Dementia explained; Types, common signs and symptoms

4 minute read

Dementia is a challenging emotional condition, not just emotionally and practically, but also socially and psychologically. When we have a better understanding of dementia and how to spot it, we’re better prepared to lead with compassion and how to navigate it. Whether you’re caring for someone, or you’re experiencing signs of dementia, this article will be able to guide you.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a general term to describe the loss of cognitive function. Thinking, remembering and reasoning become more and more difficult as the disease progresses. Some people may experience behaviour and emotional changes that are difficult to control. Dementia can range in severity, often starting off with mild symptoms, to progressively getting worse over time. It mainly affects older people over 65, but not all people will get it as they get older.

How dementia impacts the brain and cognitive function

Dementia significantly disrupts cognitive function by destroying brain cells and their connections, making day-to-day activities much more difficult. Over time, the brain shrinks, causing the brain's neural connections to disintegrate, leading to adverse changes in mood, emotional control, behaviour or motivation.

Types of dementia

Explaining dementia: Currently, there are over 100 different types of dementia, with the 4 main types of dementia including:

Alzheimer's disease: The most common form of dementia

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of cases in the UK, with approximately 982,000 people living with it. The condition is primarily associated with the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain. Eventually, these proteins interrupt the connection between neurones, causing cell death. Key symptoms range from: memory loss, confusion, difficulty with tasks and behavioural changes, with more serious symptoms developing overtime such as personality changes and poor judgement.

Vascular dementia: Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain

This results from a decreased blood amount from areas of your brain. Sometimes vascular dementia follows a major stroke, a series of strokes or a range of different diseases of the blood supply to the brain. It typically develops when blood supply is damaged, starving the brain of oxygen and nutrients – which are essential for optimal brain health. Symptoms vary and often include difficulty concentrating, problems with reasoning and judgement. People may experience muscle weakness or poor coordination on one side of the body. With rehabilitation, recovering to a certain degree may be possible.

Lewy body dementia: A complex condition

A complex condition caused by abnormal protein deposits, which are called Lewy bodies. They are clumps of protein called alpha-synuclein that interrupt normal brain function. It’s a progressive condition that significantly impacts cognitive and motor functions. Often these symptoms can be mistaken for Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, making it challenging to diagnose.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD): Affects behaviour and language

Mostly diagnosed in younger people, roughly ages 40–65. It happens after disease damages the nerve cells in the two sets of lobes in the brain (frontal and temporal). The connections between these two lobes and other parts of the brain eventually break down. There are two types of frontotemporal dementia: behavioural variant FTD, mainly causing problems with behaviour and personality, while primary progressive aphasia (PPA) initially causes difficulties with language. Memory is less affected by these types of disease.

Early symptoms of dementia

You can’t predict exactly when a person will get dementia, but here are the signs that you should look out for if you suspect you or a loved one may have it:

Memory loss
Difficulty concentrating
Struggles with planning and problem-solving
Difficulty with familiar tasks
Confusion and disorientation
Changes in behaviour

Symptoms that are specific to each type of dementia

In general, people experience the same symptoms that affect all types of dementia. However, there are some types of dementia that may have a few additional specific symptoms.

Unique symptoms of Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)

The symptoms associated with FTD tend to be quite drastic. As the condition progresses, people may become socially isolated and withdrawn. Frontotemporal dementia symptoms include:

Behaviour and personality changes include – being insensitive or rude, loss of inhibitions, acting impulsively or rashly.
Language problems – using words incorrectly, e.g. naming a cat a fox, saying words in the wrong order.
Problems with mental abilities – getting distracted easily, finding it difficult to plan or organise
There may also be physical difficulties such as slow or stiff movements.

Distinctive signs of dementia with Lewy bodies

Hallucinations and hearing voices
Slow movement, stiff limbs and uncontrollable shakes
Fainting spells, unsteadiness and falls
Disturbed sleep, sometimes with violent movements and shouting

Management and support

Currently, there is no cure for dementia. However, there are a range of treatments and strategies that can help a person with dementia during their day-to-day life. Understanding dementia symptoms and the progression of dementia can help patients and caregivers prepare for any challenges they may face and help map out their future care.

Effective strategies for managing dementia symptoms

Think of activities that the person with dementia will like. It's best to work with them and see what sort of activities they enjoy. By doing this, they can get as much engagement as possible, while meeting their needs and helping them to lead a meaningful life. It’s very common for people with dementia to show signs of apathy and withdrawing, so making sure they are getting involved in activities they enjoy helps manage their symptoms significantly. It’s a good idea to embed regular exercising and reading during your weekly activities to promote optimal wellbeing and improve some aspects of memory.

As well as this, help them to stick to a routine. This brings a feeling of comfort and security as repetition helps them remember things better, especially as memory and decision-making abilities decline.

Memory aids such as can help them with their day-to-day lives. Opt for things such as whiteboards, checklists and diaries so they can remember things they need or would like to do.

Support options available at Barchester

Every day, we support people with dementia to continue to lead meaningful lives. See what life is like in our homes.

We’ve also provided a listed of resources to help people with dementia and caregivers.

Dementia explained: The types, common signs and symptoms