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The 5 Types of Dementia: Understanding Major Neurocognitive Disorders and How to Manage Them

Types de démences

As we age, dementia becomes a significant concern for many families. This major neurocognitive disorder deeply affects memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily tasks, significantly altering the lives of those affected. Although there is currently no cure for dementia, there are ways to improve the quality of life for those living with it.

Understanding the different types of dementia is essential for providing the right support to elderly loved ones. This article explores the five most common types of dementia and their specific characteristics.

Dementia is characterized by a gradual decline in cognitive functions, affecting memory, judgment, learning, and thinking abilities. According to the Government of Canada, dementia is a term that encompasses a range of symptoms affecting brain functions, with slow but continuous progression. Common signs include:

  • A decline in memory, planning abilities, language, and judgment.
  • Physical changes such as loss of coordination, bladder control issues, muscle weakness, and difficulty standing, sitting, or walking.
  • Mood and behavioral changes that can affect social interactions and overall quality of life.

In this context, it’s crucial to understand these disorders to act quickly and provide the best possible care.

Senile dementia: What is it?

It’s important to note that major neurocognitive disorders are different from the normal aging process. While it’s true that minor memory lapses can be more frequent with age, suffering from dementia involves much more than simple forgetfulness. According to the Association of Psychiatric Physicians of Quebec, dementia is defined as a loss of mental faculties that reduces an individual’s ability to care for themselves independently.

Additionally, it’s interesting to note that dementia is not a disease in itself but rather a syndrome that can be caused by various cognitive disorders, each with its unique characteristics. Among these, five main types of dementia stand out due to their prevalence in the population and their impacts on daily life.

1. Alzheimer’s disease: The most common major neurocognitive disorder

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for approximately 60 to 70% of dementia cases. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that destroys brain cells. Memory loss, difficulty solving problems, and confusion are typical symptoms.

Risk factors:

  • Advanced age
  • Family history
  • Genetic anomalies

Symptoms to Watch For:

  • Short-term memory loss
  • Difficulty with daily tasks
  • Language problems

If you or a loved one exhibits signs of dementia, it is crucial to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Learn more about the subject: The 7 Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

2. Vascular dementia

Following Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia. This type of major neurocognitive disorder is caused by the destruction of brain cells due to circulation problems, such as those caused by a stroke. It is not considered a neurodegenerative disease per se but remains a significant cause of dementia that can affect people of all ages.

Causes and Symptoms of Vascular Dementia

In addition to strokes, vascular dementia can also result from narrowing blood vessels or a brain aneurysm. In all cases, the result is damage to cognitive functions. The main symptoms of vascular dementia are generally similar to those of other types of dementia:

  • Memory loss
  • Reasoning difficulties
  • Language issues
  • Mood changes
  • Decreased autonomy
  • etc.

However, a particular feature of vascular dementia is that symptoms can vary depending on the location of the vascular problem. For example, damage to the left hemisphere of the brain will have a different impact than damage to the right side.

Recognizing Stroke Symptoms

A stroke, whether hemorrhagic or ischemic, is a serious problem that can lead to severe consequences. In addition to being a major cause of death, strokes can also result in vascular dementia. While it is difficult to predict when a stroke will occur, there are early signs that can be quickly identified.

As the Heart and Stroke Foundation reminds us, every minute counts, and quick action is essential! The acronym VITE is a helpful memory aid for recognizing stroke symptoms:

F

Face: Do you notice any facial drooping?

A

Arms: Can the person lift both arms normally?

S

Speech: Is there difficulty speaking clearly?

T

Time: If so, it’s a real emergency, and it’s important to call 9-1-1 immediately.

Recognizing the early signs of a stroke can not only save lives but also prevent serious aftereffects. Your awareness is a great preventive measure for vascular dementia.

Here are 5 Ways to Help Your Partner After a Stroke

3. Mixed dementia: when multiple brain disorders coexist

Mixed dementia refers to a situation where multiple types of dementia are present simultaneously. The most common combination is Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Characteristics:

  • Requires a thorough medical evaluation
  • Individualized treatment based on underlying causes

Accurate diagnosis and tailored care help better manage this complex form of dementia

4. Lewy body disease: A cognitive and motor disorder

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second leading cause of neurodegenerative dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. It is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal proteins (Lewy bodies) in brain cells, affecting both cognitive and motor functions.

Characteristic Symptoms:

  • Attention problems
  • Difficulty organizing tasks
  • Visual hallucinations and sleep disturbances
  • Tremors and muscle stiffness (similar to Parkinson’s disease)

Although the exact cause remains unclear, some genetic factors may play a role. Early diagnosis helps optimize symptom management.

Would you like to learn more about this neurocognitive disorder affecting the daily lives of many seniors? Check out our article dedicated to Lewy body dementia.

