{"id":247980,"date":"2025-02-01T13:16:30","date_gmt":"2025-02-01T18:16:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.visavie.com\/5-types-of-dementia"},"modified":"2026-04-14T09:20:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T13:20:26","slug":"5-types-de-demences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/5-types-de-demences","title":{"rendered":"The 5 Types of Dementia: Understanding Major Neurocognitive Disorders and How to Manage Them"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"et_pb_section_0 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_0 et_pb_row et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_0 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>As we age, dementia becomes a significant concern for many families. This major neurocognitive disorder<a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckmanuals.com\/en-ca\/home\/brain-spinal-cord-and-nerve-disorders\/delirium-and-dementia\/dementia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> deeply affects memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily tasks<\/a>, 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.  <\/p>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<p>Dementia is characterized by a gradual decline in cognitive functions, affecting memory, judgment, learning, and thinking abilities. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/public-health\/services\/diseases\/dementia.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Government of Canada<\/a>, dementia is a term that encompasses a range of symptoms affecting brain functions, with slow but continuous progression. Common signs include:  <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A decline in memory, planning abilities, language, and judgment.<\/li>\n<li>Physical changes such as loss of coordination, bladder control issues, muscle weakness, and difficulty standing, sitting, or walking.<\/li>\n<li>Mood and behavioral changes that can affect social interactions and overall quality of life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In this context, it\u2019s crucial to understand these disorders to act quickly and provide the best possible care.<\/p>\n<h2>Senile Dementia: What Is It?<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s important to note that major neurocognitive disorders are different from the normal aging process. While it\u2019s true that minor memory lapses can be more frequent with age, suffering from dementia involves much more than simple forgetfulness. According to the<a href=\"https:\/\/ampq.org\/demence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Association of Psychiatric Physicians of Quebec<\/a>, dementia is defined as a loss of mental faculties that reduces an individual\u2019s ability to care for themselves independently.  <\/p>\n<p>Additionally, it\u2019s 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.  <\/p>\n<h2>Alzheimer\u2019s Disease: The Most Common Major Neurocognitive Disorder<\/h2>\n<p>Alzheimer\u2019s 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.  <\/p>\n<p><strong>Risk Factors:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Advanced age<\/li>\n<li>Family history<\/li>\n<li>Genetic anomalies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Symptoms to Watch For:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Short-term memory loss<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty with daily tasks<\/li>\n<li>Language problems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you or a loved one exhibits signs of dementia, it is crucial to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about the subject: <a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/7-stages-of-alzheimers-disease-understanding-to-better-help\">The 7 Stages of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Vascular Dementia<\/h2>\n<p>Following Alzheimer\u2019s 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.  <\/p>\n<h4>Causes and Symptoms of Vascular Dementia<\/h4>\n<p>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:  <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Memory loss<\/li>\n<li>Reasoning difficulties<\/li>\n<li>Language issues<\/li>\n<li>Mood changes<\/li>\n<li>Decreased autonomy<\/li>\n<li>etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<h3>Recognizing Stroke Symptoms<\/h3>\n<p>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.  <\/p>\n<p>As the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coeuretavc.ca\/avc\/signes-de-l-avc\/existe-t-il-d-autres-signes-de-l-avc-que-vite\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Heart and Stroke Foundation<\/a> reminds us, every minute counts, and quick action is essential! The acronym VITE is a helpful memory aid for recognizing stroke symptoms: <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Face: Do you notice any facial drooping?<\/li>\n<li>Arms: Can the person lift both arms normally?<\/li>\n<li>Speech: Is there difficulty speaking clearly?<\/li>\n<li>Time: If so, it\u2019s a real emergency, and it\u2019s important to call 9-1-1 immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>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.  <\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/5-ways-to-help-your-spouse-after-a-stroke\">5 Ways to Help Your Partner After a Stroke<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Mixed Dementia: When Multiple Brain Disorders Coexist<\/h2>\n<p>Mixed dementia refers to a situation where multiple types of dementia are present simultaneously. The most common combination is Alzheimer\u2019s disease and vascular dementia. