05/03/2026
As a Certified Dementia Health Coach, it is important to understand the main types of Dementia
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Dementia is not ONE disease— there are MANY types of dementia that affect memory, thinking, behavior, and daily functioning.
1. Alzheimer's disease
Most common form of Dementia
Gradual brain cell death
*Memory loss (especially recent events)
*Repeating questions or stories
*Confusion about time/place
*Difficulty finding words
*Poor judgment and decision-making
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2. Vascular dementia
Second most common type.
*Reduced blood flow to the brain (often from strokes or mini-strokes)
*Linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease
*Difficulty with problem-solving and focus
*Slower thinking
*Mood changes (depression, apathy)
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3. Lewy body dementia
*Protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain
*Fluctuating (good days and bad days)
*Visual hallucinations (seeing people/animals not there)
*Parkinson-like movement issues (stiffness, tremors)
*Sleep disturbances (acting out dreams)
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4. Parkinson's disease dementia
*Develops in people already diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
*Related to dopamine loss and Lewy body buildup
*Movement symptoms first (tremors, slow movement)
*Later: memory issues, slowed thinking
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Caregiver Insight:
Key Differences Caregivers Should Remember:
Each type of dementia requires a different approach, but one thing remains the same:
Patience, compassion, and flexibility are your greatest tools.
Understanding the “why” behind behaviors helps caregivers RESPOND instead of REACT.
PLEASE UNDERSTAND ALL DEMENTIAS ARE NOT THE SAME- SOME MAY EVEN BE "MIXED"= meaning having more than 1 dementia.
