Common Types of Dementia

Dementia is not a disease but rather a group of symptoms related to other diseases that cause changes in the brain. It can be characterized by many different alterations in brain function, including loss of memory, confusion, language impairment and changes in behavior.

Alzheimer's Disease

• Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in elderly adults. This type of dementia is a progressive form, meaning it will get worse over time. It usually progresses slowly over a period of seven to 10 years.

Lewy Body Dementia

• This type of dementia is caused by abnormal clumps of protein in the brain. Patients alternate between periods of confusion and lucidity. It can also cause sleep disturbances that cause people to act out their dreams.

Vascular Dementia

• Vascular dementia is caused by damage to the arteries supplying blood to the brain and heart. The most common cause is stroke or heart infection. It can cause memory loss, confusion and mood changes.

Frontotemporal Dementia

• Frontoemporal dementia is caused by damage to the nerves in the frontal lobe of the brain. Symptoms include acting inappropriately, difficulty concentrating and language impairments.

Reversible Dementia

• Dementia related to temporary conditions such as brain infections, poisoning and medication reactions have the same characteristics of other types of dementia but often reverse once the underlying cause is treated.