Understanding Dementia: Exploring Different Types & Symptoms

Dementia is a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and daily life. These conditions slowly damage a person’s memory, thinking skills, behaviour, and ability to do everyday tasks. People with dementia may forget things easily, get confused, or have speech problems. However, proper care and treatment can help them manage their life safely and comfortably. 

At Sahabhaav, seniors with dementia are treated by trained nurses and staff with personalised care plans structured to each individual. Our main focus is to treat the seniors with kindness and care, helping them live a life full of dignity and happiness.

In this blog, we will discuss the 4 main types of dementia that are most commonly seen. This will help the families and caregivers provide the right kind of care and treatment. And also prevent it further with early diagnosis.

Different Types of Dementia, Types of Dementia Disorders:

There are over 100 dementia disorders, but there are 4 main types that are commonly found. These types of dementia and their causes vary widely, so understanding each one helps with early diagnosis, care, and support.

Here are the 4 main types of dementia that are commonly diagnosed:

1. Alzheimer’s Disease

 

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, making up about 60-70% of all dementia cases globally. In India, nearly 7.4 % aged 60 and above have dementia according to a survey in 2020. 

Alzheimer’s disease’s main cause is physical changes in the brain. Two key things happen: beta-amyloid plaques build up and tau tangles form inside brain cells. Over time, this damages brain circuits. Other contributing factors include genetics, inflammation, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and age.

Early signs of Alzheimer’s include forgetting recent conversations or struggling to find the right words, or confusion. Later stages include difficulty making decisions, managing daily tasks, mood swings, and reduced independence.

Alzheimer’s affects seniors’ lives in a worse way. It gradually makes them dependent and lonely because of memory loss, speech problems, confusion, and other such symptoms. This will lead to dependency for daily chores like medicine, taking meals, handling money, even in some cases, bathing, and getting dressed. Seniors may withdraw socially or feel lonely. 

At Sahabhaav, we help families recognise the signs of Alzheimer’s and encourage early medical treatments. We help design a daily routine for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and take all the necessary precautions. We encourage a lifestyle of balanced nutrition, regular exercise and social interaction to support brain development.

2. Vascular Dementia

 

Vascular Dementia means the changes to memory, thinking, and behaviour.  It is a result of conditions that affect the blood vessels in the brain. Brain function can be significantly affected by the size, location, and number of vascular changes. Simply, it happens when the blood flow to the brain is reduced or blocked, which can damage brain cells. 

This usually occurs due to a stroke, hence it is often linked to heart and blood vessel problems. It is also related to diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking or lack of physical activity. All the above conditions can damage blood vessels and reduce the oxygen and nutrient supply to brain cells. The brain cells start to die, leading to vascular impairment.

The symptoms can appear suddenly or slowly over time, depending on the cause. Here are a few common symptoms:

• Slow Thinking
• Trouble Focusing
• Memory Problems
• Depression
• Sudden decline in thinking after a stroke

Because the damage is linked to blood flow, symptoms may get worse after each stroke. About 25% of stroke survivors develop dementia within a year. In these types of cases, it’s better to get professional help. At Sahabhaav, we understand how important early care is for this type of dementia. We offer specialised support and care for people with vascular dementia and focus on regular monitoring of blood pressure, diabetes, and heart health. We provide other precautionary methods and treatments, such as encouraging physical activities and working closely with doctors to manage stroke risk factors.

3. Dementia with Lewy Bodies

 

Dementia with Lewy bodies, or commonly called DLB, is one of the 4 main types of dementia. It is a brain disorder that happens when abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies build up in brain cells. These proteins affect how the brain works, especially areas that control memory, movement, and behaviour. DLB is considered the second or third most common neuro disorder dementia worldwide, which affects seniors’ lives.

DLB is caused by the build-up of a protein called alpha-synuclein in brain cells. 

