs at the same time – for example, Alzheimer’s disease combined with vascular dementia.
This is known as mixed dementia, and it can make symptoms more complex.
Diagnosis often requires specialist assessment to determine which forms are contributing to the condition.

Every Type, One Shared Need: Compassionate Care

No matter the type of dementia, every person deserves understanding, patience, and dignity.
At The Olive Branch Medical, we provide specialised 24/7 care tailored to each individual’s unique needs – because behind every diagnosis is a person with a story worth honouring.

If you’d like to learn more about the specific type of dementia affecting your loved one, or how our care team can help, please reach out.
Call us today or book a visit to discover how we support each resident with love and respect.