Types of Dementia and Their Differences
- EmpowerLiving Community Services Society
- Nov 7
- 15 min read
Updated: Nov 11
How Dementia Affects Each Life
Dementia does not look the same for everyone.Each person’s experience is shaped by their memories, personality, and the areas of the brain affected. For one person, dementia may begin as gentle forgetfulness — a missed appointment, a lost word. For another, it might start with a sudden change in mood, judgment, or communication.
Yet beneath these changes lies something constant: the human spirit that still seeks connection, familiarity, and love.
Families often describe it as “watching the person change but still feeling their presence.” A mother who once managed her home with precision may now forget how to use the stove. A retired teacher may struggle to find words but still hums her favorite hymn. In these moments, caregiving becomes an act of rediscovery — learning new ways to connect, communicate, and care.
At EmpowerLiving Community Services Society, we believe that understanding the type of dementia helps us see how each life is affected — allowing us to respond not with frustration, but with compassion, patience, and purpose.
1. Alzheimer’s Disease – The Journey Through Memory
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common and widely recognized form of dementia, accounting for about 60–80% of all cases. It progresses slowly and affects every aspect of life — from memory and communication to behavior and personality.
At its heart, Alzheimer’s is not just about forgetting. It’s about the gradual changing of how a person experiences the world — and how families learn to love, communicate, and connect in new ways.
What Happens in the Brain:
Inside the brain, abnormal proteins known as amyloid plaques and tau tangles begin to accumulate between and within brain cells.These build-ups block communication between neurons, causing them to weaken and die.
The hippocampus, responsible for forming and storing memories, is one of the first regions affected — explaining why short-term memory loss is often the earliest sign. As the disease advances, it spreads to areas that control language, reasoning, and movement.
Common Symptoms:
Forgetting recent events, names, or conversations
Repeating questions or stories
Difficulty recognizing familiar people or objects
Getting lost in familiar places
Trouble organizing or completing daily tasks
Mood changes, anxiety, or irritability
Sleep disturbances or “sundowning” (increased confusion in the evening)
How It Affects Life
Daily routines like dressing or cooking may become confusing, but emotional memory — like the comfort of a familiar song or voice — often remains.
The Emotional Experience
For the person with Alzheimer’s, the world can slowly become unpredictable — like living in a familiar house where all the furniture has been quietly rearranged.Things that once felt automatic now take effort: remembering a word, finishing a sentence, or recalling what day it is.
However, feelings often remain long after facts fade.Even when memories slip away, love, music, and human warmth can still reach them deeply. A soft voice, a smile, or a song from their youth can bring peace and connection when words cannot.
Family Impact
Families often describe Alzheimer’s as “losing someone in small pieces.”It can be heartbreaking to see a parent or partner slowly forget names, birthdays, or shared moments — yet still smile at a familiar song or scent.This emotional duality — grief and love at the same time — can be exhausting.
At EmpowerLiving, we remind families that the person they love is still there, even if communication looks different.We teach loved ones to connect through emotion, not memory — focusing on comfort, reassurance, and shared moments of joy.
Diagnosis
Doctors typically diagnose Alzheimer’s using:
Cognitive assessments (e.g., memory and language tests)
Brain imaging (MRI or PET scans) to detect atrophy in the hippocampus
Blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests to identify abnormal protein buildup
Interviews with family members to understand behavioral changes
Early diagnosis allows families to plan care, establish routines, and begin emotional adjustment before the disease progresses.
Stage Progression
Alzheimer’s typically moves through three main stages, though the pace varies from person to person:
Early Stage:
Mild forgetfulness, word-finding difficulty, losing items
Anxiety about symptoms or denial of memory issues
Middle Stage:
Increased confusion and disorientation
Difficulty with dressing, bathing, or following instructions
Emotional changes, agitation, or nighttime wandering
Late Stage:
Severe memory loss and dependence on caregivers
Limited speech or mobility
Recognition of loved ones fades, but emotional responses remain strong
Even in late stages, touch, music, and calm voices can reach through confusion and provide comfort.
