100+ Types of Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide:

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of progressive neurological conditions affecting the brain. A dementia diagnosis is devastating and can be difficult for individuals and families to navigate the complexities of this progressive disease. The most

well-known form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, and many people incorrectly associate every case of dementia with Alzheimer's. However, there are over 100 types of dementia, and knowing the differences is critical to understanding the diagnosis, managing symptoms, and getting the best treatment for yourself or a loved one.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common types of dementia, plus the surprising list of the 100+ types of dementias that exist, how they vary when it comes to symptoms, progression, and how to best navigate this complex disease.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of all dementia cases. It destroys brain cells and nerves, disrupting the transmitters carrying messages in the brain, especially those responsible for storing memories.

The greatest known risk of developing Alzheimer’s is increasing age. Most people with Alzheimer's are aged 65 and older.

Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

Symptoms usually begin with memory loss, such as difficulty remembering newly learned information. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe.

Recognizing the early warning signs of Alzheimer's is crucial for a timely diagnosis and early treatment. People with Alzheimer’s may experience the following symptoms:

• Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, and asking the same questions over and over
• Struggling to perform routine tasks, such as cooking, bathing, getting dressed, or driving to a familiar location
• Becoming anxious, easily annoyed, sad, or withdrawn
• Difficulty finding the right words to express thoughts, frequently losing your thoughts
• Having difficulty concentrating or changes in the ability to work with numbers
• Wandering and getting lost

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there is progress in Alzheimer’s and dementia research, including promising treatments and drugs to ease symptoms temporarily and slow the progression of the disease.

VASCULAR DEMENTIA

Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, accounting for 17% to 30% of all cases of dementia. It occurs when small blood clots disrupt blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke or mini stroke, known as a Transient Ischemic Attack or TIA.

Signs and Symptoms of Vascular Dementia

Symptoms of vascular dementia can be similar to other types of dementia, including problems with memory and changes in behavior. Symptoms will depend on which area of the brain has been affected and will vary depending on the individual. Those with vascular dementia tend to have severe ups and downs when it comes to symptoms. Cognitive decline typically occurs as a sudden onset, and symptoms may progress in a series of steps following each attack.

Vascular dementia may include the following symptoms:

• Memory loss, forgetting recent or past events, problems recalling names
• Trouble following directions or learning new information
• Slower speed of thought
• Problems concentrating
• Having periods of sudden confusion
• Hallucinations or delusions

DEMENTIA WITH LEWY BODIES (DLB)

Dementia with Lewy bodies is caused when abnormal collections of tiny proteins called Lewy bodies form in the nerve cells of the brain, disrupting the chemistry of the brain and causing nerve cell death. Accounting for 10% -15% of all dementias, there are two subtypes of Lewy dementia, including Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia. The significant difference between the two subtypes is when individuals begin to experience the first occurrence of symptoms.

Dementia with Lewy bodies initially begins with changes in thinking, and visual perception, while problems with movement occur at the same time or later. In comparison, Parkinson’s disease dementia symptoms usually start with movement difficulties followed by cognitive changes.Individuals with Parkinson’s do not always develop dementia but are at greater risk.

Symptoms of Dementia with Lewy bodies include:

• Problems with movement: muscle rigidity, loss of coordination and balance, reduced facial expressions
• Cognitive decline: an inability to concentrate, pay attention, stay alert, drowsiness, and lethargy
• Sleeping difficulties: restlessness, insomnia, intense dreams or nightmares
• Visual hallucinations
• Inability to reason, concentrate, pay attention, or stay alert
• Disorganized or illogical ideas

FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA (FTD)

Frontotemporal dementia is a rare cause of dementia that typically develops in people under the age of 65. This type of dementia is sometimes called Pick’s disease and occurs when abnormal amounts of proteins accumulate inside neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes. Frontotemporal dementia affects everyone differently. Symptoms depend on which areas of the frontal and temporal lobes are damaged.

Symptoms of frontotemporal dementia include:

• Emotional flatness, excessive emotions, impulsive behaviors
• Difficulty planning, organizing, and making decisions
• Inability to concentrate or stay focused
• Shaky hands
• Problems with balance and walking
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

MIXED DEMENTIA

Mixed dementia occurs when an individual has more than one type of dementia, leading to simultaneous brain changes from different causes. At least one in 10 people are diagnosed with mixed dementia, with the most common combination being Alzheimer’s disease with Lewy bodies.

Symptoms may vary depending on the affected regions of the brain and the types of brain changes involved. Because the symptoms of mixed dementia depend on the contributions of dementia, there is no fixed set of symptoms for mixed dementia.

SURVIVING & NAVIGATING THE DEMENTIA JOURNEY

First, know that you’re not alone!

According to Alzheimer's Disease International, there were over 55 million people worldwide living with dementia in 2020, and that number will double every 20 years.

There are numerous resources and support to help individuals and families navigate this complex, life-changing disease. Here are some tips to help you navigate the dementia journey.

EVERY DEMENTIA EXPERIENCE IS DIFFERENT

There’s not a universal way to deal with dementia. Symptoms and progression can vary greatly depending on an individual’s environment, history, experiences, and personality. When someone has dementia, it’s normal to hear stories about experiences from family, friends, and coworkers.

