Although dementia is more common in older people, it is not a natural part of ageing. There are several different types of dementia, each affecting the brain in different ways. Understanding these conditions can help families recognise potential symptoms, seek appropriate medical advice and access the right support.
Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in the UK. It is a progressive condition, meaning that symptoms usually develop gradually and become more noticeable over time.
The disease is associated with the build-up of abnormal proteins in the brain, including beta-amyloid, which forms plaques, and tau, which forms tangles. These changes interfere with communication between nerve cells and eventually cause brain cells to become damaged or die.
Common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can include:
- Memory problems, particularly difficulty recalling recent events
- Difficulty thinking, reasoning or solving problems
- Problems with language and finding the right words
- Difficulty planning or completing familiar tasks
- Confusion about time or place
- Changes in mood, personality or behaviour
- Changes in perception, including difficulties interpreting what someone sees or hears
The symptoms and rate of progression vary from person to person. Early diagnosis can help someone and their family understand what is happening, explore available treatments and plan for future care and support.
Frontotemporal dementia
Frontotemporal dementia, often shortened to FTD, is caused by damage to the frontal and temporal lobes at the front and sides of the brain. These areas are involved in behaviour, personality, decision-making, language and communication.
FTD can affect people differently depending on which areas of the brain are damaged. Some people experience significant changes in behaviour and personality, while others develop difficulties with language.
Possible symptoms include:
- Changes in personality or social behaviour
- Reduced empathy or awareness of other people’s feelings
- Impulsive or inappropriate behaviour
- Loss of interest or motivation
- Repetitive or compulsive actions
- Difficulty speaking or understanding language
- Problems finding words or understanding their meaning
FTD is progressive, so symptoms generally become more severe over time. It is also more likely than some other forms of dementia to develop in middle age, although it can affect people at different ages.
Dementia with Lewy bodies
Dementia with Lewy bodies is caused by the build-up of tiny deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein. These deposits are known as Lewy bodies. Researchers do not yet fully understand why they develop.
Lewy bodies disrupt the way nerve cells communicate, and the symptoms a person experiences can depend on which areas of the brain are affected.
Common symptoms may include:
- Fluctuations in attention and alertness
- Visual hallucinations or changes in visual perception
- Problems with movement, balance or coordination
- Muscle stiffness or slower movement
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in mood or behaviour
- Difficulties with thinking, planning and problem-solving
Dementia with Lewy bodies is closely related to Parkinson’s disease. Some people with Parkinson’s disease can develop dementia as the condition progresses, while others develop dementia symptoms before or around the same time as movement-related symptoms.
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia. It occurs when problems with the blood supply to the brain damage or destroy brain cells.
This can happen following a stroke, through a series of smaller strokes, or because of damage to the small blood vessels deep within the brain. The symptoms depend on which parts of the brain have been affected.
Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty planning and organising
- Problems making decisions
- Slower thinking
- Difficulty concentrating
- Problems solving problems or following a sequence of steps
- Changes in mood or behaviour
- Physical difficulties, such as weakness, balance problems or an increased risk of falls
Vascular dementia can progress gradually, but some people experience a more noticeable decline following a stroke or another vascular event. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease can increase the risk of vascular damage, so managing cardiovascular health is an important part of reducing risk.
Young-onset dementia
Young-onset dementia is the term used when dementia develops before the age of 65. It can be caused by the same diseases that affect older people, but younger people are more likely to develop less common forms of dementia, including frontotemporal dementia.
The early symptoms of young-onset dementia may also be different. Memory loss is not always the first sign. Some people initially experience changes in language, behaviour, personality, vision, movement or coordination.
A diagnosis at a younger age can create different challenges. Someone may still be working, raising children, managing a mortgage or supporting other family members. They may therefore need support with employment, finances, relationships, childcare and maintaining independence, as well as their health and care needs.
It is important that symptoms in a younger person are not automatically dismissed as stress, depression, tiredness or work-related pressure. If changes are persistent, unusual or becoming worse, speaking to a GP is an important first step.
Mixed dementia
Some people have more than one type of dementia. This is known as mixed dementia. The most common combination is Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, although other combinations are possible.
When more than one condition is present, symptoms can be varied and may not follow the typical pattern of one particular type of dementia. A thorough assessment can help healthcare professionals understand the likely causes and recommend suitable support.
Recognising symptoms and seeking support
Every person experiences dementia differently. Symptoms can develop slowly, and early signs may be subtle or mistaken for normal ageing. However, persistent changes in memory, thinking, language, behaviour, personality or perception should not be ignored.
If you are concerned about a loved one, arrange an appointment with their GP. There can be several causes of memory or thinking difficulties, and having these symptoms does not automatically mean someone has dementia. A medical assessment can help identify the cause and ensure that the person receives appropriate advice and support.
A diagnosis can be difficult to process, but early support can help individuals and families understand the condition, plan for the future and make informed decisions about care. With the right assistance, people living with dementia can continue to experience meaningful relationships, activities and moments of independence.