Practical Tips for Families and Caregivers
Maintain consistent daily routines — sudden changes cause anxiety.
Keep familiar objects visible (family photos, favorite blankets, labeled drawers).
Use short, calm sentences and allow time to respond.
Avoid correcting mistakes — focus on reassurance, not accuracy.
Incorporate music therapy — familiar tunes can spark joy and recognition.
Prioritize safety — remove tripping hazards, label doors, ensure good lighting.
2. Vascular Dementia – The Interrupted Path
Vascular Dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s.It develops when blood flow to the brain is reduced, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. This can occur after a stroke, or gradually through small vessel disease that damages the brain over time.
Unlike Alzheimer’s, which progresses steadily, Vascular Dementia often appears in sudden steps — moments of decline followed by plateaus of stability.Each “step” represents an episode of damage that changes how the brain functions.
What Happens in the Brain
The brain depends on a continuous supply of blood to stay healthy. When that blood flow is blocked or interrupted — whether by a stroke, clot, or narrowed arteries — brain cells begin to die.
The areas most affected are those that control planning, reasoning, attention, and movement. Depending on which regions are damaged, symptoms may differ from person to person.
This is why no two cases of Vascular Dementia look the same — it truly depends on where the brain’s “roads” have been disrupted
Common Symptoms
Difficulty planning, organizing, or making decisions
Slower thinking or speech
Sudden confusion or disorientation
Trouble concentrating or following conversations
Walking problems, unsteadiness, or frequent falls
Emotional instability (sudden sadness, anger, or apathy)
Memory loss (less severe than in Alzheimer’s early on)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves both neurological evaluation and imaging tests to identify damage or blockages in the brain’s blood vessels.
Doctors may use:
MRI or CT scans to detect areas affected by stroke or reduced blood flow
Cognitive and memory assessments to identify thinking and problem-solving changes
Blood pressure and cardiovascular tests to manage risk factors
Identifying and managing these medical conditions early can help slow the disease’s progression and improve quality of life.
How It Affects Life
Symptoms can vary day to day. One morning may begin clearly, while the next brings confusion or frustration.
The Emotional Experience
For individuals living with Vascular Dementia, daily life may feel inconsistent — clear and focused one day, foggy or frustrating the next.These fluctuations can be confusing and emotionally draining, especially when self-awareness remains intact.
It’s common for people to feel frustrated by their own limitations. A person might think, “I know what I want to say, but the words won’t come.”Moments like these can lead to anger or withdrawal, not because of personality, but because the brain is struggling to reconnect its pathways.
Gentle reassurance and patience from caregivers help replace frustration with calm, creating an environment of trust.
Stage Progression
Vascular Dementia often follows a “stepwise” decline, meaning symptoms worsen suddenly after new brain injuries rather than gradually.
Early Stage:
Mild difficulty focusing or multitasking
Minor memory gaps or fatigue
Mood changes or irritability
Middle Stage:
Noticeable confusion during daily tasks
Unsteady walking or movement problems
Emotional outbursts or apathy
Need for assistance with household activities
Later Stage:
Dependence on caregivers for personal care
Communication difficulties
Increasing physical weakness or falls
Memory and reasoning severely affected
Understanding these stages helps families prepare emotionally and practically for what’s ahead.
Family Impact
Families often find Vascular Dementia challenging because of its unpredictable pattern.After a stroke or small episode, a loved one may seem to decline overnight — leaving family members in shock or confusion.Unlike Alzheimer’s, where changes are gradual, Vascular Dementia can feel like a series of sudden “losses.”
It’s emotionally exhausting to adjust after each episode, yet families who learn the pattern can begin to prepare, adapt, and find strength in stability.EmpowerLiving encourages families to see recovery not as returning to “before,” but as finding new ways to live fully in the present.