Understanding these types of dementia and their causes helps families and doctors manage each condition. Here are a few symptoms which are a mix of Alzheimer’s memory issues and Parkinson’s movement symptoms, which makes it harder to diagnose:

• Problems with attention and focus
• Memory loss
• Visual hallucinations
• Sleep problems, like moving a lot while sleeping
• Movement issues, including stiffness, tremors, or slow walking.
• Alertness that changes during the day, like a person may seem fine one moment and confused the next. 

DLB occurs in about 5% to 20% of all dementia cases around the world, according to a report. 

At Sahabhaav, we offer dementia care that adapts to each individual’s needs. Our team is trained to handle the unique demands of DLB with patience, structure, and empathy.

4. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

 

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is one of the 4 main types of dementia. It mainly affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, areas responsible for personality, emotions, behaviour and language. FTD often starts with changes in behaviour, mood, or communication. 

This is among the major types of dementia disorders, especially in people under the age of 65. It is caused by damage and shrinkage in certain parts of the brain, due to a buildup of abnormal proteins like tau or TDP-43. These proteins interfere with brain cell function, causing the cells to die off over time. However, unlike Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia, FTD doesn’t always affect memory early on, and it starts at a young age.

The symptoms begin between the ages of 45 and 65. It slowly progresses over time, and here are common signs that include:

• Changes in personality or behaviour
• Loss of empathy or interest in others
• Apathy
• Language difficulties
• Poor emotional control or wrong emotional reactions.

These signs are often misunderstood as depression or mental illness, which can delay diagnosis. However, FTD is less common than Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia, and 5-6% of all dementia cases are a leading cause of dementia in people under 60.

At Sahabhaav, we know FTD brings unique challenges because it often affects young seniors and impacts emotional and social behaviour more than memory. We prepare a structured routine, such as behaviour management techniques, speech and language support to help with communication problems and provide a calm and stable environment to recover.

Overview of Four Main Types of Dementia
Type of Dementia	Causes	Common Symptoms	Treatment and Care
Alzheimer’s Disease	Build-up of beta-amyloid plaques and genetics, and ageing.	Memory loss, confusion, trouble with daily tasks, and mood changes.	Medications, memory exercises, and supportive care.
Vascular Dementia	Stroke, reduced blood flow, High BP, diabetes, and cholesterol.	Slow thinking, poor focus, sudden confusion.	Control of risk factors, routine and safety support.
Lewy Body Dementia	Lewy bodies	Visual hallucinations, movement issues, and fluctuating alertness.	Safety support, medication for movement and mood, and a structured routine.
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)	Abnormal proteins	Personality changes, language problems.	Behaviour therapy, speech therapy, and emotional family support.

 

Understanding Dementia: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Even though there are different types of dementia, many of them share similar symptoms. These signs may not show earlier, but later on, they become more noticeable over time. Here are a few of the common symptoms to watch for:

1. Memory Loss:

 

Especially short-term memory, like forgetting recent conversations, misplacing items, or missing appointments. 

2. Decision-Making Problem:

 

People may have trouble planning, organising tasks, or making decisions, and it is harder to handle everyday chores like cooking, shopping, or managing money.

3. Language difficulties:

 

A person may struggle to find the right words, complete sentences, or follow conversations and sometimes stutter and forget all at once. This symptom is very strong in FTD.

4. Changes in personality and behaviour:

 

Dementia can cause people to act differently than they used to. For example, a kind and talkative person can become impulsive and angry in no time.

5. Hallucinations:

 

Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there can happen, particularly in DLB. This can be confusing and frightening for caregivers and the person suffering

6. Movement and mood changes:

 

In some cases, like with DLB and Vascular dementia, you can see stiffness, shaking, or slower movement. People may experience depression, anxiety, or mood swings.

7. Hygiene problems: 

 

It is often noticed that people suffering from dementia are averse to water. They will resist having a bath and can go for days without a shower. Even drinking water is a problem and often, it is a challenge to keep them hydrated.