However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with dementia is different, their experiences do not have to be your own. Caring for a loved one with dementia is personal for every family. Do what works the best for your family, lifestyle, and work life.

GET EDUCATED

An accurate diagnosis is crucial for prognosis, treatment, and knowing what to expect in the future. Learning as much as you can and getting an accurate diagnosis about the particular type of dementia is vital to helping you get the best care for your loved one.

GET HELP

Dementia caregiving is 24/7, and it’s common for dementia caregivers to become overwhelmed and begin to neglect their well-being. It’s important to practice self-care to keep yourself emotionally, physically, and mentally healthy. When you’re tired or overwhelmed, take a step back and ask for help. Professional therapists, family, friends, and Alzheimer's and dementia support groups are invaluable resources available to help families dealing with dementia.

Talking with other families who can relate to what you're going through can be a great source of information and comfort. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association® for more information or to find a support group in your area.

MEMORY CARE COMMUNITIES

Memory Care communities are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. They can allow family members to enjoy spending time with their loved ones without the stress of caregiving.

Memory Care communities provide person-centered dementia care for residents. Many programs utilize individual points of focus such as below to create a holistic Memory Care plan customized to fit each person’s unique needs and abilities.

1. Communication: Constant communication among staff, residents, and families
2. Team Member Training: Each team member receives extensive, specialized training and certification
3. Dining: A dining experience utilizing subtle sciences to stimulate appetite, interaction, awareness, and participation
4. Life Enhancement: Enrichment through group and one-on-one activities, sensory experiences, and quiet moments
   
   

WRAP UP AND NEXT STEPS

Dementia is a difficult disease but there are ways to navigate this journey successfully. By getting a correct diagnosis, understanding the symptoms and progression of your particular type of dementia, and asking for help when needed, individuals and families can properly care for themselves and their loved one.

The right Memory Care solution is out there. Please let us know how we can help!

100+ TYPES OF DEMENTIA

While there are many types of dementia, some forms are rare or less well-known. In fact, there are more than 100 types of dementia, including:

1. Alzheimer's Disease
2. Vascular Dementia
3. Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
4. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
5. Mixed Dementia
6. Parkinson's Disease Dementia
7. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
8. Huntington's Disease
9. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
10. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
11. Posterior Cortical Atrophy
12. Primary Progressive Aphasia
13. Semantic Dementia
14. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
15. Corticobasal Degeneration
16. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
17. HIV-Associated Dementia
18. Neurosyphilis
19. Substance-Induced Dementia
20. Dementia Pugilistica
21. Binswanger's Disease
22. CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy)
23. Familial Alzheimer's Disease
24. Down Syndrome-Associated Alzheimer's Disease
25. Rapidly Progressive Dementia
26. Transient Global Amnesia
27. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)-Related Dementia
28. Limbic-Predominant Age-Related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE)
29. Argyrophilic Grain Disease
30. Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA)
31. Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
32. Spinocerebellar Ataxia
33. Wilson's Disease
34. Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy
35. Neuroacanthocytosis
36. Prion Diseases
37. Familial British Dementia
38. Familial Danish Dementia
39. Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker Syndrome
40. Fatal Familial Insomnia
41. Kuru
42. Alpers' Disease
43. Alexander Disease
44. Canavan Disease
45. Krabbe Disease
46. Metachromatic Leukodystrophy
47. Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease
48. Zellweger Syndrome
49. Refsum Disease
50. Adrenoleukodystrophy
51. Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis
52. Niemann-Pick Disease
53. Tay-Sachs Disease
54. Sandhoff Disease
55. Gaucher Disease
56. Fabry Disease
57. Mucopolysaccharidoses
58. Sialidosis
59. Galactosialidosis
60. Schindler Disease
61. Farber Disease
62. GM1 Gangliosidosis
63. GM2 Gangliosidosis
64. Fucosidosis
65. Mannosidosis
66. Aspartylglucosaminuria
67. Sjögren-Larsson Syndrome
68. Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
69. Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy
70. Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
71. Adult Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
72. Kufs Disease
73. Batten Disease
74. Lafora Disease
75. Unverricht-Lundborg Disease
76. Myoclonic Epilepsy with Ragged Red Fibers (MERRF)
77. Leigh Syndrome
78. MELAS Syndrome (Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like episodes)
79. Kearns-Sayre Syndrome
80. Pearson Syndrome
81. Barth Syndrome
82. Alpers-Huttenlocher Syndrome
83. Leukoencephalopathy with Brainstem and Spinal Cord Involvement and Lactate Elevation (LBSL)
84. Vanishing White Matter Disease
85. Adult Polyglucosan Body Disease
86. Hereditary Diffuse Leukoencephalopathy with Spheroids
87. Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
88. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)-Associated Dementia
89. Primary Lateral Sclerosis
90. Progressive Bulbar Palsy
91. Spinal Muscular Atrophy
92. Kennedy's Disease
93. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
94. Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
95. Friedreich's Ataxia
96. Ataxia-Telangiectasia
97. Machado-Joseph Disease
98. Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1
99. Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2
100. Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3