Practical Tips for Families and Caregivers
Maintain regular doctor visits to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
Keep daily routines consistent, but flexible enough to allow rest on difficult days.
Simplify instructions — one step at a time helps reduce overwhelm.
Encourage light movement (e.g., walking or chair exercises) to improve circulation.
Be patient with sudden confusion — it’s not stubbornness, it’s the disease.
Offer reassurance during emotional moments rather than correction or logic.
EmpowerLiving Care Approach
We focus on structure and support — maintaining consistent daily routines, encouraging gentle exercise, and promoting cardiovascular health through diet and monitoring.
3. Lewy Body Dementia – When Reality Shifts
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is one of the most complex and misunderstood forms of dementia.It sits at the crossroads between Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, combining changes in thinking, movement, sleep, and perception.
It is named after the abnormal protein deposits — called Lewy bodies — that form inside brain cells and disrupt communication between neurons. These changes affect thinking, movement, and how a person perceives the world around them.
What Happens in the Brain
Lewy bodies are microscopic clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein.They accumulate in areas of the brain responsible for cognition, movement, and emotion regulation, disrupting normal signals between brain cells.
Because of this, LBD often causes a wide variety of symptoms — including memory issues, movement problems, hallucinations, and unpredictable changes in alertness.It is sometimes mistaken for Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Common Symptoms
Fluctuating alertness and confusion (good and bad hours or days)
Visual hallucinations (seeing people, animals, or shapes that aren’t there)
Movement difficulties similar to Parkinson’s (stiffness, tremors, shuffling walk)
Slow thinking or difficulty focusing
Acting out dreams (called REM sleep behavior disorder)
Sensitivity to medications, especially antipsychotics
Autonomic symptoms: blood pressure drops, dizziness, or fainting spells
These symptoms often come and go, making daily life unpredictable — and emotionally challenging for both the person and their family.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing LBD requires careful observation and exclusion of other conditions, since its symptoms overlap with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Doctors may use:
Neurological exams to assess movement, reflexes, and balance
Cognitive tests to measure attention, problem-solving, and visual-spatial skills
Sleep studies to confirm REM sleep behavior disorder
Brain imaging (MRI, PET, or DaTscan) to detect changes in dopamine-producing areas
Review of medication responses, as certain drugs worsen symptoms
Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial, as some medications used for other dementias can be harmful for those with LBD.
How It Affects Life
A person may seem fully aware and alert one moment, then confused the next. Hallucinations can feel very real, causing fear or anxiety if not approached gently.
The Emotional Experience
For someone living with Lewy Body Dementia, the world can shift in and out of clarity.One moment, they may seem completely alert and engaged; the next, their awareness fades, leaving them confused or disconnected.
Hallucinations are common — often vivid and lifelike. A person might talk to someone who isn’t there or react to a perceived figure or sound. To them, these experiences feel absolutely real.
This can lead to fear, embarrassment, or withdrawal. Compassionate caregivers understand that these moments are not “imagination,” but the brain’s way of misprocessing signals. The right response is not correction — but comfort, grounding, and gentle reassurance.
Lewy Body Dementia progresses gradually, though fluctuations in cognition make it feel faster at times.
Early Stage:
Mild confusion and reduced attention span
Subtle changes in movement or facial expression
Vivid dreams or sleep disturbances
Middle Stage:
Frequent hallucinations and stronger movement symptoms
Fluctuating awareness and increased fatigue
More dependence on caregivers for daily tasks
Late Stage:
Severe movement difficulties
Significant confusion or long periods of unresponsiveness
Difficulty swallowing or maintaining balance
Increased risk of falls and infections
Each stage brings its own rhythm — and EmpowerLiving focuses on adapting care gently with each change.
Family Impact
Families often describe Lewy Body Dementia as “the most unpredictable” type of dementia.Because symptoms can change so rapidly, loved ones may feel like they’re caring for a different person each day. This constant uncertainty can cause anxiety, fatigue, and feelings of helplessness.
