In Australia, dementia is the second leading cause of death and may soon become the leading cause as the population continues to age. It's currently estimated that more than 400,000 Australians live with the disease, and that number is set to double by 2058. Rather than shying away from the illness and its difficult connotations, learning about the different types of dementia and their symptoms can be central to breaking down some of the social barriers around it.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a term used to describe a decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is not a single, specific disease but rather a collection of symptoms that can be caused by a number of underlying conditions. Below, we explore the main types of dementia and their distinctive symptoms.
The main types of dementia
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for about 60–80% of cases. It typically progresses slowly, affecting memory, thinking and behaviour. Anyone can develop the disease, but it is more common in older people and those with a genetic predisposition.
Symptoms may include:
- Persistent, frequent short-term memory loss — especially of recent events
- Frequently asking the same question
- Vagueness in everyday conversation
- Difficulty planning, problem-solving, organising or thinking logically
- Needing more time to do routine tasks
- Language and comprehension difficulties
- Becoming disoriented with time, places and people
- Reduced motivation to start tasks
- Changes in behaviour, personality and mood
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, due to a stroke or small-vessel disease. There are three main types:
- Strategic infarct dementia — the result of a single large stroke.
- Multi-infarct dementia — the result of multiple small strokes.
- Subcortical vascular dementia — the result of disease in the small blood vessels deep within the brain.
Symptoms vary depending on which areas of the brain are affected and the type of vascular dementia involved. Common signs include difficulty with planning, organising and decision-making, problems with attention and concentration, and slowed thinking. People with vascular dementia may also experience depression, personality changes and walking difficulties.
Lewy body dementia
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is characterised by abnormal protein deposits — called alpha-synuclein — in the brain, and shares symptoms with both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Key features include fluctuating cognition, visual hallucinations and parkinsonism (stiffness, tremors, and difficulty with balance and movement). People with LBD may also experience:
- Apathy
- Anxiety and depression
- Fainting
- Constipation and urinary incontinence
- Excessive sleepiness
- A poor sense of smell
- Delusions
Frontotemporal dementia
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in behaviour, personality and language. It has several variants, including behavioural-variant FTD, primary progressive aphasia, semantic dementia and progressive non-fluent aphasia.
Early symptoms can include social withdrawal, lack of empathy, impulsivity and language difficulties. In some cases, people with FTD may show inappropriate behaviour, neglect personal hygiene or develop compulsive habits. Unlike Alzheimer's, memory loss may not be a prominent feature in the early stages.
Alcohol-related dementia
Alcohol-related dementia — also known as alcohol-induced dementia or alcohol-related brain damage — is a form of dementia that develops as a result of long-term excessive alcohol consumption. It is important to note that it differs from other types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia, even though there can be some overlapping symptoms.
Why understanding the type matters
Dementia is a challenging condition that comes in many forms and affects people in different ways. Understanding the various types and their distinct symptoms is crucial for early detection, appropriate care, and breaking down the negative social barriers the disease can carry.
Keeping the mind active and engaged is one of the ways people living with dementia can be supported day to day. You can read more about the evidence behind cognitive stimulation in our research piece on memory self-efficacy and the BrainTrainerPlus™.