Types of Dementia Care: Supporting Loved Ones

Caring for someone with dementia is not the same for everyone. Each person experiences dementia differently, depending on the type of dementia, their age, and the stage of the condition. That’s why dementia care needs to be understood according to each individual’s condition. Here’s a simple guide to the main types of dementia care, helping caregivers and families:

Medical Management:

 

The right medical care depends on the type of dementia a person has.

1. Alzheimer’s Disease and DLB

 

Doctors may prescribe medicines that can help improve memory and thinking in the early and middle stages.

2. Vascular Dementia

 

The focus is on managing health conditions that cause dementia. Controlling blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol is crucial in slowing down the damage.

3. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

 

There are no specific drugs for FTD; care is focused on managing symptoms like behaviour changes, language difficulties, or movement problems.

Intellectual Approach and Lifestyle Changes:

These lifestyle changes support brain health and help people stay engaged, making them healthy and active.

• Activities such as puzzles, memory games, reading, or discussing old memories can help keep the mind active.
• Planned routine tasks reduce confusion and anxiety, especially in Alzheimer’s and DLB.
• Social engagement through group activities, walking, or hobbies can lift mood and maintain social skills.
• Healthy lifestyles, such as eating well, exercising regularly, and getting good sleep, support overall brain function.

• Focused on managing symptoms like behaviour changes, language difficulties, or movement problems.

Safety, Environment, and Support:

Making a few changes at home or providing them with a care home where life is easier and safer for people with dementia.

• Safe living space, like providing bed rails, using clear signs and labels and ensuring good light.
• For communication, use simple and clear instructions, photos, or gestures to help with language difficulties.
• Caregiver education is very important, provides them with specific details of the person, like hallucinations or impulsive behaviour, to respond calmly and effectively.

Emotional support:

Caring for someone with dementia can be emotionally draining.

• Counselling and support groups help people talk to others who understand and manage stress and stay positive.
• Community connections, like contacting local care centres or services, can offer much-needed help and guidance.
• Caregivers need breaks too, whether it’s for a few hours or a short stay at a care centre, respite care helps prevent burnout and allows caregivers time to relax and go back to work.

How does Sahabhaav help?

At Sahabhaav, we understand that each type of dementia is different, and we provide expert support in the following ways:

• Personalised care plans with consulting doctors, nutritionists, and families.
• Regular check-ups and exercises.
• Help with memory, behaviour, and daily routines.
• Maintaining the hygiene of the person.
• Safe, dementia-friendly environment.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Emotional, medical, and lifestyle-based dementia care.
• 24/7 keeping an eye on the senior suffering from dementia. 

Finally,

Understanding the types of dementia and their symptoms, causes, and treatments helps to give the right information to caregivers and families about dementia as a whole, helping them deal with it. Whether it’s Alzheimer’s, vascular, FTD, or DLB, each is different from the other, and has different symptoms to deal with; you need to understand it properly and get the right treatment, not to further complicate the situation. Each dementia senior needs special care, support, treatment, regular health check-ups, therapies, and a calm environment that supports healthy growth.

At Sahabhaav, we understand dementia and how different types of dementia need special care. We have trained staff and nurses, who are there 24/7 with the seniors and take care of them completely, starting from medicines to bathing, eating to walking them outside, everything is done keeping in mind each individual’s problem and preferences. The seniors feel at home and are treated with care and patience.

Looking for a care home for your loved one suffering from dementia? Contact Sahabhaav, we have customised plans according to the senior’s condition and preferences. The best care home that feels like home.

FAQs about Understanding Dementia: Exploring Different Types & Symptoms

• What are the 4 main types of dementia?

Here are the 4 main types of dementia: Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, and Frontotemporal Dementia.

• Can dementia be cured?

There’s no cure for dementia, but early care and lifestyle changes can slow it down.

• At what age does dementia usually start?

Most types of dementia start after the age of 60, but FTD starts between 45 to 65.