It can also be distressing for family members to witness hallucinations or rapid mood changes. Many caregivers find themselves walking a delicate line between maintaining safety and preserving dignity.
At EmpowerLiving, we teach families that flexibility and patience are key — understanding that what works one day may need adjusting the next.
4. Frontotemporal Dementia – The Personality Shift
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is one of the less common but most distinct types of dementia.Unlike Alzheimer’s, which starts with memory loss, FTD begins with changes in behavior, personality, or language.
It occurs when nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain — the areas responsible for emotion, judgment, and communication — are gradually damaged.
Because it often appears earlier than other types (commonly between ages 45–65), FTD can be especially confusing and painful for families who are not expecting dementia to appear so young.
What Happens in the Brain
In FTD, abnormal proteins (such as tau or TDP-43) build up inside brain cells, causing them to die and leading to shrinkage in the frontal (behavioral control) and temporal (language and emotional regulation) lobes.
This brain damage affects a person’s ability to self-regulate, understand social cues, and express empathy or emotion — not because they’ve stopped caring, but because their brain no longer processes those responses the same way.
Common Symptoms
FTD can look different depending on which brain areas are affected, but symptoms generally include:
Behavioral Variant (most common):
Sudden personality or mood changes
Impulsive or socially inappropriate behavior
Lack of empathy or emotional awareness
Obsessive or repetitive actions (e.g., eating the same food repeatedly)
Loss of interest in hobbies or personal care
Language Variant (Primary Progressive Aphasia):
Difficulty speaking or finding words
Trouble understanding language
Short or incomplete sentences
Reliance on gestures rather than speech
Movement Variant (less common):
Stiffness, tremors, or poor coordination
Slowed or hesitant movements
Diagnosis
Diagnosing FTD can be difficult, especially in early stages when it mimics depression, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric conditions.
Doctors use a combination of:
Neuropsychological testing to assess language and behavior patterns
Brain imaging (MRI or PET scans) to detect frontal or temporal lobe shrinkage
Genetic testing when family history suggests hereditary factors
Behavioral observation over time
Because FTD often affects younger adults, early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for planning care, work, and family life.
Stage Progression
FTD typically progresses more rapidly than Alzheimer’s, though patterns vary.
Early Stage:
Subtle personality or language changes
Emotional withdrawal or unusual impulsivity
Conflicts in relationships or work performance
Middle Stage:
Loss of social awareness or empathy
Repetitive or compulsive actions
Difficulty speaking or understanding words
Increased dependence on structure and supervision
Late Stage:
Loss of verbal communication
Limited mobility and swallowing difficulties
Full dependence on caregivers for daily needs
How It Affects Life
Families often feel like they are “losing the person they knew.” Communication can become limited, but the need for respect and comfort remains constant.
The Emotional Experience
For someone with Frontotemporal Dementia, emotions may seem muted or misplaced.They may speak bluntly, act impulsively, or appear indifferent — even toward loved ones. But these behaviors are not a reflection of who they truly are; they are symptoms of the disease.
Inside, the person may still feel love and attachment but lose the ability to express it. Families often describe this as “losing the person’s filter,” where the caring personality they knew seems to fade.
Recognizing that behavioral changes are brain changes — not intentional — helps transform frustration into understanding.
Family Impact
FTD deeply affects family relationships. Spouses may feel rejected or confused by emotional distance, and adult children may struggle to understand why their parent “acts different.”
Because memory often remains intact in early stages, others may assume the person is “fine” or just behaving badly, which can lead to stigma and isolation.
Families need emotional support and education to navigate this new reality. EmpowerLiving emphasizes family inclusion — teaching loved ones to adjust expectations and communicate with compassion, not correction.
Practical Tips for Families and Caregivers
Avoid confrontation — redirect or distract gently.
Keep instructions simple and calm: one idea at a time.
Maintain consistent schedules to promote security.
Encourage small tasks to preserve independence and purpose.
