Getting a specific dementia diagnosis is key to ensuring you get the right support, care, and treatment to help you live as well as possible with the condition.
Dementia is a growing global challenge, and in the UK alone, around 982,000 people are currently diagnosed, a number expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. While dementia primarily affects older adults – 1 in 14 over 65 and 1 in 6 over 80 – its impact extends far beyond those diagnosed, affecting families, carers, and communities.
With cases set to rise, and with little still known about the causes of dementia, it’s more important than ever for all of us to have improved dementia awareness and a better understanding around the different types and their associated behaviours. By doing so, we can ensure that those living with or living alongside dementia, aren’t just getting by, but truly thriving.
Different Types of Dementia Explained
Dementia is not an individual condition, but rather an umbrella term for a collective set of symptoms which can include the impaired ability to remember, think, judge, reason and perceive that has worsened overtime and become severe enough to interfere with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia but there are also over 200 other types to incorporate as well.
What does this mean? That dementia isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Every resident we care for at Aria Care is unique, and that’s why understanding the different types of dementia is so important. With many of our 67 homes offering specialist dementia care, we care for a spectrum of dementia types from Alzheimer’s which mainly impacts memory, to lesser-known forms like Lewy body dementia, which can lead to hallucinations and movement issues. Each type of dementia brings its own challenges.
Knowledge is power as they say, and knowing the differences helps people respond with more patience and understanding when supporting someone with dementia. For example, if a loved one with Alzheimer’s is struggling to remember recent events, gentle reminders and reassurance can help. But if someone has frontotemporal dementia, which affects personality and behaviour, it might be more about managing impulsiveness and changes in social awareness.
It also helps families plan for the future. Understanding how dementia may progress means they can prepare for changes and seek the right support when needed. Most importantly, knowing more about such a complex and life-changing condition, reminds us that the person is still there, even if they express themselves differently.
What Are The Most Common Types Of Dementia?
Alzheimer’s Disease
This is the most common form of dementia, and it develops gradually over time. At first, you might notice small things like forgetting recent conversations, struggling to find the right words, or feeling a little disoriented. As it progresses, daily tasks can become trickier, and changes in mood or behaviour might appear. Long-term memories tend to last longer, but over time, these can also fade. At Aria Care, we understand that every person’s journey with Alzheimer’s moves uniquely, and we’re here to support both residents and their loved ones every step of the way.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia happens when blood flow to the brain is reduced, often due to a stroke or mini-strokes. It can come on suddenly or develop over time, sometimes in steps. For example, someone may stay stable for a while, then experience a sudden change. It often affects planning, concentration, and decision-making, and might also cause changes in balance and mood. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can increase the risk. Our teams are trained to recognise these shifts early, offering personalised care that adapts as needs change.
Lewy Body Dementia
This type of dementia brings some distinct challenges alongside memory loss. People may experience tremors or stiffness, much like Parkinson’s, as well as visual hallucinations and fluctuating alertness which may mean they might seem completely switched on one minute, then confused the next. Sleep disturbances are also common. Symptoms can vary day by day, so our approach to care is flexible, understanding, and always focused on making life as comfortable and reassuring as possible.
Fronto-Temporal Dementia (FTD)
FTD often starts at a younger age than other types of dementia and tends to affect behaviour and personality first, rather than memory. Someone with FTD might say or do things that seem out of character, struggle with speech, or lose motivation for things they once loved. It can be challenging for families, but we believe that understanding these changes is key to providing the right support. At Aria Care, we create a safe, accepting space where residents can be themselves while receiving the care they need.
Mixed Dementia
Some people have more than one type of dementia at the same time – most commonly Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. This means they may experience a combination of symptoms, such as memory problems, difficulty making decisions, and mood changes. Because mixed dementia can progress faster than a single type, tailored support is essential. At Aria Care, we take a person-centred approach, ensuring that every resident gets the right care, at the right time, in the way that suits them best.
Young Onset Dementia
Dementia isn’t just a condition of old age – it can affect people in their 40s, 50s, and early 60s. At Aria Care, we understand that young-onset dementia (diagnosed before the age of 65) brings a special set of obstacles. A younger person with dementia may still be working, raising a family, or leading an active lifestyle, so their care needs and expectations can be quite different from those of older residents.
While many of our homes have specialist teams trained to support the unique progression of young-onset dementia, the right setting depends on the individual. Younger residents often need more active, engaging environments, with plenty of opportunities for hobbies, socialising, and independence. That’s why we focus on:
- Personalised care – built around routines, interests, and goals
- Keeping active and connected – whether it’s music, gardening, tech, or social groups
- Independence for as long as possible – making choices that matter
- Support for families – helping loved ones navigate this journey too
Understanding Less Common Types Of Dementia
There are also rarer types of dementia that are not widely known, that can affect people in different ways. These may include conditions linked to genetics, lifestyle, or other health factors.
For example, alcohol-related brain damage can affect memory and thinking, while conditions like Huntington’s disease or Parkinson’s may bring movement changes alongside cognitive challenges. Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) affects how the brain processes visual information, making everyday tasks like reading or recognising objects more difficult.
No matter the type, everyone deserves care that’s built around them – understanding their unique needs, strengths, and the things that bring them joy. At Aria Care, we focus on what’s possible, not just the challenges.
Key Symptoms of Dementia
It’s important to understand that not everyone with dementia will experience all the associated symptoms, nor will they experience them to the same degree. The progression of the condition can also vary significantly from person to person.
Below is a summary of the most common warning signs of dementia, along with how these signs differ from typical age-related changes. This distinction is often challenging, as occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. So how can we tell when it’s just “old age”, or something more serious?
Healthy Ageing Brain
- Occasionally forgets key dates and names
- Occasional confuses numbers
- Sometimes need help using new gadgets
- Temporary confusion about the day of the week or month of the year
- Vision changes resulting from cataracts
- Sometimes forgets the correct word
- Retraces steps to find lost items
- Sometimes makes a poor decision
- Occasionally tires of obligations or commitments
- Becomes a little annoyed at changes in routine
Dementia Warning Sign
- Obvious memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Cannot concentrate on instructions
- Finds familiar daily tasks difficult
- Loses track of time and place
- Difficulty understanding vision or space
- Cannot follow a typical conversation
- Blames others if misplaces something
- Poor or decreased judgement
- Withdraws from favourite social commitments or gatherings
- Noticeable personality and mood changes
How To Get A Dementia Diagnosis
If you’re concerned about memory loss, please don’t wait – speak to your GP today:
Book a GP Appointment
If you notice changes in memory, behaviour, or thinking, schedule a check-up with a doctor.
Keep a Symptom Diary
Write down any patterns or concerns. It helps build a clear picture of what’s happening.
Health and Memory Checks
The GP may check blood pressure, heart rate, and run blood tests. A short memory assessment may also be done.
Specialist Referral
If dementia is suspected, the GP may refer to a memory clinic or specialist for further evaluation.
In-Depth Assessments
Specialists may conduct cognitive tests, review medical history, and possibly arrange a brain scan.
Diagnosis and Next Steps
If dementia is confirmed, doctors will explain the type, what to expect, and how to manage symptoms.
Be Prepared for a Wait
Appointments for memory assessments can take time – several may be needed before a diagnosis is given.
*These steps are taken from the Dementia UK website*
At Aria Care, we understand that every dementia journey is unique, and so is every person behind it. That’s why our approach is always personal, compassionate, and flexible. If you’re exploring care options for a loved one, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Get in touch today to learn how we can help make this next chapter feel safe, familiar, and filled with purpose.