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Requires a thorough medical evaluation<\/li>\n<li>Individualized treatment based on underlying causes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Accurate diagnosis and tailored care help better manage this complex form of dementia<\/p>\n<h2> Lewy Body Dementia: A Cognitive and Motor Disorder<\/h2>\n<p>Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second leading cause of neurodegenerative dementia after Alzheimer\u2019s disease. It is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal proteins (Lewy bodies) in brain cells, affecting both cognitive and motor functions. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Characteristic Symptoms:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Attention problems<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty organizing tasks<\/li>\n<li>Visual hallucinations and sleep disturbances<\/li>\n<li>Tremors and muscle stiffness (similar to Parkinson\u2019s disease)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Although the exact cause remains unclear, some genetic factors may play a role. Early diagnosis helps optimize symptom management. <\/p>\n<p>Would you like to learn more about this neurocognitive disorder affecting the daily lives of many seniors? Check out our article dedicated to<a href=\"\/en\/lewy-body-dementia\"> Lewy body dementia<\/a>. <\/p>\n<h2>Frontotemporal Dementia<\/h2>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Specific Symptoms:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Behavioral changes (impulsivity, aggression)<\/li>\n<li>Speech and comprehension problems<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty concentrating and memorizing<\/li>\n<li>Muscle problems and difficulty swallowing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Diagnosis: Brain imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, are required to confirm this type of dementia.<\/p>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<h2>Prevention Tips to Reduce Dementia Risks<\/h2>\n<p>While we cannot eliminate all risks, several habits can help prevent major neurocognitive disorders:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Regular physical exercise to stimulate blood circulation and maintain brain functions.<\/li>\n<li>Mental stimulation through games, reading, or learning activities.<\/li>\n<li>Active social life to maintain connections and good mental health.<\/li>\n<li>Avoiding smoking and managing alcohol consumption.<\/li>\n<li>A balanced diet: prioritize foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.<\/li>\n<li>Regular medical check-ups, especially for managing hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions that can contribute to vascular dementia.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Supporting Seniors Living with Dementia<\/h2>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<p>With a caring and thoughtful approach, our <a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/territory\/ontario\">Senior Living Advisors<\/a> bring their experience and expertise to help face the daily challenges of living with dementia.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_1 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_1 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_1 et_pb_column et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_12_24 et_flex_column_12_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_0_wrapper\"><a class=\"et_pb_button_0 et_pb_button et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\" href=\"\/territory\/quebec\" data-icon=\"E\">Our Quebec advisors<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_2 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_12_24 et_flex_column_12_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_1_wrapper\"><a class=\"et_pb_button_1 et_pb_button et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\" href=\"\/territory\/ontario\" data-icon=\"E\">Our Ontario advisors<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_2 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_3 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_heading_0 et_pb_heading et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_heading_container\"><h2 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">More articles<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_blog_0 et_pb_blog et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_posts et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_ajax_pagination_container\"><div class=\"et_pb_posts et_grid_module\"><article class=\"et_pb_post et_pb_post_id_250657 clearfix et_pb_blog_item_0_0 post-250657 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-finance-and-advice\"><div class=\"et_pb_image_container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/ontario-seniors-care-at-home-tax-credit-2026-complete-guide\" class=\"entry-featured-image-url\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/middle-aged-black-man-and-woman-calculating-taxes-2026-03-26-23-29-29-utc-1-scaled.webp\" width=\"400\" height=\"284\" alt=\"Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit (2025\u20132026): Complete Guide\" class=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/middle-aged-black-man-and-woman-calculating-taxes-2026-03-26-23-29-29-utc-1-scaled.webp 479w, https:\/\/visavie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/middle-aged-black-man-and-woman-calculating-taxes-2026-03-26-23-29-29-utc-1-400x284.