Don’t take hurtful comments personally — they stem from brain changes, not intent.
Use nonverbal comfort — smiles, touch, calm tone — when words no longer connect.
Seek support for yourself; caring for someone with FTD can be emotionally draining.
5. Mixed Dementia – When Conditions Overlap
Mixed Dementia refers to when more than one type of dementia occurs at the same time within the brain.The most common combination is Alzheimer’s disease and Vascular Dementia, though other mixes — such as Alzheimer’s with Lewy Body Dementia — also occur.
Because multiple brain changes are happening together, symptoms can be wide-ranging and sometimes unpredictable.Mixed Dementia reminds us that the human brain is complex — and so, too, must be the care and understanding we bring to those living with it.
What Happens in the Brain
In Mixed Dementia, different biological processes overlap:
Alzheimer’s disease causes buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles that disrupt memory and thinking.
Vascular Dementia reduces blood flow and oxygen supply, damaging brain tissue.
Lewy Body changes may appear in some cases, affecting movement, alertness, and perception.
This combination leads to a mix of symptoms — often blending memory loss, confusion, movement changes, and emotional fluctuations. Because one condition can mask another, Mixed Dementia is often only confirmed through brain imaging or autopsy.
Common Symptoms
Short-term memory loss and confusion (like Alzheimer’s)
Difficulty focusing or organizing thoughts (like Vascular Dementia)
Visual hallucinations or sleep issues (if Lewy Body changes are present)
Changes in judgment or problem-solving
Movement problems or unsteady walking
Sudden mood or personality changes
Increased fatigue or sensitivity to stress
Each individual’s experience depends on which areas of the brain are most affected and how those conditions interact.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation that may include:
Brain imaging (MRI or PET scans) to detect multiple patterns of damage
Cognitive testing to assess different domains of function (memory, attention, language)
Review of medical history, including strokes or cardiovascular issues
Observation of symptom patterns over time
Doctors often diagnose Mixed Dementia when symptoms don’t fit cleanly into one category or when imaging shows multiple underlying causes.
Stage Progression
Mixed Dementia usually progresses in a combined pattern, showing characteristics of the conditions involved.
Early Stage:
Mild forgetfulness and occasional confusion
Slight trouble focusing or multitasking
Awareness of symptoms may cause anxiety or mood changes
Middle Stage:
Increased disorientation and short-term memory loss
Difficulty planning, organizing, or following conversations
Emotional fluctuations and fatigue
Possible movement or balance problems
Late Stage:
Severe cognitive decline and dependency on caregivers
Limited communication
Increased risk of falls and physical complications
Emotional connection remains through touch, tone, and familiarity
How It Affects Life
Symptoms can be unpredictable and complex. Each day may bring different challenges depending on which brain regions are most affected.
The Emotional Experience
For someone living with Mixed Dementia, symptoms can feel inconsistent — clear thinking one moment, confusion the next.This unpredictability can cause frustration, anxiety, or sadness, as the person senses changes they can’t fully understand or control.
Yet, emotional memory — the ability to feel love, calm, and joy — often remains. Familiar voices, gentle music, and caring touch can continue to bring comfort even as cognition fluctuates.
The key to emotional stability is consistency and reassurance — offering calm guidance no matter how symptoms shift from day to day.
Family Impact
Mixed Dementia often leaves families feeling uncertain. Because symptoms overlap, it can be difficult to know what to expect or how to plan care.A loved one may experience moments of clarity followed by confusion or physical instability, leading to emotional exhaustion for caregivers.
EmpowerLiving emphasizes that understanding the “why” behind these changes — recognizing that more than one condition is at play — can help families respond with greater patience and less frustration.Each day may bring new challenges, but also opportunities for connection and peace.
Practical Tips for Families and Caregivers
Maintain clear and simple routines — predictability reduces stress.
Avoid overstimulation — keep environments quiet and calm.
Use visual reminders (labels, photos, or color coding).