5. Frontotemporal dementia: marked behavioral changes

Pronounced Behavioral Changes Frontotemporal dementia affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for behavior, language, and memory. Individuals with this condition may experience personality changes and language difficulties.

Specific Symptoms:

  • Behavioral changes (impulsivity, aggression)
  • Speech and comprehension problems
  • Difficulty concentrating and memorizing
  • Muscle problems and difficulty swallowing

Diagnosis: Brain imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, are required to confirm this type of dementia.

Note that in addition to these five main types of dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Korsakoff syndrome may also be considered. While the causes differ, many symptoms remain similar.

Prevention Tips to Reduce Dementia Risks

While we cannot eliminate all risks, several habits can help prevent major neurocognitive disorders:

Regular physical exercise to stimulate blood circulation and maintain brain functions.

Mental stimulation through games, reading, or learning activities.

Active social life to maintain connections and good mental health.

Avoiding smoking and managing alcohol consumption.

A balanced diet: prioritize foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.

Regular medical check-ups, especially for managing hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions that can contribute to vascular dementia.

Supporting Seniors Living with Dementia

At Visavie, we understand the emotional and physical impact of living with a loved one who has dementia. Our specialized housing advisors are here to guide you through every step, ensuring your elderly loved ones receive optimal quality of life and compassionate support.

With a caring and thoughtful approach, our Senior Living Advisors bring their experience and expertise to help face the daily challenges of living with dementia.

Our Quebec advisors
Our Ontario advisors

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Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Everything you need to make informed decisions , all in one place.

What are the early signs of dementia?

Cognitive disorders can manifest themselves in different ways, depending on the individual and the type of disease. Among the most common signs are memory loss, confusion, difficulty expressing oneself or planning certain tasks, and changes in mood or behavior.

Over time, some people may also experience physical difficulties, such as loss of coordination, muscle weakness or walking difficulties.

What is the most common type of dementia?

The most common major neurocognitive disorder is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for around 60-70% of dementia cases. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that destroys brain cells.

For families and caregivers, it is essential to monitor the main risk factors and warning signs:

  • Cardinal risk factors: advanced age, family history and genetic abnormalities.

  • Typical symptoms to watch out for: short-term memory loss, increasing difficulty with everyday tasks, language problems, confusion and problem-solving.

Can dementia be prevented?

While it is not possible to completely eliminate all risks, it is entirely possible to take action to reduce the risk of developing a major neurocognitive disorder. Adopting healthy daily habits plays a major role in protecting brain function.

Here are 6 key prevention tips to put into practice:

  • Regular physical exercise: Essential for stimulating blood circulation and maintaining vital brain function.

  • Continuous mental stimulation: stimulating the brain through learning activities, regular reading or games.

  • Active social life: Maintain close social ties to preserve good mental health.

  • Lifestyle control: Avoid tobacco and control alcohol consumption.

  • Balanced diet: opt for healthy menus, particularly rich in antioxidants and omega-3s.

  • Rigorous medical monitoring: Regular check-ups to ensure proper management of underlying health conditions that may promote vascular dementia, including high blood pressure and diabetes.

When should you consider a home for someone with dementia?

A transition to a specialized residence should be considered as soon as your relative’s safety can no longer be guaranteed at home, or when the caregiver’s exhaustion becomes unbearable. Because dementia is progressive, home care reaches its limits when the care required exceeds what the family and home services (such as the CLSC) can offer.

Here are the 4 major warning signs that it’s time to make the transition:

  • Safety and wandering: Your loved one forgets to turn off the stove, leaves the doors unlocked, or starts wandering around outside without finding his or her way home.

  • Complete caregiver burnout: You feel extreme fatigue, anxiety or guilt. If the sandwich generation sacrifices their own health or family life, the situation at home becomes precarious.

  • Loss of physical autonomy (LPA): Major difficulties arise in activities of daily living, such as dressing, toileting, managing incontinence or taking medication safely.

  • Severe behavioral disorders: the onset of verbal or physical aggression, frequent hallucinations orsundowning syndrome (where confusion increases at the end of the day) call for 24/7 professional supervision.

What are the symptoms of vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of major neurocognitive disorders.

Unlike Alzheimer’s, it is not a neurodegenerative disease per se: it is caused by damage to brain cells following problems with blood circulation, such as narrowing of vessels, aneurysms or, very frequently, after a stroke.

Hallucinations and stiffness: what type of dementia?

These symptoms generally point to Lewy body disease (LBD).

It is the second most common cause of neurogenerative dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. It is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain, resulting in both cognitive disorders (attention, organization, visual hallucinations, sleep disturbances) and Parkinson’s-like motor disorders (tremors, stiffness).