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><span data-icon=\"\ue050\" class=\"et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/ontario-seniors-care-at-home-tax-credit-2026-complete-guide\">Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit (2025\u20132026): Complete Guide<\/a><\/h2><p class=\"post-meta\">by <span class=\"author vcard\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/author\/samuel-vincent\" title=\"Posts by Samuel Vincent\" rel=\"author\">Samuel Vincent<\/a><\/span> | <span class=\"published\">Apr 9, 2026<\/span> | <span class=\"entry-categories\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/category\/finance-and-advice\" rel=\"tag\">Finance and advice<\/a><\/span><\/p><div class=\"post-content\"><div class=\"post-content-inner\"><p>The Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit is a refundable provincial tax credit that allows individuals aged 70 and older to recover up to 25% of eligible medical expenses that support aging at home. Whether you live in your own house, an apartment, or a retirement&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"et_pb_post et_pb_post_id_250644 clearfix et_pb_blog_item_0_1 post-250644 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-finance-and-advice\"><div class=\"et_pb_image_container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/tax-credit-for-home-maintenance-for-seniors-in-quebec-2026-comprehensive-guide\" class=\"entry-featured-image-url\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/hands-of-agent-and-senior-client-discussing-invest-2026-01-09-09-10-18-utc-scaled.webp\" width=\"400\" height=\"284\" alt=\"Tax Credit for Home-Support Services for Seniors in Qu\u00e9bec (2025\u20132026): Complete Guide\" class=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/hands-of-agent-and-senior-client-discussing-invest-2026-01-09-09-10-18-utc-scaled.webp 479w, https:\/\/visavie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/hands-of-agent-and-senior-client-discussing-invest-2026-01-09-09-10-18-utc-400x284.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><span data-icon=\"\ue050\" class=\"et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/tax-credit-for-home-maintenance-for-seniors-in-quebec-2026-comprehensive-guide\">Tax Credit for Home-Support Services for Seniors in Qu\u00e9bec (2025\u20132026): Complete Guide<\/a><\/h2><p class=\"post-meta\">by <span class=\"author vcard\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/author\/samuel-vincent\" title=\"Posts by Samuel Vincent\" rel=\"author\">Samuel Vincent<\/a><\/span> | <span class=\"published\">Apr 9, 2026<\/span> | <span class=\"entry-categories\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/category\/finance-and-advice\" rel=\"tag\">Finance and advice<\/a><\/span><\/p><div class=\"post-content\"><div class=\"post-content-inner\"><p>The tax credit for home-support services for seniors (CMD) is a refundable Qu\u00e9bec tax credit that allows individuals aged 70 and older to recover up to 39% of eligible expenses for home-support services. Whether you live in your own house, an apartment, a condo, or a&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"et_pb_post et_pb_post_id_250069 clearfix et_pb_blog_item_0_2 post-250069 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-education-and-awareness category-housing\"><div class=\"et_pb_image_container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/choosing-right-senior-residence-visavie-advisors\" class=\"entry-featured-image-url\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/photos-conseillere-02.webp?ver=1776444203\" width=\"400\" height=\"284\" alt=\"Choosing the Right Retirement Home: Trust the Expertise of Visavie Advisors\" class=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/photos-conseillere-02.webp?ver=1776444203 479w, https:\/\/visavie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/photos-conseillere-02-400x284.webp?ver=1776444203 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><span data-icon=\"\ue050\" class=\"et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/choosing-right-senior-residence-visavie-advisors\">Choosing the Right Retirement Home: Trust the Expertise of Visavie Advisors<\/a><\/h2><p class=\"post-meta\">by <span class=\"author vcard\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/author\/visavie\" title=\"Posts by Visavie\" rel=\"author\">Visavie<\/a><\/span> | <span class=\"published\">Jul 2, 2025<\/span> | <span class=\"entry-categories\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/category\/education-and-awareness\" rel=\"tag\">Education and awareness<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/category\/housing\" rel=\"tag\">Housing<\/a><\/span><\/p><div class=\"post-content\"><div class=\"post-content-inner\"><p>What if you weren\u2019t alone in finding the right private retirement home? The time has come \u2014 that moment when it\u2019s necessary to think about a new place to live, for yourself or an elderly loved one. It\u2019s not an easy decision. It\u2019s a mix of emotions, memories left&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/article><\/div><div class=\"pagination clearfix\">\n\t<div class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247980\/page\/2?et_blog\">&laquo; Older Entries<\/a><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"alignright\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":246595,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1044,1045],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-247980","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education-and-awareness","category-neurocognitive-disorders"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247980","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=247980"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247980\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/246595"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=247980"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=247980"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=247980"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visavie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_folder?post=247980"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}