Focus on one task at a time; multitasking can overwhelm.
Encourage hydration, nutrition, and gentle movement daily.
Reassure gently during confusion — don’t argue or overexplain.
Prioritize self-care for caregivers — flexibility and rest are essential.
6. Less Common Types of Dementia
Even though these are less frequent, they are important to understand:
Parkinson’s Disease Dementia:Occurs in later stages of Parkinson’s; involves movement difficulties, slowed thinking, and hallucinations.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome:Caused by vitamin B1 deficiency, often linked to alcohol misuse; affects memory and coordination.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD):Rare, rapidly progressing disease caused by prion proteins; leads to severe confusion, personality changes, and loss of mobility.
7.Dementia Types Most Associated with Hallucinations
1. Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) – Most Common for Hallucinations
Hallucinations are one of the hallmark symptoms.
In fact, they often appear early in the disease — sometimes even before major memory loss.
Type: Usually visual hallucinations (seeing people, animals, or objects that aren’t there).
Frequency: Experienced by up to 70–80% of individuals with LBD.
Description: These hallucinations are often vivid, detailed, and recurring, and may feel real to the person. They may calmly describe “a little boy in the room” or “a cat sleeping on the chair.”
Why it happens
Caused by the buildup of Lewy bodies (alpha-synuclein protein deposits) in brain regions controlling vision and perception (occipital and temporal lobes).
Fluctuations in brain chemistry and dopamine levels also contribute.
EmpowerLiving Tip:Caregivers should respond gently and without contradiction. For example:
Empathy helps reduce fear and maintains trust.
2. Parkinson’s Disease Dementia – Closely Related to LBD
Hallucinations are also very common here, since Parkinson’s Dementia shares many biological features with Lewy Body Dementia.
Type: Usually visual, occasionally auditory (hearing sounds).
Frequency: Around 50% of people with Parkinson’s Dementia experience them.
Note: These hallucinations often appear after long-term treatment with dopamine-based medications, which can affect perception.
EmpowerLiving Tip:Keep environments well-lit and predictable, as shadows or clutter can intensify hallucinations.
EmpowerLiving Care Approach
We maintain calm, consistent environments with good lighting and minimal clutter. Caregivers respond with empathy rather than correction, ensuring safety while validating the person’s experience.
We emphasize routine, reassurance, and reminiscence therapy. Our caregivers use memory cues, calm tones, and meaningful activities (music, art, conversation) to help individuals feel safe and valued.
We focus on structure and support — maintaining consistent daily routines, encouraging gentle exercise, and promoting cardiovascular health through diet and monitoring.
We use personalized, flexible care plans that adjust to changing needs. Family collaboration and consistent observation help maintain comfort, safety, and dignity.
EmpowerLiving Care Approach
We use clear structure, calm redirection, and nonverbal communication to connect. Caregivers are trained to interpret behaviors as communication, responding with empathy rather than frustration.
How EmpowerLiving Responds to Every Form of Dementia
No two people experience dementia the same way — and our care reflects that truth.At EmpowerLiving Community Services Society, we focus on seeing the person, not the condition.
Our approach includes:
Individualized care plans built around personal history and preferences
Home-like environments that foster familiarity and reduce anxiety
Therapeutic engagement through art, music, conversation, and gentle exercise
Family involvement and emotional support throughout the care journey
Closing Reflection
Every type of dementia affects life differently — how a person remembers, speaks, moves, and feels. Yet every person deserves to be treated as more than their diagnosis.
By understanding these differences, families and caregivers can replace fear with empathy, and uncertainty with meaningful connection.That is the heart of EmpowerLiving’s mission:
Empowering Abilities, Not Limiting Potential.
Join Our Community
If you or your loved one is looking for a supportive, inclusive day program in the Tri-Cities area, we would love to meet you.
Email: contact@elcss.org
Phone: 604-945-2117
Together, we can create a community where every individual — regardless of ability — is empowered to live, learn, and belong.
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