28/04/2026
Mixed dementia: how symptoms can overlap
Mixed dementia can be harder to recognise, as it involves more than one type of dementia at the same time, often Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
If you're trying to understand what mixed dementia might look like day to day, we’ve put together a guide that explains symptoms, causes, and what families may notice. You can read more here: https://www.elder.org/articles/dementia-care/mixed-dementia/
Because different types of dementia affect the brain in different ways, symptoms don’t always follow one clear pattern. Instead, they can appear as a combination of changes in memory, thinking, mood, and physical ability.
Families may notice:
Changes in memory alongside slower thinking
Confusion combined with difficulty concentrating
Mood and behaviour changes
Problems with planning or decision-making
A mix of cognitive and physical symptoms
This overlap can make mixed dementia feel less predictable, and symptoms may change over time.
Understanding how symptoms can overlap can help families make sense of what they’re seeing and feel more prepared for the journey ahead.
