What are the Different Types of Dementia?

There are several common types of dementia, some of which have more aggressive progression or lead to more cases of challenging behaviour, whilst some types of dementia are rare, with these lesser-known types frequently misdiagnosed.

Detecting early signs of dementia in your loved ones can lead to a timely diagnosis, meaning you can provide the support your loved one and your family need during this difficult time. Some of the benefits of a dementia diagnosis – at any time – include ensuring your loved one receives the right level of support for them, including specialist dementia care.

The Bill House is a residential care home which provides tailored care to your loved one living with dementia. From increasing quality of life with specialist dementia care to helping you understand more about your loved one’s condition, our carers are here to support you through this difficult time.

This guide highlights the different types of dementia – both common and rare – and how you can properly care for someone living with dementia.

What are the common types of dementia?

Around one million people in the UK are estimated to be living with some form of dementia.

By getting a diagnosis of the specific type of dementia your loved one is living with, they will be able to receive the right support to help them live better with the condition, whilst ensuring your family also get the correct help as you begin navigating care with confidence.

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and accounts for 60% to 70% of all cases worldwide. Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is the leading cause of death in the UK.

A progressive brain disorder characterised by abnormal protein deposits, Alzheimer’s progresses as brain cells are destroyed, causing gradual memory loss. Common early symptoms of Alzheimer’s include problems with memory, thinking, language or perception.

Vascular Dementia

The second most common type of dementia, Vascular Dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often as a result of a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. There are several types of Vascular Dementia, including multi-infarct dementia, subcortical vascular dementia and stroke-related dementia.

In the early stages, your loved one may experience sudden confusion, problems with planning and difficulties with their memories and language.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) is caused by abnormal deposits of the alpha-synuclein protein, the primary component of Lewy bodies. DLB usually develops over many years and can be developing in the brain for a long time before any symptoms show.

Since Lewy bodies can cause a range of symptoms – some of which are shared with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease – DLB is often misdiagnosed. Around one in 10 people with dementia have this type.

Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia attacks the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, meaning it can cause drastic personality changes which cause impulsivity, loss of empathy and sometimes, physical aggression.

It typically affects individuals aged between 45 and 65 and tends to cause changes in personality, behaviour and language, rather than memory loss, in the early stages.

Early Onset Dementia

Early onset dementia, also known as young onset dementia, is when any type of dementia develops before the age of 65. Memory loss is rarely the first sign of early onset dementia. Instead, early symptoms involve changes in language, vision, personality or executive function, often mimicking stress or depression.

Moving your loved one with early onset dementia into a care home can be daunting, but it can also be the best way to provide them with the care and support they need.

Mixed Dementia

This occurs when an individual experiences more than one type of dementia simultaneously. The most common combination is Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia.

Symptoms of Mixed Dementia can be more severe and unpredictable than a single diagnosis, making an accurate assessment essential for specialist dementia care.

What are the rare types of dementia?

Your loved one may be living with a lesser-known type of dementia which may be harder to identify in the earlier stages.

For example, Atypical Alzheimer’s Disease may be harder to identify because it causes non-memory symptoms like language, visual processing or movement difficulties. Huntington’s Disease can also be harder to identify in its early stages because the first signs are often subtle psychiatric changes or mild clumsiness which mimic common mental health issues. Parkinson’s disease dementia is also challenging to spot because doctors rely on clinical evaluations, physical exams and specialised tests to rule out other conditions, with early signs including a loss of sense of smell or sleep disorders.

Knowing how to recognise when it’s time for residential care is essential for your loved one, especially if they are living with a rare form of dementia.

How to care for someone living with dementia

Caring for someone living with any type of dementia can be difficult. However, you can take care of your loved one by:

• Building structured routines: since the value of routine for dementia residents is so important, you can build a structured daily routine around eating, personal care and taking part in activities, whilst also supporting better rest for your loved one with dementia.
• Maintaining simple communication: limiting distractions, using short and clear sentences, and giving your loved one enough time to respond can help their communication. You should always address them by name, maintain eye contact and rely on gentle touch and visual cues for comfort.
• Opting for residential care: if necessary, specialist dementia care can take the stress away from you and your family so you can be confident your loved one is receiving the right level of care that you may not be able to provide at home. The benefits of residential care for individuals with dementia include medication management, tailored caregivers and respite for family members.

The Bill House provides specialist dementia care

Since care homes can support independence for residents living with dementia, choosing a residential care home like The Bill House can enhance your loved one’s quality of life whilst providing respite for you and your family.

Our facilities are designed to ensure your loved one feels comfortable throughout this difficult time, with our dedicated carers ready to support your loved one with their care needs during the different stages of dementia.

Contact us to learn more about how we can support your family.